Food & Wine

Taste the best of southwest Virginia at our wineries, farms and farmers markets.

It's a longstanding tradition here, where fertile valleys have been farmed since the 1700s. Now a new generation of farmers who believe deeply in local food are raising prime grass-fed animals and fruits and vegetables harvested at the peak of ripeness.

There are farmers markets in nearly every town and city throughout our region, and it's a great chance to meet folks, hear the news, and get some wonderful produce. The biggest, in Abingdon, has over a hundred vendors on any Saturday morning, spring to fall, with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, meats and poultry, baked goods and handmade soaps, candles, and more. Artisans bring their work too, and often there's live music.

Great wineries, cider houses and more are dotted across the region. Stop for a taste and take home a few bottles for yourself or as gifts.

You can also visit farms for pick-your-own apples, cherries, vegetables and more. There are farms that specialize in producing fiber – from sheeps' wool to alpaca to rabbits.

There are many fine local restaurants – from Heartwood throughout the region – that serve locally grown fare with a new twist – or specialize in time-honored recipes. Pick a star on the map to find out more. Add the best to your list of destinations, and plan a trip soon to sample our molasses apple stack cake, creamy stone ground grits, fried pies, local organic tomatoes as well as our local wines and ciders.