Photo courtesy Destination DC
It was Thomas Jefferson’s dream to bring Virginia the art of viticulture and oenology — making wine out of locally grown grapes. Jefferson would be proud of his native state today, as it has become one of the foremost wine-producing states, with more than 150 wineries and vineyards.
“Several of our wineries are large enough and have either an ample-sized tasting room or a restaurant to accommodate a motorcoach group,” said Richard Lewis, public relations manager for the Virginia Tourism Corp.
Virginia is also one of America’s top six producers of apples, including Red and Golden Delicious, Rome, Stayman, York and Granny Smith varieties.
The combination makes for a delicious way for groups to experience the state.
Pop a cork
Most wineries are open year-round for tours and tastings, and winery trails come with stunning scenery and history stops across the state, allowing tour planners to create itineraries with a variety of activities.
Set on 50 acres and producing 60,000 cases annually, the Williamsburg Winery, one of the state’s largest, provides groups a multifaceted experience when visiting Williamsburg. Guided tours include a visit to the barrel cellar, a tour of the production area and a video presentation about viticulture (grape growing) and oenology (winemaking). The museum contains a collection of rare vintage wine bottles. Tasters sample seven wines in their souvenir glasses.
The winery’s 18th-century-style facilities with their European accents also include the Gabriel Archer Tavern, where lunch is served daily. The tavern offers terrace seating in season and pleasing countryside views. Food and wine pairings can be arranged.
Wedmore Place, a 28-room country inn with European flair, is also part of the Williamsburg Winery’s portfolio.
In this 75th anniversary year for the Blue Ridge Parkway, there’s sure to be a visitor crescendo at Chateau Morrisette winery, which sits at a 3,500-foot altitude near the historic scenic byway. Nestled in the Rock Castle Gorge Wilderness Area of Virginia’s southwest region near Meadows of Dan, the winery is one of the state’s largest producers. Seasonal events such as Black Dog Concerts and Winemaker’s Dinners are part of the scene.
“In this anniversary year for the parkway, we are partnering with the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation to celebrate the drive at our August 14th Black Dog Wine and Jazz Festival,” said Nora Kuper, marketing vice president for Chateau Morrisette.
Dining indoors and out is another of Chateau Morrisette’s guest pleasures. Mountain vistas heighten enjoyment of Southern-style foods with the chateau’s wines. Artisan cheeses, breads and desserts are also on the menu.
Friends in high places
In 18th-century Virginia, the Barbour family owned a substantial plantation near Charlottesville and were heavily involved in government. James Barbour was a confidant of Thomas Jefferson, and Jefferson designed a residence for his friend.
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| Courtesy Virginia Tourism Corp |
Barbour’s fourth son, James, became a Virginia governor and a U.S. senator. The family occupied the distinguished home until it was destroyed by a Christmas Eve fire in 1884.
Today, Barboursville celebrates Jefferson’s influence on its historic landmark house and in the wines it produces. The estate and its history are a romantic stop for picnics and contemplation, and groups enjoy tasting 16 to 20 wines, some of which are offered only at the winery.
Barboursville’s restaurant, Palladio, presents its award-winning chef’s creations with northern Italian inspiration and seasonal, local ingredients from earth and sea.
Near Fredericksburg and Interstate 95, Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery is one of the state’s newest. It welcomes tour groups to its 13-acre estate for tastings and dining in the winery’s ballroom, where seated lunches or dinners are available for up to 250 people. Catered picnics on the grounds are also available. Visitors may taste, tour production facilities and settle in for pairings of cuisine and wine.
As American as apple pie
Winchester, at the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley, is the state’s foremost apple-packaging location.
Once nicknamed the Apple Capital of the World, Winchester has presented its late-April Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival since 1924. For the more than 200,000 people who attend, there are more than 40 events to enjoy, including dances, dining, craft shows and a circus.
“Groups can visit the Virginia Farm Market to smell and taste all kinds of apple products — from apples right out of the ovens, apple dumplings and caramel-dipped apples,” said Natalie Wills, executive director of the Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The market has been a family business for many years and is a very welcoming place. The owner will step on the coach and tell visitors about the history of apple growing in the valley.”
The Apple Blossom Festival also has a tandem Bloomin’ Wine Fest weekend that celebrates one of Virginia’s fastest-growing product industries.
Hungry for something different?
Groups may consume local culinary culture on both sides of the Potomac River, courtesy of DC Metro Food Tours.
The company specializes in combinations of diverse food experiences with narrations about neighborhood history, architecture and famous former residents. Choices include rounds in historic Old Town Alexandria and Washington’s Georgetown and on Capitol Hill. Tastings might include selections as wide-ranging as soul food, Spanish empanadas, Salvadoran beverages and Anglo-Indian cuisine.
Alexandria and Capitol Hill evening dine-arounds pair neighborhood cuisine variety with each district’s historic culture. A six-course progressive meal includes stops at three family-owned restaurants — often located behind other-era storefronts — where dishes of local ingredients and eclectic styles get paired with regional wine and beer selections. Food selections are made ahead of time and served to seated diners.
DC Metro Food Tours also spotlights historic Eastern Market, Washington’s oldest continuously running food market, which has served Capitol Hill residents for more than two centuries.
Tour tasting items might include half smokes, French pate and Eastern European Jewish desserts.
