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Larry Carey, manager of General's Ridge Vineyard in Westmoreland County, cuts back Chardonel grapevines to let in more light.
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The Phillipses restored the Manor House on their 100-acre property, turning it into a bed-and-breakfast. |
HAGUE--
When Rick Phillips was a young Marine flyer in World War II, he spent time training in the wine country of Northern California.The rolling hills filled with grapevines made a lasting impression.
So when the retired general later found himself with a 100-acre Westmoreland County estate and the need for the land to generate income, wine came to mind.
Today, it's a thriving spot called General's Ridge Vineyard, with two unique bed-and-breakfast
They're in the midst of nearly 30 acres of grapevines--13 different varieties.
The idea to grow grapes on the property near Nomini Grove Road--a few miles off State Route 3 between Montross and Warsaw--was appealing to Rick and his wife Linda.
The couple, who met while he was in a leadership slot on the Naval base at Dahlgren, has had a home in Westmoreland's Stratford Harbour for years. Rick still works part of each week in Alexandria, having retired after 35 years of flying.
What seemed like a great opportunity--becoming partners in a boy's boarding school--left the couple with the 100 acres when that project didn't pan out.
Not wanting to get into traditional farming, the Phillipses wanted to put something on the property that would be a plus for them and the community.
"One day I bumped into Doug Flemer from Ingleside Vineyards and asked him some basic questions about growing grapes," Rick said. "It got the whole ball rolling."
From there, the couple began to school themselves on planting, cultivating and harvesting grapes.
With support from the folks at Ingleside, which buys their grapes, and the work of vineyard manager Larry Carey, a longtime county farmer and factory manager, a first crop was produced in 2002.
Today, the couple can talk wines and grapes for hours--their cabernet franc, Chardonel, touriga and pinot grigio.
But the Phillipses knew the property could offer more than just wagon loads of grapes.
To start with, there was an old manor house, parts of it dating back to the 1800s.
While some might have looked at the house and seen just sagging floors and worn walls, the Phillipses saw possibilities.
It is now a three-bedroom, two-bath retreat that can sleep seven.
The couple also needed a building to house everything from equipment to wine tastings.
So they built a 1,000-square-foot conference room that can be used for receptions, dinners and smaller meetings.
Above it are two bedrooms, two baths, a full kitchen and windows and a porch that provide panoramic views of the property.
"We're marketing the place as a great retreat, a spot where you can get away from the rush of everyday life," said Linda, who provides the warm muffins and personalized greeting for guests.
Visitors from spring to early fall can see a vineyard in action, with the Phillipses and their staff hard at work in the care and feeding of the all-important vines.
At any time of year, said Linda, the different seasons and wildlife make the spot an interesting destination.
General's Ridge's marketing pitch-- "A quiet moment in time"--is one that will resonate for many in our busy, crowded region.
That is, if we can slow down long enough to take a look.
For information, call 703/313-9742 Monday to Thursday, or 804/493-0226 Friday to Sunday.
generalsridgevineyard.comRob Hedelt: 540/374-5415
Email: rhedelt@freelancestar.com
