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By Jeanne Spath
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
With Virginia wines growing in popularity nationwide, it is no wonder Rappahannock County has become home to some of the top wineries in the state.
According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, wine production in the state has more than tripled since 1979, producing Over 285,000 cases of wine in 2001.
In our area, 11 vineyards have combined for marketing purposes, making up the Blue Ridge Wine Way.
Five of the 11 are located in the Rappahannock County area, including Farfelu Vineyards in Flint Hill, Gray Ghost Vineyards and Unicom Winery, both in Amissville, Oasis Winery and Rappahannock Cellars, both in Huntly.
An additional vineyard in the county is located at Bleu Rock Farms near Washington, Va. Wine made from this vineyard is processed and bottled at Oasis Winery.
Focus on Farfelu
Farfelu Vineyard, founded in 1967, is considered Virginia’s first modem-day winery.
Traveling off Rt. 522 onto winding Crest Hill Road on the way to the winery is a scenic treat in itself.
However, once arriving at the 86-acre estate, wine enthusiasts get more than just a taste of Virginia’s finest fruits.
“People tend to stay longer here to get the broad spectrum of our winery,” said Farfelu’s general manager Steve Duty.
Like most vineyards, the winery offers tastings, but visitors can also enjoy a three-andone-half mile hiking trail along the Rappahannock River,playing horseshoes, and strolling around the vineyard. No longer eccentric
The word “farfelu” comes from the French language, meaning “eccentric.”
While not necessarily thought of as eccentric today, being the first to try making
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