Wine, please.

I recently mentioned that I enjoy a glass of local wine now and again...and again. I live in Loudoun County, Virginia - Wine Country, as it's known. There are more than 30 wineries within a decent drive from our house, and some that are only minutes away. We also have a lot of farms.

One of my very favorites is Village Winery, operated by owner and wine maker Kent Marrs in beautiful Waterford. Unlike a lot of the larger wineries in the area, I love that he is always there to present his wines, and if he takes the occasional day off to spend some time with his kids, his wife is there. Kent is just about the nicest guy you could meet, too, so it makes going that much more enjoyable.

Village specializes in fruit wines and has a wide range from sweet white Apple wine to deep red Elderberry wine. I think there's something here for everybody. My favorite is the Raspberry Apple, a light and refreshing wine that's perfect for a hot evening on the deck and conversation (or, as previously mentioned, in a hot bubble bath with People Magazine).

Other than wines, Kent also produces an incredible Chocolate Elderberry syrup, a vinaigrette (we marinate grilled chicken in it), and a tea that our daughter just loves. Kent also has a Brown Swiss cow, Blossom, and he plans to have her milk available for sale.

Yesterday was the perfect weather for a trip out to Village. The winery is in an old, restored barn set back behind the vineyard and adjacent to a small farm. While the husband and I enjoy a glass of wine, our daughter loves to play with Blossom and the goats.

My apologies for the lack of pictures of Blossom; she was relaxing in the shade with her back to us. Smart cow. So I will leave you with one last picture of my glass of wine.

Also, I promise this is not a plug for Village nor was I paid to take any of these pictures. I just really love their wines!

- B.