Earlier this year I experienced my first visits to Virginia
wineries and I was pleasantly impressed. I guess my expectations were low not
thinking our great state would have a lot to offer, but I was wrong. There are
some really lovely wineries serving some very tasty wines. With 210
wineries within the state, all contributing to Virginia being the 5th largest wine producing state in the United States, it makes it easy to visit. October is Virginia Wine month too providing the opportunity to view the fall foliage and sample some of the Commonwealth's offerings.
Recently man-love and I traveled to spend the
weekend with his brother and family. The weather was in the low-80s
and sunny, making for a perfect day to spend at Ingleside Vineyards in Oak
Grove, the Northern Neck of Virginia.
We opted to do the full tasting which was only $10 and took
us through Chardonnays, through Cabernet Franck, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah and ending with sweet dessert wines.
We purchased at least a case and set up an amazing spread of
meats, fruits and cheeses in the courtyard that provided a very relaxing environment
to enjoy our wines and treats next to the fountain. Ingleside allows guests to
bring thier own picnic and that is what we did. Compliments to our hosts for putting
together such a spread that others queried if the winery put it together for
us or if we brought. It was amazing. For cheeses we had Havarti, mozzarella
with prosciutto and basil, smoked Gouda and goat cheese. As accompaniment we
had fresh apples, pears, peaches, olives, salami, crackers and a baguette. Most
of the goodies had been purchased at Wegmans, and the fruit was so
exceptionally fresh it made me jealous to not have our own Wegmans in Hampton
Roads.
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