In Colonial Virginia, wine was a staple. The House of Burgesses, passed an Acte governing vineyards in 1619. The Twelfth Acte stated that each settler was obligated to plant at least 10 vines for the purpose of making wine on his land. The colonial settlers could not transport all of the wine and provisions they needed so they began to establish vineyards to supply the colony. The Colonial tradition of having an estate with a vineyard was widely practiced in Virginia during Colonial times. Even to this day, Virginia has well established and new vineyards, from the mountains to the sea. This article will focus on wineries in Southeastern Virginia, home to vast numbers of colonial estates, waterfront estates, plantations, country estates --- and, high quality vineyards often planted with grapes from the old world.

Athena Vineyards
804-580-4944
http://www.atheanavineyards.com
With a grand opening scheduled for Memorial Day 2006, the three friends who began in the health care profession and opened a vineyard because they were inspired by the healthful qualities of wine will present their first vintages to the world. Athena Vineyards are located in Northumberland County. This new vineyard also hails as the first commercial vineyard in Northumberland County. With an assortment of Wiccomico Whites and some Cabernets and other varieties, Athena Vineyards has plenty of wine offerings to open its first season.

Belle Mount Vineyards
800-335-5564
http://www.bellemount.com
Belle Mount Vineyards is in Virginia's Northern Neck, in the town of Warsaw. The parcel of land where the vineyards are located is within sight of the Rappahannock River, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay. Belle Mount offers handcrafted wines and a unique, original selection of Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cab Franc grapes. This Northern Neck vineyard also grows the Norton grape, discovered in Richmond, Virginia. Wine tastings and tours of the vineyard and winery are free.

Bloxom Winery, Bloxom, Virginia
(757) 655-5670
http://www.virginiawines.org/wineries/bloxom.html
Take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel from Williamsburg/Norfolk/Virginia Beach north to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Visit old world traditions when you visit the Bloxom Winery. This 35 acre Victorian farm has six acres of wine including Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet. Bloxom Winery is only open from June through September from 1-6 p.m. The chocolate enthusiast can indulge in the combination of free wine tasting and chocolate confections.

Hummel Winery, Montross, Virginia
(804) 493-1544

Hummel Vineyards is tucked away near Westmoreland, in the Northern Neck of Chesapeake Bay Country. The sea air and surroundings are evocative of a country estate, with open wood beams in the traditional style sampling room. Tastings are $5 at Hummel Winery. Sandwiches and light gourmet food are also available to complement the wine.

Ingleside Vineyards, Oak Grove, Virginia
(804) 224-8687
http://www.ipwine.com

At the intersection of the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, Virginia's Northern Neck is rich in history and classic and contemporary wines. Ingleside Vineyard's is part of the 3,000 acre Flemer estate. Planted in the fertile river land between the Potomac and Rappahnnock, 70 acres of grapes grow to their luscious fullness in a stable climate. The Vineyard has been producing wines with awards since 1980, and is run by Charles H. Flemer's great-great grandson. Basic tastings with a souvenir glass are $2.50 and Black Label tastings are $6.00.

Oak Crest Vineyard, King George, Virginia
540-663-2813
http://www.oakcrestwinery.com/
There are approximately 100 vineyards in Virginia, and each has its own unique approach. Oak Crest Vineyard is founded by a family that has been handcrafting wines since the 1960s. The Conrad Brandts opened the Winery in 2002, but it seems years have gone into the making of these grape connoisseurs. Known for their Bordeaux reds and Rhine style whites, this winery seems to have a healthy offering of Cabernets and Merlots and has just added some sweet blush wines to the menu. The tasting room is a traditional post and beam room. Tastings and tours are free. The winery is only open April 1 - Decmeber 23rd.

White Fences Vineyard and Winery, Irvington, Virginia
(804) 438-5559
http://www.northernneckwinetrail.com/whitefences.html
The first White Fences vintages were presented at the Irvington Stomp in September 2005. White Fences is slated to open in the summer of 2006. Self-guided tours of the vineyards are available.

The Williamsburg Winery, Williamsburg, Virginia
(757) 229-0999
http://www.williamsburgwinery.com

This Williamsburg favorite has been producing wine since 1988. The Williamsburg Winery is known for its signature vintage, Governor's White, "the best selling wine made in Virginia". Sample some reserve stocks and varietal blends at this winery, too. Dessert wines include Late Harvest Vidal, Blackberry Merlot, and Rasberry Merlot. The Williamsburg Winery is close to downtown Williamsburg, just off Route 199 West towards Jamestown.

