RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Grapes harvested from vines at the Virginia Executive Mansion will be included in a wine to help celebrate the mansion's bicentennial next year.
Gov. Bob McDonnell's office said Wednesday that fruit from 10 Chambourcin (sham-bor-SAN) grapevines at the mansion was harvested last week.
The grapes were harvested by first lady Maureen McDonnell, Agriculture Secretary Todd Haymore and winemaker Luca Paschina.
McDonnell's office says the fruit was transported to Barboursville Vineyards to be fermented. It will be combined with fruit from other wineries and vineyards across Virginia to create a blended red wine. The wine will celebrate the mansion's bicentennial and help promote Virginia wine and wine tourism.
