Confirm The Food Situation
Some Virginia wineries dont allow outside food or beverage. Some Virginia wineries encourage outside food because they dont serve any of their own food.
I personally am a big fan of the cheese platter , so Im often looking for wineries that serve at least a cheese platter.
Some wineries might not serve their own food, but will have a food truck on site during the weekends.
If a winery encourages outside food, stop at a local grocery store to stock up on some snack foods. You dont want hunger to dampen your experience!
Stone Chateau At Bear Chase Brewing Bluemont
Celebrate a wedding, group getaway, or family reunion at the spacious and elegant stone chateau at Bear Chase Brewing. Up to 14 guests enjoy upscale amenities including an indoor pool, jacuzzi, exercise room, and sauna. Take in the view from the large patio and several other outdoor seating areas. Tasty craft beer is right next door in the Bear Chase Brewing tasting room.
6 bedrooms 14 guests Bear Chase rental info
If You Love A Good Cider Or Spirit
Mount Defiance Cidery & Distillery207 West Washington Street &;495 East Washington Street Middleburg, VA 20118mtdefiance.com
If youre walking through Middleburg exploring its quaint shops and admiring its historic charm theres a really good chance youll find yourself in front of Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery. Do yourself a favor and go in.
Mount defiance specializes in;handcrafted, small-batch hard cider and spirits and was born out of a desire to;revive the popularity of classic spirits with roots in both Colonial America and Europe. Early English settlers in America loved their hard cider after all. While Mt. Defiances dry farmhouse style ciders are certainly amazing, dont leave without trying some of their spirits. Just dont.
Read Also: What Goes Good With White Wine
Jurassic Park At The Library Of Congress Packard Theatre
Located fifteen minutes away from the Inn at Meander Plantation, this beautiful 205 seat Art Deco-style theater with superlative sound, state-of-the-art film projection and comfortable seating is the site for a wide selection of film, video and television screenings as well as live performances. All Packard Campus programs are free and open to the public, but children 12 younger must be accompanied by an adult. Open seating is on a first come, first served basis. The theater lobby will open 45 minutes before show time.
Date: March 30th
Locals Guide Where To Eat Drink Stay & Play In Virginia Wine Country
Be prepared to be wowd as Virginia Wine Country is quickly becoming a new wine country mecca for wine snobs, foodies and those that want to be pampered. We share with you the best places to stay, eat and drink while in Virginia Wine Country.
I wont lie to you, Ive had Virginia Wine Country on my bucket list for longer than Id like to admit. And recently my wish came true while visiting my in-laws in Chevy Chase, MD. My trip to Virginia Wine Country is on! And to make it a memorable wine country adventure, I enlisted some of my dearest friends, for the ultimate girls getaway weekend in Virginia Wine Country and check out its epicenter, Loudon County.
Stepping into wine country on the East Coast for the first time, you realize that theres so much history surrounding you; after all this is where much of the early American wine culture originated thanks to Thomas Jefferson. From buildings dating back to the 1700s, to the rolling hills and sprawling country estates of Virginia Wine Country, the energy of the early settlers was calling my name. I couldnt be more excited to visit one of the oldest, most beautiful and most-visited winery regions in the nation and to top that, share it with my group of girlfriends.
Don’t Miss: What Kind Of Wine Is Stella Rosa
Abandoning Real Estate For Wine
After a visit to Glen Manor, well double back toward Linden and head east 14 miles past Jim Laws vineyard to Delaplane. In this locale sits just down the road from one another two of Jims other pupils: Delaplane Cellars and RdV Vineyards.
Delaplane Cellars sits on the top of a small hill overlooking the valley and is owned by Jim Dolphin, a former chief investment officer in a real-estate firm who preferred making wine to investing in real estate, selling his home and quitting his job to make his dream a reality.
Visitors to the winery will often be treated to live music and can both picnic in the vineyard or relax in the tasting room. Delaplane makes fantastic reds including a delicious Bordeaux style blend and a Syrah that adds a bit of Tannat to the wine. Tannat is a grape with incredibly thick skins from southwest France that is known for doing very well in warm and humid climates like Virginia, which is why Dolphin originally started to grow it. As the name suggests, Tannat is known for having an incredibly high amount of tannins and when blended with the Syrah it gives the wine a really nice structure, making it a perfect wine for grilled lamb or even Virginia BBQ.
Wine Grape Varieties Grown In Virginia
Virginia is coming into their own and now have a keen sense of what grows well in each area.; Chardonnay is the largest planted grape, followed by Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and then Petit Verdot in that order. The sixth largest planted grape is Viognier. The next tier of grapes includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinto Grigio, Petit Manseng, Tannat, Chambourcin, Norton, Vidal Blanc and Traminette. There are currently 23 grape varieties that are followed in the industry survey that measures grape production in VA.
Some have come to know Viognier as the official grape of Virginia, but Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Petit Verdot are encroaching on that status.
