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Ten New and Refreshing Wine Trips in Virginia

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Ten New and Refreshing Wine Trips in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia is becoming the new hot spot for travelers who are passionate about wine.  Home to more than 130 wineries surrounded by lavish scenery, breathtaking views and monumental historic sites, Virginia is a wine destination unlike any other.  These ten getaways highlight what makes wine travel new and refreshing in Virginia.

TJ’s Stomping Grounds – Travel the Monticello Wine Trail and see how Thomas Jefferson’s vision for great American wine is thriving all around his homestead.  The 21 wineries around the Charlottesville area are an homage to TJ and are surrounded by history, beauty and outstanding inns and restaurants.

Kayak Winery Tour - Paddle your glass off on a kayak trip to Chatham Vineyards with Southeast Expeditions in Cape Charles.  This outfitter on the southern tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore combines outdoor adventure with wine tasting at the winery and on a picnic lunch on a nearby barrier island.

Wine and Bluegrass – Two of Virginia’s greatest exports make great music together in Southwest Virginia.  Soak in the mountain music of The Crooked Road:  Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail while tasting at Chateau Morrisette, Abingdon Vineyards, Villa Appalachia and other nearby wineries.  Stay at the historic Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon, the brand-new Hotel Floyd, or the suite at the Ralph Stanley Museum in Clintwood, one of the only museums in the country where fans can spend the night.

Wine Camps – Challenge your obsession for wine at Virginia wine camps, where wine lovers are put to the test and discover the skills and dedication needed to be a true winemaker. Get down and dirty from the harvest to the bottling at Veramar Vineyards and Tomahawk Winery camps and other special sessions throughout the year.

Virginia Wine Trails – Virginia’s wine trails are unlike any other.  Each traverses a part of Virginia’s diverse landscape, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the waterways of the Northern Neck to the countryside of Loudoun County, with wineries, B&Bs, historic inns and local restaurants unique to each region of the state.

October Wine Month – Wine lovers will be in heaven during Virginia Wine Month.  Each October as fall colors begin to peak, Virginia honors the grape with nearly 100 festivals, events, tastings and special travel packages built for travelers with a passion for wine.

Williamsburg Winery – Tour Williamsburg Winery, Virginia’s largest winery with an annual production of some 60,000 cases.  Just outside of Colonial Williamsburg, the winery’s first wine, Governor’s White, was released in 1988 and won a Gold Medal within two weeks.  The brand-new Wedmore Place neighbors the winery and offers luxurious accommodations within footsteps of the vineyard.

Virginia Beach Wine Week – Taste Virginia wine oceanside during Virginia Beach Wine Week in September, when dozens of restaurants along the famed boardwalk offer Virginia wine specials paired with fresh, local seafood items specially created for the event.   This event is a must for travelers who love food, wine and the beauty of the ocean.

Purple Feet – Live out your I Love Lucy fantasy at Virginia wineries’ grape stompings.  Especially during harvest time, Virginia wineries indulge visitors in their desire to get their feet purple while enjoying a beautiful day in the countryside.  At the Whitefences Vineyard in Irvington, wine lovers can stamp their purple foot print onto their own customized souvenir t-shirt.

Festival Fiends – Pick a month, any month in Virginia, and there is guaranteed to be a wine festival or special event to entice wine lovers to visit.  Strong flavors combine at the Wine and Garlic Festival at Rebec Vineyards.  The Shenandoah Hot Air Balloon and Wine Festival is always an awe-inspiring event.  Blackberry Days Wine Festival at Tarara Winery will sweeten palates and  the Town Point Wine Festival along the Elizabeth River in Norfolk is new favorite.

Ready to satisfy your own viniferous passions?  Go to www.Virginia.org and start planning a new and refreshing wine getaway in Virginia.  Watch a video clip of Mary Watson Delauder, spunky sommelier at Lansdowne Resort, whose passion for wine inspired her “popcorn and chardonnay” pairing.

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