The recent rainy weather has brought some challenges to Virginia vineyards.

Mizuho Nita’s Virginia Grape Disease Updates blog explains:

…As you can imagine, this type of weather will increase risks of having late season rots…

…Since temperature during these rain events were low and we have not have many days with sunlight, you may want to keep your clusters hanging little longer…

We’ll have to wait and see what the 2011 vintage is like, but in the meantime, Fredricksburg.com’s Cathy Jett recommends enjoying a bottle from 2007 or 2010:

Buy a bottle of Virginia wine this year, and chances are you’ll get some of the best vintages the state’s wineries have produced.

The dry, sunny summers of 2007 and 2010 produced smaller fruit with a high sugar content, so the resulting wines have bold, complex flavors, said Bill Tonkins, president of the Virginia Vineyards Association.

The Appalachian Trail cuts right through Linden, thus providing an excellent opportunity for those who enjoy hiking. The two-mile section just south of Linden, between Route 55 and Route 638 is a good one anytime as the trail passes through some pretty meadows as well as mountainous woodlands.

Another option is to hike the trails of Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area just north of Linden accessible from Route 638. Each year in early May, an abundance of trillium wildflowers are in bloom there. The white and sometimes pink blooming flowers are remarkable to see. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains the trails and they also offer maps and guidebooks available through their online store; the Linden area shown on their Map 8.

There is Appalachian Trail parking near Route 55 by continuing on Route 55 East past Route 638 to Route 725. After making a left on Route 725, you will find the hiker’s parking lot on your right. Additionally, the Richard Thompson Wildlife Management area is accessible from multiple parking lots on the right side of Route 638 just a short distance past Fox Meadow Vineyards.

While in the area, you may also want to visit Linden Vineyards, which produces some of my favorite Virginia wines. Additionally, the Apple House is located just west on Rte 55 at I-66′s exit 13. The Apple House is Linden’s best (and only) restaurant, featuring barbeque sandwich platters, apple donuts, and souvenirs. Their bbq platter comes with a great version of baked beans, containing pineapple and other ingredients. There is also a convenience store is located at the intersection of Rte 638 and Rte 55.