Virginia Wineries...Sample them!Williamsburg Winery is the largest Virginia winery but there are over 100 other Virginia wineries spread out around the state. As you plan your trip to the Historic Triangle area there are some other regional wineries that you may want to plan trips to.
James River Cellars Winery This is the second closest winery to Colonial Williamsburg It is one hour away it is worth the trip. Their dessert wine Dolce Vino, was the winner of the Governor’s Cup for the best Virginia wine of 2005. The winery is open for tours and tastings seven days a week, Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call ahead for holiday hours! There is no charge for the tour but tastings are $1. There is only light food available so the winery invites you to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy their beautiful grounds. 11008 Washington Highway, Click here to learn more about the special events at James River Cellars Winery Belle Mount Vineyards Belle Mount Vineyards is much more than just one of Virginia wineries. It is also a family recreation destination. They have a rustic resort right on the grounds with the vineyard. You can rent cabins,go camping, hiking, fishing or swimming. Check out their U-Tube video below to get a better feel for the vineyard. Belle Mount Vineyards is 1 hour and 30 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg. Belle Mount Vineyards is located at
Lake Anna Winery Lake Anna Winery is one of the many family owned Virginia wineries that are coming into their own as a major player in the wine industry. Lake Anna Winery's wines have won awards at the Virginia State Fair and have been recognized in Parade Magazine. It is 1 hour and 49 minutes from Colonial Williamsburg. It is very close to Belle Mount Vineyards. The winery is open to visitors Tours are given upon request. They are conducted provided there is enough staff available to handle the crowds.
Greyhaven Winery Greyhaven winery is also in the same vicinity as Cooper Vineyards and Lake Anna Winery and not to far from Belle Anna and James River Cellars. It is another one of the up and coming family owned Virginia wineries that specializes in small batch production of fine wines. They offer tasting similar to Williamsburg Winery. Click here to see a breakdown of their different tastings. Although I am not convinced that a winery makes a good outing for children, Greyhaven Winery does say they are family friendly.They have playgrounds for kids, horses to pet and non alcoholic drinks. If you have well-behaved pets you may also bring them. They are open daily 11am - 5pm year round with extended summer hours. From May-October the winery stays open until 7pm on Fridays & Saturdays. 4675 East Grey Fox Circle Cooper Vineyards Cooper Vineyards is open daily April - December – 11:00-5:00. They specialize in tasting events and do not do tours of the vineyards. You can stop in for a tasting or to shop for wine anytime. 13372 Shannon Hill Rd. Click here to check out their special events for 2008. Oak Crest Vineyard and Winery Oak Crest Vineyard and Winery is a small rather new player to the Virginia Wine makers family. They bottled their first wine in 2004. They are open for tours and tastings April 1-December 23 8215 Oak Crest Drive Hummel Vineyards This is a small winery located very close to Oak Crest Vineyards. They have a tour and tasting and they also offer light gourmet fare like sandwiches. Ingleside Vineyards Ingleside Vineyards is one of the oldest and largest Virginia Wineries. They have won the Virginia Governor's Cup more than any other winery. You can take a tour of the winery for no fee. The Ingleside Winery is open daily: 5872 Leedstown Road Bloxom Vineyard Bloxom Vineyard is located on the Eastern Shore. It is close to Chatham Vineyards which is also on the Eastern Shore. It is a 35 acre old Victorian farm with 6 acres of Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet, just minutes south of Chincoteague Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore. This Virginia winery's hours are: June -December, Wednesday - Sunday, 1p.m. - 6p.m. Free wine tasting.They also have Chocolate confections available to taste and purchase. 26130 Mason Road Chatham Vineyards The Chatam Vineyards are a family operated vineyard. The vineyard is relatively young as vineyards go. Today the produce 3,000-5,000 cases per year. Chatham Vineyards is open for complimentary tours and wine tastings Thursday to Monday, 10 am to 5 pm, and open Sunday, 12 pm to 5 pm. 9232 Chatham Road
Are you thirsty yet? GOT VIRGINIA WINE? You better get to one of the many Virginia wineries NOW!
Now that you have planned a trip to the Virginia Wineries click here to plan the rest of your trip.
|