You May Like: What Kind Of Wine Can Pregnant Women Drink
Williamsburg Inn Colonial Williamsburg
The best-known destination in Virginia Wine Country and a huge attraction on its own, Colonial Williamsburg features a variety of lodging that ranges from the stately Williamsburg Inn, a member of the Historic Hotels of America; to the Colonial Houses, which are furnished with period reproductions and antiques; to the casual, family-friendly Williamsburg Lodge.
Map The Location Of The Wineries
Now that youve narrowed down your list of wineries a little bit, plug them into a map to see how far apart they are located.
The Virginia wine regions can be quite large and you dont want to spend all your time commuting between wineries.
To help reduce your transportation time, group wineries that are closer together so that you can go to ones in the same general area on the same day.
Read Also: Can You Get Wine Delivered In Nj
Tour Five Of Central Virginia’s Premier Wineries
Enjoy the beautiful Virginia countryside as you drive from winery to winery. Taste handcrafted, award winning Virginia wines of exceptional quality and character. The HOVA Passport Ticket provides a basic flight option at all five wineries with a souvenir wineglass. Food is available for purchase at most of the trail wineries. HOVA Passport tickets can be purchased on-line or at any of the Heart of Virginia Wineries.
Allow Time To Explore Historic Areas
Virginia is filled with historic markers dating back to Colonial times, including many important Revolutionary War and Civil War sites.
Once youve decided what wineries you want to visit, search the map to determine if there are any nearby historical sites.
A visit to Virginia wine country is a great opportunity to visit historic locations.
Also Check: How To Ship Wine Glasses
Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center Roanoke
Built in 1882 to serve passengers at the juncture of the Norfolk and Western Railroad and located right off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Hotel Roanoke is the centerpiece of this easy-going Southern city.;A short stroll through its covered walkway leads to galleries, shops, and a farmers market. And just outside the city limits, you can explore Virginia wine country wineries.
Music On The Patio With Jimmy O
Come spend your day relaxing at the winery listening to the music of Jimmy O. He is an amazing guitarist with a unique style of classic rock, oldies, and rockin country mix sure to please everyone. Grab your favorite glass of wine and enjoy some great music. No cover and dog friendly!
Date:;February 23rdLocation: DuCard Vineyards: 40 Gibson Hollow Ln, Etlan, VA 22719
Recommended Reading: What Snacks Go Good With Wine
Stopping By Middleburg Before Or After
On the way, coming or going to Fauquier County, stop in Loudoun County. ;Middleburg is especially welcoming for a step into the past and to be part of Horse and Hound country.; Whether you want an easy meal or partake in a historical establishment, there are two places not to miss.; The Red Horse Tavern has the normal wide selection of burgers, a full line of beer taps, and great outdoor seating.; Being right on the main street of Middleburg, its great people watching as well.; Check out their menu at www.redhorsetavern.net.
Now, Middleburg is halfway between Washington, DC and the frontier town of Winchester, VA, and is surrounded by Civil War Battlefields and the Blue Ridge Mountains.; It has been in existence since the early 1700s and right in the center of town is another historical place to sleep or eat known as the Red Fox Inn and Tavern.; Established in 1728, it has been the focal point for this small town for celebrities like President John F. Kennedy, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who frequently spent the night during fall foxhunting season. Elizabeth Taylor, who was once married to Virginias U.S. Senator John Warner, also visited the Red Fox Inn.; Call first to see if a reservation is needed. The Red Fox Inn is highly sought after and closes at times for private events.; More information is available at www.redfox.com.;
As you would expect, there are lots of bed and breakfasts to stay at as well.; Or, since its only an hour from DC, options abound.
Virginia Wine Country Retirement Tip #3: How To Pay Lower Fees
Managing your own portfolio is a wise decision if you have the skills and demeanor. Otherwise, folks outsource portfolio management to professional investment managers. Investment managers charge fees and lower fees are important, as they eat into investment returns and, ultimately, decrease the amount of wine you can purchase. Lower fees offer an immediate, risk-free return . You can only lower fees by asking your current manager to lower your fees or switching managers. It is my well-researched belief that fees of other Average Managers will not only never go down but also likely increase due to their greed and need to support large staffs. Expensive Managers fees are higher than Average Managers fees, as these expensive managers are usually banks or investment managers owned by banks or insurance companies .;
Investment advice and portfolio management are not priced like wine. When one purchases wine, it is perceived that the more expensive the wine costs, the better the wine must taste. This has been proven untrue in blind taste tests over and over again. Many great wines are available for minimal cost. Similarly, it is unfortunately perceived that higher investment fees equate to better investment performance and a higher level of service. Paying more in the investment world does not equate to actual better results.
