As the president of the Virginia Wineries Association, Anna Heidig is proud to see the industry burgeon from six wineries in 1980 to close to 200 today. “Wine and tourism, it’s a natural,’’ she said.
Lake Anna produces 7,000 cases of wine a year. Order a bottle of claret and Heidig will ask, “Which battle?’’ They have one for each.
After a full day of Civil War and chardonnay we returned to downtown Fredericksburg for another dose of Southern hospitality. Our first night we had dined at La Petite Auberge on Williams Street and were favorably impressed. Locally-caught rockfish, prepared with just the right touch of butter and lemon, was delicate and refined. Next door, Bistro Bethem is a lively spot frequented by city councilors and musicians who tuck into rarities like rabbit sausage and sage ice cream at the buzzing bar.
