Visiting Virginia Wineries?Intro to Virginia Wineries
All Virginia wineries combined rank #6 of the US wine production. Although it will never be able to compete with California, this Eastern coastal state has over a hundred wineries and vineyards to explore. This could take days if not weeks.
Virginia wineries are a lot more laid back and snob-free compare to some Western states. So, prepare for a friendly and down to earth atmosphere when touring Virginia wine country. The industry of wine making here is over 400 years old. It went through ups and downs, much like every other wine producing state, mainly due to prohibition. Attempts to grow French varieties also failed, turning winemakers' attention to hardy native grapes. Since 1960's, however, the industry stabilized, and is now offering plentiful varieties to please any taste, from an amateur to a pro. Virginia wineries are spread over the state's fertile lands that benefit from various microclimates. This allows many boutique wineries in Virginia to offer unique wines to surprise even experienced tasters. Top Award Winning Virginia WinesRappahannock Cellars 2005 ViognierHorton Cellars 2001 Tannat (Red) Barboursville Vineyards 2002 Malvaxia (Dessert) Many of very affordable wines, including award winning native wines could be found in liquor stores that can be located at http://www.abc.state.va.us/.
Virginia WineriesFor as little as $3-5, you can get a tour of a winery of your choice, and for a few bucks more, a flight of sample wines. The bigger wineries also offer pairing lessons, often making them into theme nights (Grilled meats with Cab Franc, for example). Here are a few featured wineries:-The Williamsburg Winery, a five-minute drive from the historic Colonial village, plans to open Wedmore Place, a 28-room European-style luxury inn on the vineyard property. -Tarara Winery, in northern Virginia's horse and hunt country, is holding a barrel tasting in its 560-square-metre cave to mark the release of its new vintages. -Villa Appalaccia Winery on the Blue Ridge Parkway in southwest Virginia plans to introduce its first release of aglianico, a new Italian red. For a full listing, visit official Virginia Wineries site. Wine EventsIndividual Virginia wineries organize plenty of wine tasting events, especially in the warmer months. Live music, themed food pairing lessons, art shows are quite popular. Call ahead to find out their schedule.Details about one of the oldest wine festival on the East Coast could be found at http://www.virginiawinefestival.org/ For listing of wine evens by month, visit http://www.virginiawineevents.com/
Wine TrailsThere are several wine trails in the state. Purple and green Virginia Wine Trail road signs mark the way to many of the wineries. A few offer a discount passport with 10% savings. If you plan to visit a lot of wineries, it might be worth it, but otherwise, you're better off with pay-as-you-go.There's a winery trail in Bedford area found at http://www.bedfordwinetrail.com/. The site - http://www.monticellowinetrail.org/sections/winetrails.html - allows you to browse Virginia winery trails for North, West, South, East and Gateway parts of the state. You can also find a brief overview of each wine trail
here. AttractionsThe state has many great features: beaches, forests, some of the oldest towns in North America, and proximity to the Mid-Atlantic and the deeper South.Arlington: George Washington Masonic Memorial and Tour Williamsburg is one of the most visited historical sites in Virginia. Find out more about this lovely picturesque town and
Williamsburg winery here.
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