It's Spring in Virginia. Get thee to a Vineyard!

There are more than 200 wineries in Virginia, so if you're looking for something to do consider going to one of them! Many are within an hour's drive of Northern Virginia so its an economical and convenient diversion.  If you've never been to a winery you're in for a treat. It simply feels like you're on vacation…miles from the hustle bustle of our busy lives here in Northern Virginia.  

Thomas Jefferson cultivated European grapes for more than 30 years. His Monticello vineyards never produced a single bottle of (decent) wine from his years of vineyard trials. And he wasn’t alone in trying. After 11 years of futile effort at Mount Vernon, George Washington, too, had nothing to show for it. Fast forward many, many years. A renewed effort to grow a European Chardonnay succeeded at the Waverly Estate in Middleburg in 1973. Then in 1976, Italian pioneer vintner Gianni Zonin hired Gabriele Rausse to grow and harvest vinifera grapes near Charlottesville. He established Barboursville Vineyards (My favorite winery) and then helped other vineyards do the same. By 1995, Virginia had 46 wineries. By 2005, 107. Now we have over 200 beautiful wineries in the Old Dominion that we get the pleasure of visiting. The persistence of generations of winemakers has paid off. Thank you Thomas Jefferson and others who believed that Virginia would be a great place to make delicious wines!

Like I mentioned….Barboursville Vineyards is my favorite. The wine is great, but it's the beautiful setting that gets to me. The winery is located near Charlottesville and consists of over 800 acres. Enjoy a wine tasting for $10 then stroll the grounds. Explore the ruins of James Barbour house, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson, president of the United States and Barbour's friend and political ally. Take a stroll down a dirt road, passing the cottages and inn where you can stay the night……and maybe have an incredible meal at their restaurant Palladio.

A few wineries closer to Northern Virginia that I love are Chrysalis Vineyards near Middleburg (favorite wine- Sarah's Patio Red) and a new winery, 868 Estate Vineyards near Purcellville. Enjoy delicious wine, a charming atmosphere and the amazing award winning Grandale Restaurant - recently named one of Northern Virginia's top restaurants. Grandale is a “farm to table” restaurant, featuring as much local meat and produce as possible. 868 Estate Vineyards also has live entertainment on weekends and other special events. You'll feel like you're in Florence - so make a day of it!

I've recommended only three wineries I like. Virginia wineries are all different and special in their own way, but I have to admit, I like some more than others. I need to keep exploring new ones! Even if you aren't a fan of wine….go for the scenery and relaxation. Many have outdoor seating areas, fire pits where you can roast your own marshmallows, restaurants, and walking paths. Most wineries I've
checked out even allow dogs!  

I raise a glass of merlot to all our wonderful local wineries! Get thee to Barboursville Vineyards or 868 Estate Vineyards or Chrysalis or Three Fox Vineyards or Paradise Springs in Clifton….I think you get the point.  Enjoy!

Just for the record, I have no affiliations with any of the vineyards I've mentioned. If you have any recommendations I'd love to know. What's your favorite local winery and why?

http://www.virginiawine.org/       http://868estatevineyards.com/      www.chrysalis.com 

Ellen Moyer, Realtor RE/MAX Allegiance    (I know a little about Virginia Vineyards, but a lot about selling homes in Northern Virginia)

www.ellenmoyer.com    ellen.moyer@rmxtalk.com