Today Virginia is the fifth largest wine producing state in the United States. Its 130 wineries have received national accolades. (Comstock Complete)

Vintage fun in Lavaux Lush wine destinations

Q: My mother visited Virginia this past summer and was surprised to discover they had wineries there. I plan a return visit with her so we can visit some. Can you offer any tips on wine touring in Virginia?

-- M. Eadie, Brampton

A: Winemaking in Virginia dates back to colonial times. Today Virginia is the fifth largest wine producing state in the United States. Its 130 wineries have received national accolades.

The oldest native North American varietal commercially cultivated for winemaking is the Norton grape. Vintages made from the Norton grape can be sampled at Chrysalis Vineyards (chrysaliswine.com). Wine lovers can also explore Virginia's numerous wine trails, many of which are located in the state's northern region.

October is Virginia Wine Month so its a great time to go. There are special events in celebration of the 2007 harvest and wine festivals aplenty from the Town Point Wine Festival along the Elizabeth River in Norfolk to the Festival of The Grape in historic Powhatan to Wine and Garlic Festival at Rebec Vineyards in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Special events include the Haunted Winery Dinner at DelFosse Vineyards and Winery, All Things Olive at Villa Appalachia Winery and Autumn Explosion and Barrel Tasting at Barboursville Vineyards.

If you plan on driving, Virginia is only 10 hours from Ontario. For flights, Air Canada, United Express, and US Air Express have non-stop flights to Washington. For more information about Virginia Wine Month, go to virginia.org/wine or call 1-800-675-3230 to request a 2007 Virginia Travel Guide.

Q: When do the slopes open in Whistler, B.C.?

-- D. Letourneau, Toronto

A: Soon it will be time to dust off that ski gear stashed in the back of your closet. The folks at Tourism Whistler recently announced that opening day for Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is scheduled for Nov. 22. Skiers and snowboarders are raring to go, anxious to hit the slopes and dreaming of the perfectly groomed cruisers, powder-filled bowls and seemingly endless mountain terrain and alpine adventures. "While skiers and riders may not be able to see all of the changes, Whistler Blackcomb crews have been hard at work making some very important on-mountain improvements, including building new water treatment plants at Glacier Creek and Crystal Hut on Blackcomb Mountain and the Children's Learning Centre on Whistler Mountain at a total cost of $480,000.

For updates, visit whistlerblackcomb.com