Virginia Country Ham

Virginia is known as much for its products and resources that is why rich colonial heritage and history. Since the 1600s, the Commonwealth has been a center of production of many goods and luxuries. Historians speak of our ancestors tobacco growing in the cobbled streets of Jamestown, and for nearly a century, Suffolk was considered one of the capitals of the world's peanuts. Cotton, ham, seafood exports are also popular, as is the wine. Few people outside the world Bacchic realize that Virginia is the country's popular wine, tenth highest in the U.S. production of grapes!

There are over a hundred wineries operating in the Commonwealth of Virginia, covering nearly 2,500 acres of land and produce as much as three hundred thousand cases per year. On average, more than four thousand tons of grapes are produced each year to make wine in Virginia. You will find almost all varieties of red and white grown in Virginia, Chardonnay and Riesling sweeter pie, the fastest Merlots and Cabernets that side of the Mississippi River.

Wine festivals are hosted throughout the state as much as three hundred per year, with many vineyards State taking home national and international awards for their products. Winemaking has been an established practice in Virginia since the dawn of the early colonies, a tradition that is highly conserved among thousands of bottles sold each year for wine lovers. Not only is Virginia the first state to produce U.S. presidents, he is the first to produce wine, and over the centuries, the practice has grown old, and the vintage!

In Northern Virginia in particular, it does not need to travel "Sideways" to enjoy a nice cellar tour. Stafford County to the lip of a CD may bypass more than 30 wineries, many of which offer tours and tasting promotions. Like most Virginia wineries are small, family businesses, it is strongly recommended to contact in advance for the operation and hours of travel. Occasionally, some wineries may schedule events in collaboration with other local companies - a quick Internet search on the wines of Virginia and Virginia Wine Association will lead you to a wealth of information to help you plan a tour of wine enjoyment. Once you're on the road, looking for signs bearing a cluster of purple grapes which indicate the directions to your destination. You are more likely to find off the beaten track, on the state and local roads rather than motorways.

When planning your next wine tour in Virginia, be sure to take some detours in the Northern Neck region near Stafford and King George counties and Washington, DC. Here are some popular picks are sure to please the palate:

Hartwood Winery: Fredericksburg

This historic farm has been producing wine since '89! Hartwood Winery hosts many tastings and events throughout the year, enabling visitors to enjoy their Chardonnay and crisp Clarets.

Lost Creek Winery: Leesburg

Lost Creek offers unusual but delicious mix to taste, apple and grape wines for late harvest wines from grapes rich in sugar.

Three Fox Vineyards: Delaplane

Three Fox specializes in Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, and Viognier vintages on their farm of fifty acres. Wine lovers are also invited to subscribe to a special winemaker circle, where you can "sponsor" the vine and be trained in the winemaking process.

Linden Vineyards Linden

For over twenty-five years, Linden has produced some of the best wines of Bordeaux, in the Commonwealth. Tours and seminars on wine making and growth are housed in winter and summer, making Linden is the perfect place for an education and the cessation of activities on any wine trail in Virginia.

If you like what you taste the wine cellars and other Northern Virginia, be sure to take a few bottles home with you, especially if you're out.