Seekers of the exemplary shall seek no more. Virginia yields the finest wines, the most decadent inns, and gracious hosts that exceed expectations.

Make plans to get comfy in plush AAA Five-Diamond hotels - The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond and The Inn at Little Washington in Washington. The Inn features an equally honored Dining Room serving French cuisine and regional specialties.

Excellence is found in Virginia.

Luca Paschina is hands-on, checking the
moisture, and clipping excess grapes to
lighten the load on the vines.

Luca Paschina is a passionate third generation winemaker and the general manager of Barboursville Vineyards and Palladio Restaurant.

In 1990 Luca took the reigns at Barboursville to grow the business into what the esteemed Zonin family of Italy envisioned when they purchased the estate in 1976. He has carefully nursed the vineyard from 38 acres of grapes to 160; 40,000 cases of wine are produced each year. Only those promising a great vintage are kept. "We sanction its release and its quality level has to be high to retain that label," says Luca. For example, only about half of the more than 15 years' worth of award-winning Octagon have been released. His dedication to producing a quality Virginia wine would undoubtedly please Thomas Jefferson, a struggling viticulturist with the same passion.

Of Note:

• Appointee to the Virginia Wine Board, 2005-07, 2003-05, 1996-98
• Virginia Wine Person of the Year, 2002
• Orange County Business Person of the Year, 2001
• Vice President, Virginia Wineries Association, 1994-96

Barboursville was the Thomas Jefferson-designed
mansion built for Virginia Governor James Barbour
between 1814 and 1822.

Barboursville Vineyards is more than an 840 acre farm of grape-growing and wine-bottling. It's also Palladio Restaurant, The 1804 Inn, Barboursville Ruins, and The 18th Century Vineyard Cottage. Each piece of this puzzle reflects the history it sits on, as Barboursville's original owner was Virginia Governor James Barbour. The Ruins are that of his Thomas Jefferson-designed mansion. You will find that nothing at Barboursville is accidental ... the 20 gold medal-winning Octagon red wine is so named after the grand octagonal room in the Ruins. Experience for yourself this site unlike any other.

Of Note:

• Three Barboursville wines were served at the Inauguration Dinner of President Obama in 2009: Cabernet Franc, Octagon and Barboursville Brut.

"Indeed it is a great inspiration to grow grapes in the region where Thomas Jefferson really wanted to be able to." - Luca Paschina

Virginia wine travel came of age with the 20th anniversary of wine month in October 2008. Over 140 wineries bask in the sun and soak up the dew to achieve a bountiful, award-winning harvest. Medals and cups from competitions too numerous to mention adorn tasting room walls.

Excellence is found in Virginia.