Virginia Among Top Wine Destinations in U.S.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named Virginia among the top 10 wine travel destinations for 2012, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

The recognition even caught the attention of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell who said the state is one of only three domestic destinations earning the title in the February issue of the magazine.

The other two U.S. destinations are in California, according to the report.

The magazine article designates Virginia as a a location with "historically significant sites, picturesque pastoral landscapes, elegant equestrians and affable winemakers," which makes it an excellent wine destination.

It is estimated that about 1 million people visit a winery while visiting the state, according to the Associated Press.

Virginia is said to be the fifth largest wine producer in the country and seventh largest wine grape producer, with over 140 wineries in five distinct regions, sitting on nearly 3,000 acres of vineyards.

Virginia wines are enjoyed by many at events right here in the Manassas area, including the annual Vintage Virginia Wine Festival  at Bull Run Regional Park, which offers 300 different wines to taste and purchase from over 50 different Virginia wineries and Manassas' own annual Wine and Jazz Festival (see video), which featured wine from 15 different Virginia wineries. 

Read the full article online at www.winemag.com.