The Clifton Homes Tour is on May 16!

You've got to see some of these homes.

Quaint, scenic and distinguished. The 41st annual Clifton Charity Homes Tour is next Thursday, Many 16, 2013. The event, which is sponsored  by the Clifton Community Woman's Club, gives patrons the chance to see homes in the historic town.  Hundreds are expected to participate in the event, which has raised $160,000 for student scholarships and charities over the past seven years alone. Tickets cost $25 if bought in advance, and $30 on the day of the tour (single home admission is $10).  The tour features four Clifton homes and will be held from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. The Paradise Springs Winery will host a "Wine Down" from 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., and the event will include a silent auction, lunch, a raffle and drinks.  The tour begins at …

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Weekend Planner: Ballroom Dancing in Lorton, Acoustic Guitars in Clifton and a Campfire in Chantilly

Fun events in and around Northern Virginia Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17.

Looking for some fun this weekend? We've found a bunch of happenings, courtesy of Fairfax County and other outlets taking place Friday, Saturday and Sunday in and around the area. Know of another fun event? Feel free to mention it in the comments box below.  Katie & Logan Acoustic Duo Enjoy your Friday evening or Saturday afternoon with live music at Paradise Springs Winery, the closest winery to Washington DC and the first in Fairfax County. After a hard week at work, relax with a picnic, good friends, and a great bottle of wine. Featuring live music every Friday evening until 9 p.m., and every Saturday from 2-6 p.m. Artists include acoustic acts, pianists, jazz bands, banjos, or other various forms. Enjoy the sounds of Katie & Logan, …

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Small Business Spotlight

Paradise Springs Winery Wins Silver at National Competition

Clifton's own gets a nod.

Clifton’s own Paradise Springs Winery was recognized at the 2012 San Francisco International Wine Competition, the largest international wine competition in the nation. “We are always thrilled to have some acknowledgment from the higher ups and we are excited about what we are doing,” said Jane Kincheloe-Wiles, co-owner of Paradise Springs. The winery was given a silver medal for their 2011 Petit Manseng, a $25 bottle of wine. More then 4,500 wines from 26 states and 29 countries competed in the contest which took place in June. Several other Virginia wineries also took home medals, with Barboursville Vineyards based out of Charlottesville winning the best in show for dessert wines.

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Local Wineries Feel Effects of Summer Heat

Extreme weather has had the potential to impact both fruit growth and foot traffic at local wineries

Local wineries across the area are feeling the effects of the intense summer heat and the June 29 derecho.  The quality of wine grapes is dependent more on precipitation than sunlight, but intense heat and dry weather can negatively affect fruit. At The Winery at Bull Run, there is an automatic irrigation system in place to ensure the grapes obtain enough water. “A vine is just like a tree – it is gathering nutrients from the ground,” Hickox said.  While sunlight can pose a slight threat and occasionally burn the skin of grapes, owner Jon Hickox said it is not a large concern. “The sunlight is good for it if anything,” Hickox said. Kirk Wiles, owner of Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, said this summer season has been on the drier side. …

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Paradise Springs Winery Wins Best Chardonnay Award

Paradise Springs Winery had the best Chardonnay, according to Virginia Wine Lover magazine readers.

Virginia Wine Lover magazine readers chose Paradise Springs Winery’s Chardonnay 2010 as the best white wine and chardonnay in the state. Clifton’s Paradise Springs was also voted as having one of the top norton wines, sparkling wines, tasting rooms and winery tours. It tied in fourth place as the best winery in Northern Virginia, along with Breaux Vineyards located in Purcellville, VA. Over 9,000 votes were cast in the “Best Of” contest. To view the full list of winners, go to www.virginiawinelover.com/feat_spring12.php.

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Small Business Spotlight

Virginia's Wineries Bearing Fruit

Clifton's own Paradise Springs Winery has doubled production since opening in 2010.

The wine industry in Virginia has seen "tremendous growth" in the last few years, Gov. Bob McDonnell said recently, and an example of that trend can be seen no further then the blossoming Paradise Springs Winery right in Clifton.  “The wine industry has gotten better and better,” said Kirk Wiles, owner of Paradise Springs Winery on Yates Ford Road. The industry contributes $747 million annually to the state’s economy, an increase of 106 percent since 2005, according to an economic impact study released recently. Frank, Rimmerman + Co., an accounting and consulting firm that specializes in the wine industry studies, conducted the study. Though California's Napa Valley traditionally has been one of the nation's most popular wine producers, …

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Barbara Jacksier

8:28 am on Thursday, February 9, 2012

My family and I love spending time at Paradise Springs. A visit feels like a mini vacation only 10 minutes from my home. Their wines are fresh and lively, the setting and roaring fire a winter delight and the live entertainment a plus.   more ›