For information on properties in the Greater Williamsburg and Southeastern Virginia area, visit http://www.voncannonrealestate.com. Or, to find out about colonial estates, country estates, waterfront estates, farmettes, equestrian estates, estates with vineyards, historic estates and more, visit http://www.virginia-estates.com.

About the Author

Elaine VonCannon is an award winning REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she specializes in retirement and relocation in the Williamsburg South Eastern Virginia area. She is an Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. Elaine VonCannon also works with real estate investors and home sellers. Elaine is very active in the community, and serves on two committees with the local board of REALTORS.

Short Review on Cheap Wines

A Guide To Wine Bottle Racks


Wine has been part of my family since I can remember. I first got into small wine racks produced for appreciating and storing wine at my grandmother's...


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Featured Cheap Wines Items

Corton Charlemagne - Louis Latour


"2000 Corton-Charlemagne: Explosive notes of green apple and obvious minerality plus a touch of wood toast lead to elegant, intense and long medium weight, beautifully textured flavors. This stains the palate and though this is not an especially powerful wine, it packs plenty of flavor authority." Burghound.com 91 - Expected Maturity 2007-12 (Subject to Availabilty) LCC00


Price: 143.99 USD



Headlines on Cheap Wines

Sheep in the Vines, Reading Between the Lines...

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:00:45 PDT
Only in one small vineyard in Napa Valley, on Howell Mountain, is there evidence of something other than mono-culture. Sheep graze and laze between the rows of vines, munching on the new spring grass and weeds or whatever it is that grows there. Somehow, this is what I find most appealing, the pastoral connotation, the idea of bucolic idyllic life that is not part of the major urban areas I've lived in, and not part of industrial farming as agriculture has become. This isn't an eco-tourist p

Growing a Beautiful Edible Landscape in an Urban Neighborhood

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:20:30 PDT
Growing a Beautiful Edible Landscape in an Urban Neighborhood Growing a beautiful edible landscape in an urban neighborhood by Robert Waldrop When people think about growing food in urban areas, the first idea is generally to hide the vegetable garden somewhere in the backyard, and all too often, that means "out of sight, out of mind". At my house Oklahoma City, this isn't an option, as the property has no back yard, so I had to figure out something else. There are four major influences on

Resveratrol

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:04:35 PDT
Resveratrol April 15th, 2008 A study published in the 2004 year-end edition of the American Journal of Physiology said that resveratrol, a compound found in grapes, inhibits the formation of a protein that produces a condition called cardio fibrosis, which reduces the heart’s pumping efficiency when it is needed most in times of stress. More evidence suggests that wine dilates small blood vessels and helps prevent angina and clotting. The alcohol in wine additionally helps balance cholesterol


Wine Cooler
Wine Products | Wine Project

Labels: Wine Tour | Wine Tours

Posted by John Jackson | 0 comments

Popular Wine Racks

Wine collecting and drinking is a hugely growing trend. In bygone years, wine appreciation used to be exclusively a man's hobby, but nowadays, women are actually overtaking men when it comes to an interest in all things wine.

Wine racks are popular because wine isn't just about the experience of imbibing the drink.

Wine bottles themselves are elegant and beautiful to look at, and the right wine rack can really add to the visual appreciation of your wine bottles as they await their opening day, whether in a cellar -- or on display in your kitchen or living room.

Wine racks come in all shapes and sizes, and are constructed of different material. In short, it simply comes down to what your preferences are.

There are elegant metal wine racks, whether custom or not, wooden ones -- and even sub variations of wood, such as pine, or cedar -- or you can purchase racks that are built to be placed in wine cellars if you are a more serious collector.

A classy looking wine rack, in short, will add a great deal of sophistication and pleasure to your wine drinking experience, not only for you and your family, but for your guests as well....who will undoubtedly conclude that you are a person with good tastes when they see the work of art that holds your wine.

Regardless if you're a serious collector of wine or just someone who enjoys the occassional bottle, you'll find a wine rack that appeals to you artistically, pragmatically, and financially.

Some hold just a few bottles while some hold many. Some are very inexpensive while some larger ones can be much pricier. Some were obviously made first and foremost for artistic flair, while others will suit more conservative personalities.

Wine racks can be placed prominently for display -- some small ones can be put right on your kitchen table -- or in your pantry. Larger ones can be stored in your wine cellar if you plan to start a long term collection.

