When I think of wine, I tend to think of Napa or the Sonoma Valley in California, or at least places that would require me to take at least a short flight. But it turns out a short drive west of D.C., the Virginia landscape turns into wine country, covered by over 250 wineries serving as a the perfect backdrop to a beautiful sunny day.

Living in south Florida, I was always at least an 8 hour drive from another state, and even traveling in-state, you see a lot of beach but not a whole lot of wineries. Now that I’m in the DMV and the list of things to do is endless, I’ve been doing a lot of exploring of Wineries (because, who doesn’t love wine?)

But let me backtrack a bit. Virginia is no rookie to wine. Actually, wine making dates back to our founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. While both presidents had large estates – Monticello and Mount Vernon – where both sought out to grow there own wine, neither lived to see a single bottle of wine. Years later and Virginia is the 5th largest grape producing state in the United States. The distinct climate region allow for long growing season (160 days) and wines from 24 grape varietals.

Many wineries I’ve had the pleasure of going to offer both indoor and outdoor seating, and on especially beautiful days, you can always opt for bringing a blanket or some cushions to enjoy the food and drinks picnic style. And with the weather steadily warming up, a refreshing glass (or bottle) of wine, and a charcuterie plate is a wonderful way to spend your afternoon with friends.

One of the things I loved about the area- although let’s be honest, what’s not to love? – was the wide variety of places to pick from and things to do while you’re there. Not only does the area have several wineries but also breweries and outdoor activities – like corn hole and fruit-picking. Because of this, it’s easy to make a whole day out of exploring while enjoying the weather alongside great company.

Because the Wineries are set on the mountains, the views are to die for – especially at sunset.

My two favorite places have been Bluemont Vineyard  and Stone Tower Winery.

Bluemont Vineyard offers an airy barn and tasting area that is filled with light. The property is two floors both offering indoor and outdoor seating and just outside the tasting room there is plenty of space for DIY picnics. The wood and metal accents give it the perfect rustic vibe. As you take in the  breathtaking view from our tasting room, you will feel the connection to the dirt, the sun and the atmosphere that stir the soul and elevate the spirit.

If you are able to stay till sunset, I recommend that with all of my heart. The sun lightly kissing your skin as the wind blows and the sun slowly sets is a thing of dreams and this property perfectly captures is.

Stone Tower Winery has a lot more space for visitors offering a barn with a large patio area with seating and lots of land for you to create your own picnic. It also offers a three floor tasting room which also has an outdoor patio are, balconies with seating in every floor and more land for you to enjoy picnic style. If you walk down they also have a little wooden bridge and pond are that is straight tout of a movie scene.

The accents are a mix of rustic and high-end mountain estate (is that even a thing?) that compliment each other so well.

 

Here, though the views of the Virginia landscape are not as prominent as they are at Bluemont but the architecture and the views of the pond and vineyards sure are pretty and make the day absolutely enjoyable. (I mean, can you really get mad with views like this? The answer is no.)

I’m so happy that I have been able to fit these visits into my weekends. Law school can sometimes mean I hole myself up in my room, library, or occasionally a coffee shop, but the wine and the views offers a wonderful way to unwind!

** Although I mentioned my favorite places, wineries across the state offer a variety of events that are definitely worth checking out!