Wine and Dine in the Fredericksburg Area

Wine and Dine in the Fredericksburg Area
Since colonial times, Virginians have taken advantage of a climate favorable for growing grapes, hops and corn, building a thriving libations industry. Numerous wineries, a
distillery and a brewery are located in the region, offering tours, tastings and events.
Head to Potomac Point in Stafford and tickle your
taste buds at the area’s newest winery with awardwinning wines like Richland Reserve (2005), a heritage
blend of Bordeaux varietals or a crisp and refreshing Chardonnay (2006).
The $4 million Mediterranean-style vineyard also plays host to intimate
gatherings, dream weddings, barbecues or other large functions. On the
property, there is a special cellar, which functions both as a barrel room, and
a romantic dining room. One mile from the Potomac River, this location was
selected because of its rich history, rich land and river influences.
Visit Lake Anna Winery in Spotsylvania and experience more awardwinning wines in a country setting. Out of 139 wines entered from 32
wineries and vineyards, Lake Anna’s Barrel Select Chardonnay 2005 won
the coveted Best in Show award at the State Fair of Virginia Wine Competition. Lake Anna was also mentioned in Parade Magazine as a notable
winery in Virginia. This site is also ideal for picnics, parties and receptions. Free tours and tastings are offered.
Hartwood Winery, located in the Fredericksburg countryside, is home of
international award-winning wines. Look for new wines such as the Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Viognier boasting a new varietal series
label. Free tours and tastings in scenic Hartwood, known for its heavy
deer population.
Mattaponi Winery in Spotsylvania, a small family-owned winery, offers
a large array of dry, semi-dry and dessert wines, each of which boasts
Algonquin names. This was inspired by the history of Spotsylvania.
Locals line up to savor the refreshing malt taste of beer and lagers at the Blue & Gray Brewing Co.,
located less than a mile from downtown Fredericksburg, The brewery, which opened on St. Patrick’s Day,
2002, produces an annual output of 1,500 barrels and their beer is featured in a number of area restaurants. Enjoy their newest brews such as Falmouth American Pale Ale and Stonewall Stout. Seasonal beers
include Spiced Winter Ale, Chocolate Raspberry Stout and Virginia Hefeweizen.
--more--
Page 2 – Wine and Dine in the Fredericksburg Area
And where there’s drink, there’s food—from rustic taverns to today’s unique
offerings. In Old Town Fredericksburg, visitors will discover dozens of places
to get a memorable meal, not one of the restaurants downtown is part of
chain. Downtown is also a place where you’ll often find the owner/chef in
the kitchen preparing your meal. Let Shrimp Sidney, Ahi Tuna and Blackened Salmon whet your seafood appetite. Or indulge in a heaping portion
of grilled chicken or New York Strip Steak. It’s all here at Claiborne’s Restaurant located in the renovated Fredericksburg train station. Tempt your
tastebuds at Caroline Street Café, a lunchtime favorite with specials including White Chicken Chili, Rosemary Encrusted Top Round, Nappa Cabbage
Salad and Chocolate Confusion Brownie. After your meal, treat your sweet
tooth to Carl’s Frozen Yogurt, renowned soft frozen custard featured on the
Food Network and PBS. Or try America’s oldest continually operating soda
fountain, Goolricks, operates in downtown Fredericksburg, offering creamy
milkshakes and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Head to nearby Stafford County and enjoy dinner to remember in a historic tavern building, dating to the
late 17th and early 18th century. Amy’s Café, offering full service American fare with a country casual
flare, features exposed brick interior walls and wood timbers that line the room. Dine on the porch with
glimpses of the pristine Rappahannock River. Local art lines the walls, as well as black and white photographs of Historic Falmouth. Stop in for a delectable dinner at Log Cabin Restaurant, featuring fresh seafood and steaks. Crab Maine Lobsters and shrimp dishes are a house specialty.
Does chicken cacciatore served over cheese tortellini sound good to you?
Then Scafa’s Italian Restaurant in Spotsylvania is the restaurant for you.
Here, visitors will feast on delicious Italian cuisine prepared fresh each
day. Scafa’s uses only the finest quality of meats, cheese, and homemade
pasta in their menu options. As an added plus, newcomers are greeted
with Italian soup—on the house. Head to The Spotsy Spot, a unique and
popular Spotsylvania eatery, known for its hometown-owned espresso and
sundae bar.
###