20 Wineries within 20 Minutes Drive

Well when I tell people that I live in WV their remarks are always along the lines of "whats an aussie doing in 'west-by-god' or "why do you live there?" I mean what can I say? I live on the Blue Ridge, we are only 1.5 hours from DC and Baltimore but you'd think I'm living in space to most people. Apart from the semi-rural setting, close to nature, I find myself being in the fortunate position of being within 20 minutes of over 20 wineries - now whats a girl to do about that - yep lucky me. What's even better is that Northern Virginia is starting to get a name for itself - sure its a long way off from being a truly recognised 'region' but it's making in-roads.

VA wines were represented for the first time at the International Wine Show in London, with all the whos who of winos, and we (Virginia) didnt get laughed off the stage. But yet again its the "What Virginia Makes Wine?". In fact Virginia is one of the earlier wine regions in the states due to early setllers, but because of prohibition its taken a long time to get back into the swing of things.

So living in an emerging wine region, I've been to some very average wine tastings (not the wine itself but the way they were hosted) - I believe I could do it better for multiple reasons. So I find myself pondering...mmmmm do I start my own wine tasting club....do I become an independant wine consultant, do I host wine tasting parties....my objective would not be to make a living out of wine (although that would be nice), but to support/supplement my wine hobby along the way (any dent made in the wine budget would be a positive). So what do I do?

I've taken a liking to the local grapes of Viognier and Cabernet Franc and will always make it a point to introduce to anyone who will listen or taste - it is believed that these 2 varietals will put VA on the map as Savignon Blanc has for New Zealand. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

http://www.visitloudoun.org/things-to-do/wine-country/