Virginia has 130 wineries. The state has the fifth highest number of wine producers in the United States.
Travel + Leisure magazine calls Virginia one of the world's top five new wine travel destinations. Virginia wineries, authentic food and lodgings were reasons why Virginia was the only U.S. destination named, according to the editor.
The Wine-Lover's Guide: 5 Wine Regions to Visit Now article was written by Bruce Schoenfeld, the magazine's wine editor and former contributing editor for Wine Spectator. "It's not just the wineries, but also new restaurants, B&Bs and inns that make Virginia such a great destination," he notes.
Wine regions
The largest wine regions in Virginia are in Central and Northern Virginia. Wine-Lover's Guide recommends visits to Barboursville Vineyards, Breaux Vineyards and Linden Vineyards wineries. For restaurants and hotels, it highlights Grandale Farm Restaurant, Palladio, Boar's Head Inn, 1804 Inn & Vineyard Cottage and Inn at Little Washington.
Virginia is the only wine destination that offers a kayak trip to a winery and wine-tasting combined with bluegrass music, according to Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
Wine festivals
Virginia wineries host tastings and special events every summer. August festivals include more than 50 concerts, the Beach Party Wine Festival at James River Cellars, just north of Richmond, Blackberry Days Wine Festival, at Tarara Winery in Northern Virginia, and the Black Dog Wine and Music Festival at Chateau Morrisette in Southwest Virginia.
October is Virginia Wine Month with special events, tastings and tours. Virginia Wine Tour road signs designate Virginia wineries that are open to the public along Virginia's wine trails.
How to get there
Air Canada, United Express, and US Air Express offer non-stop flights to the Ronald Reagan Washington National and Washington Dulles International Airports. When driving from Canada, Virginia is 12 hours from Quebec and 10 hours from Ontario.
