Mrs. McDonnell and Secretary Haymore Speak to the Catholic Business Network about Wine and Tourism Initiatives in Virginia
– Photo Link:(L to R): Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore; Jane Kincheloe Wiles; Drew Wiles; First Lady Maureen McDonnell; Kirk Wiles –

CLIFTON - First Lady Maureen McDonnell and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore spoke to the Catholic Business Network of Northern Virginia at Paradise Springs Winery on Tuesday. Since 2010 Mrs. McDonnell has helped to promote Virginia wine, film and tourism throughout Virginia, across the United States and abroad as part of her First Lady's Initiatives Team Effort (FLITE) Foundation. FLITE's purpose is to bring attention to the great work being done by selfless people around the Commonwealth who are taking the opportunity to leave Virginia a better place than they found it.

Speaking at the event Mrs. McDonnell said, "No state compares Virginia when it comes to all we have to offer - from our great history, to our breath-taking mountains, our beautiful beaches, and our award-winning wines!" She continued on to share that "In 2011 I planted 10 Chambourcin vines at the Executive Mansion to commemorate the General Assembly's Acte 12 of 1619 in Jamestown, that required every young man over the age of 18 to plant and tend at least 10 wine vines. We're currently harvesting my wine grapes to be included in a statewide blend to help celebrate the mansion's 200th birthday in 2013 and continue to bring awareness to our incredible wine industry."

Secretary Haymore said "Virginia's burgeoning wine industry is being recognized both here and abroad for its excellence, which is a tribute to our winery owners and winemakers. The Governor and First Lady's efforts to promote wine and wine tourism as economic development catalysts are adding to the deserved recognition, creating more growth opportunities, and helping preserve working farmland throughout the Commonwealth. I applaud the Catholic Business Network for partnering with the Governor and First Lady to highlight Virginia wine and wine tourism to its membership at Paradise Springs. We need more businesses and associations promoting the concept of buying local and supporting their fellow businesses."

Paradise Springs, founded in 2007, is Fairfax County's first and only winery. In April 2008, the first vineyard, comprised of Cabernet Franc, was planted on the west end of the property and has since seen exceptional growth. The winery most recently won a Governor's Cup medal in 2011.

The Catholic Business Network of Northern Virginia is an independent, nonprofit organization of businesses and individual professionals, who come together to represent community interests and advance Catholic morality, values, and ethics in both the workplace and in the community.

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