Throughout most of its existence, Botetourt County has been primarily agricultural. During its settlement in the mid-eighteenth century, most of the new immigrants acquired small farms where they engaged in subsistence agriculture. They raised a wide variety of crops for their own use such as corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, and hay, as well as smaller amounts of tobacco. The area was also well suited for livestock and farmers raised horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep. Many farmers in Botetourt began planting large orchards of peaches and apples by the 1870s and during the 1880s. (Botetourt County's Agricultural Heritage - Mari Julienne)
Today, Botetourt County continues to rank in the Top Ten County's for Apple production in the State of Virginia.An addition to the agricultural base has been the production of grapes with several new vineyards opening up in the last year.These vineyards, along with area orchards have open their doors to visitors to experience the fruits of their labor.
The Wine Trail of Botetourt County
On the Botetourt Wine Trail you will find symmetrical rows of hillside vineyards that frame the landscape with a changing palette of textures and colors.Our wineries welcome visitors for tours, tastings, and hospitality with a variety of special events that take place on many weekends throughout the season.
Botetourt Family Farm's unites people seeking to promote their agricultural products and to support each other's efforts through education and encouragement. A Saturday farmer's market is held throughout the growing season (April to October) at Ikenberry's Orchard where local farmers showcase and sell their resources.
In 1954 John L. Etzler, III, developed a recipe for curing country hams that would make your mouth water and your taste buds burst with flavor. Hams were salted and cured with John's special seasoning and hung for approximately six months to one year. The Appalachia's most well-kept secret is now delighting the tables of many throughout the country.
5448 Blacksburg Road, Troutville
540.992.2297
Goats, Pigs, and Horses
Amethyst Acres
This horse farm is dedicated to providing a flexible, professional and customer oriented environment where they focus on helping the client achieve their breeding or training goals.
This local farm raises goats, cows, chickens, ducks, geese and a few other assorted critters on their farm. Naturally, there are plenty of wild brambleberries that cover much of their 120 acres.
The Botetourt County Horseman's Accociation was created to address and serve the interest demonstrated in Botetourt towards better horsemanship as well as the educational needs of the youth in the county.
BreezKrest is a full service facility that provides training, breeding, boarding and pasture service, and clinics or riding lessons.BreezeKrest raises natural gaited horses with the predominant breed being Rocky Mountain Horses.
Triple Oak Stable is a premier equestrian facility for all horse breeds and enthusiasts of all ages and riding styles. Triple Oak offers a wide range of boarding services and first-class riding instruction.
5222 Blacksburg Road, Troutville
540.996.2517
Century Farms
Since the first settlers landed at Jamestown nearly 400 years ago and planted crops to sustain themselves through the winters to come, agriculture has been at the heart of Virginia. Our Commonwealth's traditions and values stem from this heritage and from those Founding Fathers of our state and our nation, many of whom were farmers themselves.
Today, descendants of these first farmers continue to produce food and fiber on the same land as their forefathers. The Virginia Century Farm Program recognizes and honors those farms that have been in operation for at least 100 consecutive years and the generations of Virginia farm families whose diligent and dedicated efforts have maintained these farms, provided nourishment to their fellow citizens and contributed so greatly to the economy of the Commonwealth. In Botetourt County we honor Barger Farm, Blue Ridge Hall Farm, Buhrman Farm, and Cave-Hill Dairy Farm.
Events
Throughout the year there are exciting events held by local orchards, wineries and farms.Experience the bounty of the harvest in the fall, watch cider being pressed, stomp grapes, explore a corn maze or help make apple butter.Visit our events page for detailed events listings.
agricultural. During its settlement in the mid-eighteenth century, most of the new immigrants acquired small farms where they engaged in subsistence agriculture. They raised a wide variety of crops for their own use such as corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, and hay, as well as smaller amounts of tobacco. The area was also well suited for livestock and farmers raised horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep. Many farmers in Botetourt began planting large orchards of peaches and apples by the 1870s and during the 1880s. (Botetourt County's Agricultural Heritage - Mari Julienne)
rank in the Top Ten County's for Apple production in the State of Virginia.
Throughout the year there are exciting events held by local orchards, wineries and farms.