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A vineyard is the current occupant of this 50-acre site, which comprises acres of the highest land in the Northern Neck, straddling the Potomac and Rappahannock basins. Since 1832, the site has been used for a school, a Civil War garrison for Union troops, and a dairy. In 1960 Carl Flemer planted grapevines at Ingleside, and began making wine. The winery went into commercial production in 1980. The Potomac played an interesting role in the development of Ingleside Plantation winery. In the early 1980s, Jacques Recht, a retired Belgian winery consultant was sailing in the Atlantic with his wife. When they anchored in the Potomac at Kinsale, they met Carl Flemer, who needed help with his first big harvest; Recht tasted a sample and decided to help with the crush. Today, Ingleside produces about 10,000 cases of wine each year, and has won many awards. Recht has become a consultant, and Ingleside's winemaking responsibilities now are those of Tom Payette, who is continuing Ingleside's award-winning traditions. Ingleside is among the leaders in the emerging Virginia wine industry. The winery sponsors annual wine events with tours and tastings, live music, and regional foods. The plantation is open year-round except major holidays, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m. Free guided tours and wine tasting are available. Private tours and facilities for group parties and picnics are available. Directions: The winery is located 2.5 miles south of the town of Oak Grove in the Northern Neck. Proceed south on Va. 3 to Oak Grove, turn right at Va. Route 638. Follow Route 638 2.5 miles to the winery. Ingleside Plantation Vineyards, Route 638, P.O. Box 1038, Oak Grove, VA 22443. Telephone: 804-224-8687.