Virginia Wine Country Road Trip

Posted on May 15, 2017 by roskidds

Virginia Wine Country

This road trip is a great one week of romantic travel from the Metropolitan NY or Washington, DC area. There are plenty of excellent wineries along the way. You might also decide to break it into a three or four day weekend by visiting one section at a time. If you are travelling from afar fly into Washington Dulles Airport in DC. or Charlottesville, Va. Airport and rent a car. This entire itinerary was booked one year in advance although there will be lodging and reservations available on much shorter notice. This road trip was taken by two couples in an Explorer discovering the romantic wine, vineyards, and inns of Virginia Tripping in Style.

Itinerary

Day 1 Lodging Goodstone Inn

Mount Vernon, Alexandria, Va.

Mount Vernon was our first destination, the telephone number is 703-780-2000 should you need it. Book advance tickets on www.mountvernon.org. I booked the early part of the day so I was in the front of the parking lot which goes on forever.

Mount Vernon has an iPhone app that is a free download The app has an audio tour of the property, maps, information on hundreds of points of interest. There is even a plant identifier.

Admission Ticket

Admission ticket includes entrance to the Mansion, Distillery, and Gristmill. There are special garden tours, sightseeing cruises available from April to Oct. Guests can tour the mansion house and estate which includes more than a dozen out buildings and four gardens. The Mansion Tour – features original furnishings and items owned by the family. 14 rooms are open daily. Timed tickets for the Mansion Tour can be purchased on line in advance.

Historic Gardens – Upper garden includes green house, two boxed parterres, variety of vegetables and trees. Lower Garden is an example of an English Kitchen Garden – There is a fruit and garden nursery. Washington’s Tomb is on the property. There is a wreath placing ceremony held daily from April to October. Pioneer Farms is over 4 acres and a five minute walk from the mansion to wharf on the Potomac with cruises on the Potomac River available. Cooking demonstrations are offered daily from April to October. Blacksmith Shop and Slave Quarters can be viewed.

There is also a museum on the property which covers George Washington’s Life as well as Mount Vernon. It possible to spend an entire day here so buy ahead and come early. Visiting the mansion is very organized and runs like clock work. Before viewing the property from the Visitors Center there is a 15 minute film on the life of George Washington.

The gift shop was very well stocked with foods, cookbooks, dinnerware, toys, and all things from and about George Washington’s time. I spent about an hour enjoying the gift shop.

Lunch or Dinner at Mount Vernon

There are two food services in the museum building. One is a Food Court which looked inviting but had long lines. The other is the Mount Vernon Inn. The menu looks delightful and it is table service with spirits and wines and a nice comfortable resting spot. Reservations need to be booked in advance with Open Door.

Set the GPS for Goodstone Inn and Restaurant

Goodstone Inn and Restaurant is located at 36205 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg Va. 20117. Telephone number is 540-687-3333. Website is www.Goodstone.com

This Inn and Restaurant is a very romantic place to be for a great two night visit to the Middleburg, Va area. The staff will welcome you at the front door, provide teas and snacks while you are checking in and getting settled. This property provides the ultimate in tripping in style. There is a separate blog set up for Goodstone Inn and Restaurant.

Day 2 Lodging Goodstone Inn

Day 2 starts out with breakfast at Goodstone Inn and Restaurant. Breakfast was included with the lodging. Allow time for hiking or biking before breakfast as the estate is well worth exploring.

The next place we stopped was the Greenhill Winery.

Greenhill Winery

Greenhill Winery is located at 23595 Winery Lane in Middleburg, Va. 20117. The telephone number is 1-540-667-6907. The website is www.greenhillvineyards.com. The tasting room is open from noon to sunset daily. For tastings in the Green Hill Wine Club Lounge on Friday to Sunday a reservation is required. Once a week on Sunday is the Grapes to Glass Tour is offered. This tour is of the mansion, wine cellars, and into the private tasting room with a cheese and meat platter to accompany the wine tasting. This tour was very close to my experiences in Napa Valley, Ca. Our guide Lee Ann who took us into the club house on the second floor and introduced us to the vineyard facility and some staff members. The first tasting was a cuvee before we headed out to explore the vineyards and learn about the vines. Leaving the parking lot the local equestrian riders passed by out for a ride. They looked so perfect and polished with perfect setting of vineyards behind them. Only the fox and the hounds were missing.

