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The Tip is 'Watch What You Eat' While in the grocery store recently I noticed that the apples were from South America. Next to South American apples were a bin of apples labeled Made in USA. I decided to go with the Made in America apples since they were US grown. Always remember the Big Secret- buying more American made products helps put Americans back to work. It will guide you to food you will want to eat that is grown with US labor. If you just take a moment to look and think before you buy, it is likely you will find what you are looking for. Also, be careful because sometimes labels are not what they seem. Some companies use the letters USA to fool you into thinking they are American products. Trust only those products that literally claim their country of origin. Look for labeling like: Product of USA, Made in USA, Grown in USA, or other definitive markings. And last, when you begin the journey of purposely identifying American products keep in mind that it may take a little time but the more you look the easier it becomes. You will start to remember which brands are made in the USA and which aren't. This knowledge makes it easy and will accumulate over time. Some food items are not grown in the USA and you will learn that too. The Big Secret tells us we don't need to purchase everything from USA manufacturers just a little more than we are accustom to. If you can average $200 a month more on domestic purchases than you otherwise would it adds up fast. $2,400 a year is equivalent to 7 MILLION new American jobs. We believe that is a good thing. Buying Tip Continued - Read more on Made in America Products by Stinson Vineyards Stinson Vineyards is a family-owned estate winery in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains specializing in small lot wines with a distinct French influence. The father/daughter team of Scott and Rachel Stinson takes inspiration from garagiste wineries of France, in both their winemaking techniques and the winery itself, which is built into an old three car garage. The wines of Stinson Vineyards are enjoying growing critical acclaim, and the winery has become a visitor destination for its fine wines, stunning views, and artisan farm store. Historic Piedmont House The Piedmont House at Stinson Vineyards was built in 1796, and expanded to current size in the 1840s. Local legend has it that General Stonewall Jackson stayed at the house during his Valley Campaign of 1862. Anchored by this historic house, the total property now consists of 12 acres of which the vineyard block occupies 5. The house retains many of its original details and infrastructure and is a restoration project in progress. Vineyard The first vines at Piedmont House were planted over 40 years ago by Father of Modern Virginia Wine Gabriele Rausse. Primarily consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the vineyard fell into disrepair through multiple changes in owners. After tearing the disease-ridden vines out on the recommendation of renowned viticulturist and vineyard consultant Lucie Morton, the long neglected soil has been returned to a growable state. 7 acres are currently replanted with carefully selected clones of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tannat. The new vines and rows are closely spaced in the French method and utilize a Vertical Shoot Position (VSP) trellis system with cane pruning to ensure optimal exposure of the grape clusters to sunlight. Close spacing curtails vine vigor, and careful pruning limits the amount of fruit per vine, resulting in quality berries with concentrated flavors. Carefully sourced fruit from other Virginia growers adds the complexity of different terroirs and microclimates to the wines. Grapes come from as far North as Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and as close as Mount Juliet/Grace Estates. Winemaking Wines are made on premises by father/daughter winemaking team Scott and Rachel Stinson. The Stinsons are devotees of French wines, especially those from the Bordeaux and Loire Valley regions. Traditional French winemaking methods are employed under the guidance of winemaking consultant Matthieu Finot, including whole berry fermentation for reds and sur lie aging (on the spent yeast lees) for whites. Focus is placed on European-style wines that emphasize subtlety and complexity rather than power and super-ripeness of West Coast wines. Winery & Tasting Room Stinson Vineyards's winery and tasting room are designed by owner/architect Scott Stinson. Built into an existing three car garage on the property, the facility is a true small scale garagiste winery offering stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, The tasting room also doubles as a unique farm store offering grass-fed beef, farm-raised pork and chicken, free range organic eggs, local produce, and garden fresh herbs. |
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