Virginia’s wine history began about 240 years before the Civil War when the English government required each male settler at the Jamestown settlement to plant and tend to at least 10 grapevines.
Today Virginia is one of the country’s top regions for vineyards and has a steadily growing industry. With more than 200 wineries in the state there are a lot of great options. But keep these tips in mind to keep your teeth white:
- Teeth staining is possible with both red and white wine – but more common with red
- Drink wines low in tannin – this acts as an astringent and it binds to the tooth causing discoloration
- Eating cheese or other foods rich in protein while drinking wine can help create a barrier from the tannin
- Once you’re done tasting, drink some water and pop in a piece of gum to get saliva flowing.
So, now that you know how to taste all the great wines Virginia has to offer without staining your teeth, you’re ready to head out to a tasting. And here are some quick profiles of your options:
The Dog and The Oyster, Irvington
The Dog and Oyster is the vineyard of The Hope and Glory Inn. The inn has been named “Top 100 in the World” – twice; and, “Top 10 in America” – four times. The quirky name was created to honor the rescue dogs that rescue the grapes from deer and other animals; and, to honor the oyster, one of the Chesapeake Bay region’s greatest assets. Wines are paired with oysters – yum!
Pollak Vineyards, Greenwood
Pollak Vineyards is a small family-owned winery founded in 2003 on a 98 acre site west of Charlottesville. The more than 16,000 vines are hand-tended to achieve the best fruit. French oak is used for aging. It is spacious inside for production and tastings, and it has a large verandah and windows to showcase views of vineyards, pond and adjacent mountains.
Bloxom Vineyard, Bloxom
The estate produces five wines ranging from sweet to dry. Located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, 20 miles from Chincoteague Island. Every Saturday they bake artisan pizza in wood fired oven to pair with the wine.
What are you favorite Virginia wines and wineries? We’d love to know.
*Information from VirginiaWine.org
