| Virginia is well regarded for its rich colonial heritage | | | | Hartwood Winery in the scenic countryside of |
| and pivotal importance in American revolutionary | | | | Fredericksburg hosts many events and tastings all |
| history. The agriculture of the commonwealth has | | | | year round. They are most noted for their Clarets |
| been centered on the growth and distribution of | | | | and Chardonnays and offer light snacks and tours of |
| tobacco and peanuts, as well as a leading exporter of | | | | the vineyards. |
| cotton, ham and seafood. However, many people | | | | Linden Vinyards in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Linden |
| outside of the area do not realize that Virginia is | | | | is the producer of some of the finest Bordeaux |
| currently ranked tenth among US states in grape | | | | wines in Virginia. Seminars on wine making are |
| production, and the home to some of the nation's | | | | offered here, as well as winter and summer tours. |
| best and most popular wineries. | | | | Three Fox Vineyards in Delaplane is a 50-acre farm |
| There are well over one hundred wineries in Virginia, | | | | that pride themselves on resembling the vineyards of |
| producing up to three hundred thousand cases a | | | | Northern-Central Italy. They produce grapes for a |
| year. Every variety of wine is produced in the | | | | whole host of vintages, including Pinot Grigio, Viognier, |
| commonwealth, including Rieslings, Merlots, | | | | Nebbiolo and Sangiovese. Guests are invited to join a |
| Chardonnays, Cabernets and Pinot Noirs. | | | | vintner's club, where they can sponsor vines and |
| Wine making has been practiced in Virginia since the | | | | learn the intricate process of how wine is made. |
| earliest days of the colonial era. It is a tradition that is | | | | Potomac Point Winery is a Mediterranean-style estate |
| still celebrated today with the many wine festivals | | | | located north of Fredericksburg. Specialties include |
| and tastings held throughout the state that highlight | | | | award-winning citrusy white wines and velvety reds. |
| the diverse vineyards and winemaking techniques. | | | | You can create your own label for a personalized |
| Virginia wineries have garnered national and | | | | touch on the winery's medium bodied custom blend |
| international acclaim and have received numerous | | | | of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. |
| awards at these festivals. | | | | The winery offers private and classic wine tastings |
| Northern Virginia offers a wide array of wineries to | | | | for groups by appointment. |
| tour from Washington, D.C. down to the | | | | If you like what you taste while touring Northern |
| Fredericksburg region. Here are a few great | | | | Virginia Wineries, don't forget to bring a few bottles |
| suggestions for your next winery tour in the northern | | | | home with you and support the local farmers and |
| part of the commonwealth: | | | | winemakers. The Northern Virginia region is home to |
| Lost Creek Winery in Leesburg offers unique and | | | | some of the finest wineries in the Commonwealth, |
| different wines for tasting, from apple to grape | | | | and a tour or tasting is a great way to spend a |
| wines. A special late harvest wine is also bottled here, | | | | relaxing day. |
| which is made from sweet, high-sugar grapes. | | | | |