This historic Tidewater region of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula falls between the Potomac and York rivers, with the Chesapeake Bay to the east. Here in the winter of 1607-08, Captain John Smith was a prisoner of the Powhatans. Here were born three presidents – George Washington, James Madison and James Monroe – two signers of the Declaration of Independence and Confederate general Robert E. Lee. Here you’ll discover charming small towns that date to Colonial times, thousands of miles of shoreline, local museums, the Urbanna Oyster Festival and the Tides Inn resort in Irvington. The verdant land of these peninsulas provides sandy loam soil and a temperate climate year round. Many wineries call this area home – and they, too, await your discovery. Awaiting discovery by your taste buds are such Chesapeake Bay varietals as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Grigio, Seyval Blanc, Syrah, and Vidal Blanc.