According to a study by the Institute for Service Research , Loudoun ’ s agritourism businesses brought in 1.2 million visitors in 2018 , generating a total economic impact of some $ 413.6 million . About 40 percent of those visitors were from outside the region .
visitors in 2018 , generating a total economic impact of some $ 413.6 million . About 40 percent of those visitors were from outside the region . An additional survey by the Loudoun Wineries Association , Loudoun County Economic Development and Visit Loudoun found that wineries and farm breweries hosted nearly 800,000 of those visitors , collecting an estimated $ 30.7 million in revenue .
“ Agritourism is a vital piece of Loudoun ’ s economy and not only puts substantial money back in the economy but also provides unique experiences for visitors and residents alike ,” Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson said .
As DC ’ s Wine Country ®, it ’ s no surprise that Loudoun wineries bring in much of the traffic , but the appeal is beyond tasting fine wine — it ’ s a glimpse into a conserved way of life .
“ I had an epiphany that the quintessential preservation of a harvest is a bottle of wine – it can last 30 years ,” said Jenni McCloud , the owner of Chrysalis Vineyards at the Ag District near Middleburg , the largest producer of Norton grapes in the world . McCloud ’ s 412-acre conservation area includes her vineyard , a creamery and tasting room / produce market at which visitors sample wines and other items grown on the farm . “ It ’ s a powerful thing when a
Photo : visit loudoun
In addition to Hillsborough Vineyards & Brewery pictured here , there are more than three dozen wineries and tasting rooms in Loudoun County to explore , savor and enjoy the views .
Photo : Bonnie Branding , visit loudoun
Wheatland Spring Farm + Brewery brews “ Land Beer ” focused on estate , local , and regional ingredients .
visitor asks where this drink came from , to be able to point to a vineyard and say : ‘ right over there ’.”
One of the enduring charms of the area is that agritourism
spans large empires like the Ag District and Great Country Farms to smaller entrepreneurs creating unique products for visitors to take home . Working out of a rustic 18th century log cabin on 10-acre Shepherd ’ s Corner Farm , fiber artist Rebecca Brouwer makes exquisite handmade scarves , wraps and shawls from wool sheared from the 20-strong herd of Swedish-breed Gotland sheep she and husband Dennis raise on the property . Brouwer uses a unique felting technique that
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