Also Check: Where To Buy Wine Yeast Locally
A Taste Of Virginias Native Grape
To end our tour of Northern Virginia wine country, wed be remiss if we didnt take a taste of Virginias native grape: Norton. Norton, unlike the grapes used by all of the previous wineries on our list, was not born in Europe, but right here in the US, created in Richmond by Daniel Norton in the 1820s. Just 6 miles east of Boxwood, Chrysalis Vineyards, has made Norton the winerys focus. While few places champion Norton, it is gaining fans, including famed wine critic Jancis Robinson.
The wine as described by Chrysalis is robust and fruity, and we think its the perfect glass with which to end your tour of Northern Virginia. Jefferson would certainly be proud.
Rise Of The Guardians At The Library Of Congress Packard Theatre
Located fifteen minutes away from the Inn at Meander Plantation, this beautiful 205 seat Art Deco-style theater with superlative sound, state-of-the-art film projection and comfortable seating is the site for a wide selection of film, video and television screenings as well as live performances. All Packard Campus programs are free and open to the public, but children 12 younger must be accompanied by an adult. Open seating is on a first come, first served basis. The theater lobby will open 45 minutes before show time.
Date: March 2ndLocation: Packard Campus Theatre: 19053 Mt Pony Rd, Culpeper, VA 22701
Recommended Reading: Where Can I Buy Black Box Wine
Historic Cottage In The Heart Of Bluemont
This brand new listing only has one review, but it looks like a fantastic choice for a family or group getaway. The historic cottage in the heart of Bluemont sits right on the Snickersville Turnpike surrounded by fantastic hiking, breweries, wineries, and kid-friendly activities.
3 bedrooms 8 guests no pets Historic Cottage in Bluemont rental info
Diy Painting Class With Wine & Design
Spend a relaxing evening creating your masterpiece with Wine & Design. This is a great opportunity to get in touch with your artistic side in a relaxed setting. Please call 540-661-8409 in advance if you are interested in reserving a seat!
Date: February 23rdLocation: 201 Waters Place #109 Culpeper VA 22701
Also Check: What Glass For White Wine
Virginia Wine Country Retirement Tip #1: Time In The Market
Time in the market beats timing the market. There will be times where the market seems overvalued and you want to run for the hills and drink wine. This is not prudent, because if you missed the markets best 30 days over the last 20 years, you would have given up all positive total returns. If you missed just 50 of the best days over 20 years, your portfolio would have declined by 60 percent. The graphic below further illustrates the benefit of maintaining long-term market exposure, in that the longer the time frame, the more positive your investment returns become.
Restaurants In Virginia Wine Country
Theres so many options to eat in Middleburg, Virginia and in Loudoun County. If you find yourself is Loudoun County wine tasting and need some food, I’ve created a list of six restaurants that Ive previously visited and that I love in Loudoun County. These restaurants are all different, some more causal than others.;
Recommended Reading: What Is Napa Valley Wine Train
Cottage At Wheatland Spring Brewery Waterford
Explore one of the prettiest small towns in Northern Virginia from your cottage at Wheatland Spring Farm Brewery. A full breakfast is included with your stay and tasty craft beer is just steps away. When youre ready to explore, head to historic downtown Waterford or one of the many nearby wineries.
1 bedroom 2 guests no children, no pets Wheatland Spring cottage rental info.
Find The Best Virginia Wedding Venues For The Perfect Backdrop Of Your Wedding Festivities
Our preferred Wedding Venues include: Airlie, Barboursville Vineyards, Black Horse Inn, Boars Head Resort, Brix & Columns at Six Penny Farm, Castle Hill Cider, The Clifton Inn, CrossKeys Vineyards, Devils Backbone Brewing Company, The Draftsman Hotel, Goodstone Inn, The Graduate Charlottesville, Greenhill Vineyards, The Homestead Resort, The Inn at Little Washington, Inn at Willow Grove,Keswick Hall, Morais Vineyards and Winery, Old Metropolitan, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, The Red Fox Inn, The Salamander Resort, The Seclusion, Sinkland Farms, Stone Tower, Veritas Vineyard & Winery, and Waterperry Farm.
When looking for your perfect Virginia wedding venue, here are three things to consider:
Don’t Miss: Where To Stay In Burgundy Wine Country
Broad Run Virginia Wineries
6190 Georgetown Road, Broad Run, VA 20137
Travel Time from DC: About 1 hour 15 minutes from the National Mall.
No Northern Virginia winery list would be complete without mentioning Pearmund Cellars, a family-owned winery that has been voted as the Peoples Choice Virginias Favorite Winery for four years in Virginia Wine Lovers Magazine. Pearmund has won many awards for its wines in both east and west coast competitions, making it a very popular Virginia Wine Country destination. For only $10, you can do a basic tasting at the indoor tasting bar, which is part of the best tasting room as voted by Virginia Wine Lovers. While visiting, you can also choose to do a full experience, which includes a food & wine tasting in the winerys barrel room for only $50 per person, or there are several tour options in between. Stop by to taste an award-winning Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, or one of the other Pearmund wines. You wont find any live music here, so sit back, relax, and simply enjoy the wine.
