Virginia: Not Just for Moonshine Anymore

We returned home yesterday from a very relaxing weekend in the Shenandoah Mountains, a regular excursion for us. Reminded once again of how much I love the Blue Ridge, I have to put in a plug for the area and for its wineries.

Over 100 wineries call Virginia home, and clusters of tasting rooms have formed around Leesburg, Charlottesville, and Shenandoah National Park. Every wine drinker has his own opinion, but some of us believe that the best Virginia wines are competitive with Napa’s products. Even better, the snobbery factor is much lower than in California. The upcoming harvest season as a great time to visit. After all, a spot at a tasting room bar is only an hour to an hour and a half away from DC.

Some wineries to try: Gadino, Linden, Farfelu, Rappahannock Cellars, and Naked Mountain, all within driving distance of each other. Between Labor Day and early October, there are also bunch of harvest festivals and special events all over the state, http://www.virginiawines.org/events/index.html. For a hands-on experience, consider volunteering at Gadino for harvest and crush.

Let me also state the obvious: Drunk driving on winding country roads, or any road, is beyond a terrible idea. If no one in your group can be a designated driver, limo services are a good option.