The choice of what kind of wine rack you choose will depend upon not only such factors as your personal preferences, but the space you have available.

In summary, knowing your needs and desires will help you decide which kind of wine rack is right for you.

About the Author

Discover the most interested wine racks we've found -- that will fit any budget or tastes -- by visiting our resource: http://www.wine-racks-selection-guide.com

A Short Tasting Notes Summary

Discover Wall Mounted Wine Racks


Wall Mounted Wine Racks
Wall mounted wine racks are among the safest, most affordable wine racks available. Because of the weights of the bottle and t...


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Tasting Notes Items For Viewing

Chateau de Camarsac - Bordeaux Superieur


Chateau de Camarsac dominates vast valleys with a Toscane allure where vines, forests and meadows intermingle whie also providing a fairy tale surrounding with a soil of great character. covering 60 acres, its vineyard produces a dry red wine with a character that best reflects the Bordeaux designation. Pairing well with red meats and cheeses. This elegant wine from France is a great gift. CCS02 CCS02


Price: 31.99 USD



Headlines on Tasting Notes

New Jersey Nets Team Report (USA Today)

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:02:27 PDT
Nets

Toolangi Chardonnay 2006

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:03:16 PDT
This is bang on the money when it comes to delivering a fairly priced Chardonnay that drinks like a champion. It’s not a lot of things - over-made, heavy, cheesy, oaky, hot or expensive. It’s just right and absolutely delicious. Clean and bright with a mix of melon, nectarine, citrus, grilled nuts, a bit of flint and some spicy dusty oak. On the palate medium weight with sweet juicy nectarine and citrus fruit and a little cream and spice. It’s direct and fresh with balanced acidity and a clea

Langwerth Von Simmern Hattenheimer Riesling Kabinett Trocken 2007

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:30:52 PDT
The Barons Langwerth von Simmerns’ history in the Rheingau dates back to 1464. This makes them the oldest continuously operated family business in the world. Their estate commands 26 acres of some of the best vineyards in the Rheingau, which are now run by the Baron George and his wife Baroness Andrea Langwerth von Simmern. If you open it young you’ll be greeted by a bit of free sulphur (nothing too daunting mind you) but then comes the reward - an explosion of citrus, white peach, mineral a

Morris Cellar Old Premium Tawny

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 03:17:02 PDT
Another fortified with plenty yet to come. This is a brilliant wine and it’s also a bit tricky to describe because I really have little choice but to rely on the tasting term “rancio” to relay quite how it tastes. And it’s heavy rancio here, so if you are unfamiliar with the taste, then best you try some of this to get better acquainted. Delightfully nutty with almond, dark chocolate, old peel, vanilla, extreme rancio characters and a bit of VA lift. On the palate it’s fresh, clean and tangy

Looking Through This Box of Wine …..

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:20:50 PDT
….. that came from a local wholesale distributor, I found a couple of bottles from the Abbey Saint-Hilaire in Limoux, a producer unknown to me. You never know what you’re going to get when a friend in the wholesale wine business calls and says, “Hey, I have two or three boxes of wine for you.” Of course most of it will be recent releases, because the wholesalers want to get their new wines some attention. Wholesalers always, however, have cases or two or half a case of older releases, wines ma


Wine Warehouse
Wine Labels | Wine Linux

Labels: Wine Review | Wine Reviews

Posted by John Jackson | 2 comments

The ideal utensils to use for wine making and boiling ingredients & juices are those of good quality enamel. Those sold under a brand name are most reliable. The utensils must not be chipped.

It is almost impossible to pour clear wine from one bottle to another without stirring up the lees. Because of this, it is a good plan, to siphon off the clear wine when rebottling it.

Using about a yard and a half of surgical rubber tubing or plastic tubing, siphoning is a very simple operation. First, put the bottles or jars of wine on a table and the empty bottles on a stool or box on the floor. Next, put one end of the tubing in the first bottle of wine and suck the other end of the tube until the wine comes; pinch the tube at your lips and - holding on tight - put this end in the empty bottle and then let the wine flow. As the level of the wine falls, lower the tube into it, being careful not to let it touch the lees. When nearly all of the wine has been transferred, pinch the tube at the neck of both bottles, put one end into the next bottle and allow the wine to flow again.

In this way a constant flow is maintained and you have bottles of crystal-clear wine. The sediment from each bottle may be put together; this will clear in time to leave a little more wine.

Most of you will already have heard of one or other home-made wine and will have decided which to make. For those who have not yet decided, preference for a 'port* or 'whisky' may be the deciding factor and this must rest with yourselves.

