When you think of wine country, Virginia might not be the first place that comes to mind. But if you love wine and beautiful scenery, then you need to visit Virginia wine country.
Did you know that Virginia is home to over 300 wineries? And the number keeps growing!
While grapes have been cultivated in Virginia since colonial times, Virginia wine production didn’t really start taking off until the 1990s.
Since that time, increased expertise in Virginia wine-growing and maturing vines have started to produce world-class wines.
And you should experience it!
Read on for why you need to visit Virginia wine country.
Related:
- How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Virginia Wine Country
- What to Pack for a Perfect Weekend in Virginia Wine Country
Taste multiple varietals
Some of Virginia’s best wines include Viognier and Cabernet Franc.
But Virginia’s variety of climates, from the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the airy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, make it ideal for growing many different types of grapes.
No matter what type of wine you enjoy, you’ll find something you like in Virginia.
Gaze at stunning scenery
I’ve lived in Virginia for over 20 years and am still stunned by its beauty.
To its west, Virginia is home to eight different mountain ranges. To its east, Virginia boasts coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay.
Fall brings colorful foliage and spring brings a floral explosion.
And amongst it all, vineyards dot the Virginia landscape.
It doesn’t get much better than a glass of fantastic wine and a spectacular view.
Explore historic areas
One major draw of Virginia is its deep history.
Virginia is the site of Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson called it home.
Both the Revolutionary War and the U.S. Civil War effectively ended here.
Grey metal signs dot the Virginia countryside, calling out one historical event after another.
A trip to Virginia wine country isn’t just an opportunity to taste wonderful wine. It’s an opportunity to stand on the same ground upon which so many others have stood before us.
Get there fast
As a daily commuter in Washington, DC, I love how quickly I can escape the traffic of DC for Virginia wine country.
If you’re coming from Washington, DC or Ronald Reagan National Airport, you can access dozens of wineries within an hour’s drive.
If you’re coming from Dulles International Airport, which is about 45 minutes west of DC, you can access even more wineries in less than half an hour’s drive.
Amazing wineries that are easily accessible? Count me in.
Be a part of history
Any fans of the movie Bottle Shock out there? While the plot took a lot of liberties, it is true that a blind taste-testing in the 1970s elevated the status of California wine.
I wonder what it must have felt like to have been a fan of California wine at the time. To have been witness to its increasing popularity. To watch it earn a place on the world stage.
As Virginia wine country continues to catch the attention of world-class food and drink experts, it feels like Virginia wine country may be on the cusp of something big.
Why not be a part of it?
So, will I be seeing you in Virginia wine country? To help plan your trip to Virginia wine country, check out this article. See you there!
Comments or Questions?
Have a comment or a question? I’d love to hear from you! Visit me on Instagram @eastbymidwest and leave a comment or DM, or send me an email at pam@eastbymidwest.com.
