Discover Delicious Wine in Virginia

Virginia's wine industry is booming. According to Tony Banks of the Virginia Farm Bureau, the average acreage devoted to growing grapes has increased more than 41 percent from 2001 through 2007. Today, Virginia has grown to be the nation's fifth largest producer of wines with its 130 vineyards and wineries – one of which is in Prince William County: The Winery at La Grange.

Chris Pearmund, wine grower and owner of The Winery at La Grange as well as several others in Virginia, says he wanted to create more than just good wine at La Grange. He wanted to create a place where people could discover the "beauty, grace and tradition of Virginia's distant past.”

Pearmund and a small group of investors acquired the historic La Grange farm, 20 acres of land with a dilapidated manor house and numerous out buildings in December 2005.

According to an article published by Ray Olszewski, “A Taste of Prince William County Wine History: Who Knew?,” La Grange is rich in history. It was been originally carved out of Robert “King” Carter's Bull Run Tract in the 1600s and later became known as La Grange. Benoni Harrison, a doctor of law and Prince William County's delegate to the Virginia General Assembly, also owned the estate. During its history, La Grange was fully self-sufficient, with a spring house, smoke house, tannery sawmill, cobbler and more on site.

The massive renovation of the original, three-story manor house was completed in record time – just 18 months from the date of original purchase.

Today, the beautifully restored manor house boasts several tasting rooms, parlors and a delightful stone-walled cellar known as Benoni's Lounge.

Modern conveniences were not overlooked and the property now has Wi-Fi to facilitate corporate meetings or individuals to work the manor house's relaxing atmosphere while enjoying fine wines paired with foods from the region. Families and friends can picnic on the grounds and enjoy the quiet and breathtaking views of the nearby mountains.

The side patio near a barbecue pit offers views of the nearly 7,000 vines growing on a slight hill with the Blue Ridge in the background. Traditional English gardens and other landscaping are meticulously maintained and create a lush outdoor area for intimate gatherings and weddings.

Visitors can also tour the barrel room piled high with French Oak barrels, many with bronze plaques carrying the names of “owners” of the barrels who buy the barrels and in return receive wine each year and other privileges. Just off the barrel room is the tank room where the wines are created in stainless steel tanks by winemaker Rob Cox.

“We want people not to come to La Grange for the experience of wine tasting, but also to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings,” said Pearmund. “We want everyone to think of La Grange as their neighborhood gathering place to meet friends old and new.”

Visitors can enjoy wine tastings seven days a week from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., with the friendly and knowledgeable staff, led by Manager Melissa Stephen. Tastings cost $5, and includes 8 wines, 3 white and 5 red. La Grange also has a Reserve Wine Tasting that includes all 3 of its reserves plus a taste of “Snort” – a Portugese Varietal creating an old world-style port – for just $6. For those wanting to taste everything, the fee is $10. Wine is sold by the glass (except for Snort”) as well. Tasters receive a free etched glass as a souvenir.

The store at La Grange not only offers its wines and those of sister winery Pearmund Cellars, but also a large variety of accessories, clothing, food, gift cards and fine cigars.

While The Winery at La Grange has only been open for two years, it has made a fine reputation for itself in the state's booming wine industry the as one of its most unique and unforgettable places to visit, one which will soon be offering its wines from grapes once again grown in Prince William County.

The Winery at La Grange is located in Haymarket at 4970 Antioch Road, phone 703-753-9360. For more information, visit www.wineryatlagrange.com.

To visit from Manassas and Washington, D.C., take I-66 West. Exit at Haymarket (Exit 40) Turn left at the top of the exit onto US-15 South. Go to the second traffic light and turn right on VA- 55. Just under 1 mile, turn at first right onto Antioch Road. The winery will be about 3 miles North on Antioch Road, entrance on the left.

From Warrenton and areas south, take US-29 North towards Gainesville. Turn left on US- 15 North towards Haymarket. Left at first light (Sheetz on Right) on to VA-55. Just under 1 mile, turn at first right onto Antioch Road. The winery will be about 3 miles North on Antioch Road, entrance on the left.

--Susan L. Neer, Managing Editor