Give a wine lover a bottle made from the Norton grape.
When the British settled Jamestown in the 16th century, they passed a law ordering each man to plant 10 grape vines. While the early settlers were not successful winemakers, by the 1800s Virginia wines were winning gold medals from European judges. Today the state boasts more than 140 wineries, and its wines continue to earn accolades. Whether you are buying a gift for a sophisticated oenophile or someone interested in learning more about North American wines, Virginia wineries provide a wide range of choices.
Vriginia Wine of the Month Club
Give a wine lover ample opportunity to sample Virgina wines with a membership in the Virginia Wine of the Month Club. Choose bottles of reds or whites, or a variety of both, and one or two bottles will be delivered right to the subscriber's home, along with information about the wines and wineries featured that month. A subscription to Virginia Wine Journal is included with the membership package.
Norton Wine
Present a history buff with a bottle of Norton wine, such as Paradise Springs Norton or Chrysalis Estate-Bottled Norton. The Norton grape is one of the few that originated in North America, and is the oldest varietal in the United States. A native of Virginia, the Norton grape produces red wine with a slight elderberry flavor. Pair the wine with a set of Reidel glasses especially designed to enhance the flavor of the Norton grape.
Dessert Wine
Satisfy a sweet tooth with a dessert wine made from Virginia's bountiful harvests. Try an ice wine such as Pounding Branc Persimmon Melomel. Made with wild persimmon and honey from Virginia's mountain region, it was the Gold medal winner at International Mead Competition in Boulder Colorado in 2008. Pair the bottle with a jar of Virginia honey for a sweet gift.
For a more tangy flavor, give a bottle of Tarara's Wild River Red, a blend of Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and blackberry wine.
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