Boasting multiple award-winning vintages, Barboursville Vineyards is one of the most prestigious wine producers in Virginia. This estate winery is located on 830 acres of beautiful rolling hills, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. Currently boasting 125 acres of vineyards, expansion is expected.In 1976, the Zonin family, of Italy, was the first in the state to plant and successfully establish the revered vitis vinifera vines. Grafting European vines with native North American plant-roots has resulted in high-quality harvests. The property also features the ruins of Governor Barbour’s plantation house, designed by personal friend, and architect, Thomas Jefferson. Tours of the grounds are available, and a $4 wine tasting fee includes a souvenir glass with the Barboursville logo.Feeling indulgent? Stay for dinner at the gracious Palladio and snuggle up for the weekend at the 1804 Inn at Barboursville Vineyards, both on the property.I tasted their signature wine, below, on a birthday-weekend trip, earlier this year. I am partial to California zins, and robust cabernets, and I have to admit that I wasn't sure what to expect, in Virginia. I'm very glad to have experienced this delicious, powerful wine. Octagon 2004"A superb red, created and released only in exceptional vintages such as 1991, 1995, 1998, based on Merlot and other Bordeaux varietals. The massive tannin structure is tamed by extended aging in French oak barrels. Dark in color with a superb aroma of plum, cassis and tobacco, its complex flavors are well integrated with a silky finish."