I would advise you only in this: make, say, a gallon or a half-gallon of a variety of wines and then decide which you prefer over a period of time. I have whittled my own preference down to nine different wines which I brew regularly according to season, leaving the dried fruit for the time when fresh fruit is not available and when roots - potatoes, etc. - are too fresh for wine-making purposes.

NOTE:

Different recipes will call for slightly different approaches, but it must be remembered that whatever else has to be done, the brew must be kept in a warm place throughout the fermentation period, and that the process after fourteen days* fermentation in the tub is the same with all recipes.

Now select your recipe and go ahead with your wine-making, bearing in mind all that I have warned you about.

About the Author

James Wilson owns & operates www.e-homewinemaking.com, a site providing wine-making tips, tricks and techniques. If you're interested in making your own wine, visit www.e-homewinemaking.com today and sign up for the FREE wine-making mini-course!

Short Review on Grape Wine

White Wines - The Most Popular


Wine. Not what you do when you don't get your way. What you drink with a fine meal. Well, maybe not what you drink, depending on your tastes, but what...


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Grape Wine Products we recommend

Bacchus Kabinett Triangle Btl


Striking packaging and a delicious wine. This triangular blue bottle is very unique, great for gifts. This German white wine is very tasty, made from the Bacchus grape, named after the God of Wine. A fruity white wine, which most people will enjoy. You can buy Kabinett wines online. KABFS598 KABFS598


Price: 26.95 USD



Grape Wine in the news

Italian wine protection questioned, says report (Food Production Daily)

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:26:50 PDT
Producers banded under Italy's Brunello di Montalcino designation are facing a probe by a regional prosecutor over claims that some makers of the Tuscany wine may have blended grapes other than the permitted Sangiovese variety in their product.

From the Vine: Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:52:13 PDT
As part of our celebration of Michigan Wine Month, Absolute Michigan will be featuring excerpts on each of Michigan's five wine trails (and one taking you beyond the trails) from the Michigan Notable Book award-winning From the Vine: Exploring Michigan Wineries by Sharon Kegerreis and Lorri Hathaway. Leelanau Peninsula AVA Known for its lake vistas and pure beauty, Leelanau Peninsula is home to a growing number of wineries. Being 'up north', Leelanau is a cool climate grape growing region, so

Taste Washington 2008, Washington State's Showcase Wine Event, Enjoys Most Successful Weekend in Its 11-Year History (Marketwire via Yahoo! Finance)

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:16:00 PDT
Taste Washington, the nation's largest single-region wine tasting event, featured a record number of participating wineries and experienced a 20 percent increase in ticket sales, making it the most successful one-day tasting event in its 11-year history, the Washington Wine Commission announced today.

Dramatic increase in SA wine exports (SABC News)

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:42:28 PDT
The good news continues for South African wine makers in the international market. With a dramatic increase in exports, the stage is set for the industry to leave a pronounced mark on global commerce.

Wine and beer reviews in Eagle County (Vail Daily)

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:30:00 PDT
Il Cavaliere Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato, $18.99 After much longing and many hours of discussion, spring is finally here. Now that Vail and Beaver Creek mountains are closed and all that ski equipment is getting packed away, we have time to embrace different pastimes.

Tax Day Challenge: Can You Spend Your Entire $600 Refund On One Meal With No Alcohol?

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:36:47 PDT
Yes! Virtually all of you will be getting a $600 tax refund this spring in an ill-advised scheme to restart the U.S. economy. The myopic goal of the refund is for us to spend the money immediately on consumer products and services, so why not blow it all on one epic restaurant meal? Let us cast aside the $1000 sundae (gold foil) at Serendipity 3 and the $1000 omelet (ten ounces of sevruga) at Norma's — both in New York — as pure silliness, and instead focus on tasting menus, but sans alcohol

Attention Wine Snobs: Snooth.com Goes Global

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:40:58 PDT
When it began, Snooth was merely a destination for wine reviews. As of the close of 2007, the site has received funding to the sum of $1.3 million, which, in the grand scheme of venture capitalism (a world in which I personally include the angels), seems a rather paltry number. But hey, there’s really only one way to gauge a Web company’s success, whether it be only a potential for great things or if honors have already been realized. The proof is in the pudding, right? Well, in this case, gr


Drinking Wine
Tags: Strawberry Wine

Labels: Wine Cellars

Posted by John Jackson | 0 comments