Upon entering the vineyard the lesson about the vineyard began, from learning about the variety of vines to growing and harvesting the grapes and all the growth and hard work that entails to growing the grapes. The next stop was the beautiful tasting and barrel room where the barrels are stored and special wine tasting events are held. Then tour the Tank Room and see all the steps the grapes go though before they are put in the barrel.

The final wine tasting was in the historic Mansion House located beyond the vineyards near a small lake and a picture perfect setting. Imagine holding a wedding with this backdrop. The interior of the Mansion House is comfortable, intimate, and a romantic setting. It is a great place for small groups to get together and enjoy each others company. The Mansion House has a kitchen, wine tasting bar, and just a few fire places. A plus is the fact that the wines are excellent!

The last stop was the Farm Store which sells the wines, wine accessories, and snacks which can be taken home or enjoyed outside on the patio enjoying the view of the vineyards. This vineyard is NOT TO BE MISSED.

After the Greenhill Winery we went back into the town of Middleburg, Va. for Sunday Brunch at the Red Fox Inn and Tavern or walk around town. The main street is full of interesting shops.

Red Fox Inn and Tavern

Red Fox Inn and Tavern is located on 2 East Washington Street, Middleburg, Va. The telephone number is 540-687-6301. The Tavern Pub is open at 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The menu is extensive with multiple pub style choices of food and spirits. The Inn is located in multiple rambling colonial rooms. Never mind the food as the decor of the inn is well worth the trip. Oh, the food is good too!

Day 3 Lodging Skyland Resort Sky Line Drive

Our first stop on day 3 was Chateau O’Brien.

Chateau O’Brien is located at 3238 Rail Stop, Markham, Va. 22643. Telephone number is 540-364-6441. The website is www.chateauobrien.com. Tasting Room is open Thursday to Monday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This vineyard produces Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Tannat wines. Classic Wine Tasting is $8.00. Cellar Collection Tasting is $15.00. Private Reserve Cellar Tasting is $35.00. Lite Fare of cheeses and meats are available. This vineyard is part of the Fauquier Wine Trail.

Travel up the side of a hill though the vineyards to reach the tasting room. The view of the mountains is a perfect setting for the wine tasting room. If you arrive early on a quiet day meet owner Howard O’Brien, Jr. and let him introduce you to his vineyard and wines. Howard asked us what kind of wines we liked, then he set up the tasting. After falling in love with ALL the red wines, we left with a mixed case. This vineyard is a must stop on your Virginia Wine Tour.

Set the GPS for Shenandoah National Park.

The entrance to the National Park is outside of Front Royal, Va. and is well marked. Travel the 41.7 Miles to reach Skyland Resort which is Night 3 Lodging. Sky Line Drive and Skyland Resort has a separate Blog.

Day 4 Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards

After we had breakfast at Skyland Lodge, we traveled to Mile Post 51 and stopped at the Byrd Visitor’s Center. Where we decided to head to Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards.

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards is located at 5022 Plank Road in North Garden, Va. Telephone number is 434-201-8063. Website is www.pippenhillfarm.com. Tastings are available Tuesday through Friday and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Saturday they are open 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Lunch reservations for Saturday must be booked with Open Door. Vineyard has a cooking school for $75.00. Lunch is served 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM Tuesday to Sunday. Vineyard takes American Express, Visa, and Master card. Pippin Hill Vineyard is part of the Monticello Wine Trail.

The view of the vineyards from the outside patio and the tasting room is a sight to behold. The Blue Ridge Mountains rise at the end of the vineyards sometimes appearing to be misty and foggy. Have your camera’s ready for some very interesting pictures. Enter the tasting room and taste the wines so you can pick out a bottle to accompany your lunch. If your lucky and it’s a warm enough day sit on the patio to order lunch. The lunch entries pair well with the wines as this vineyard and restaurant is a farm-to-table experience. Then relax, enjoy the view, sip the wine, order small plates, order a second bottle of wine, order more small plates, and chill out!

Set the GPS for Keswick Hall.

Keswick Hall

Keswick Hall is located at 701 Club Drive in Keswick, Va. 22947. Telephone number is 434-979-3440. Website is www.keswick.com. This resort has golf, spa, gym, hiking, biking, birding, tennis, and three swimming pools. One of which is indoors so pack your bathing suite regardless of the time of year. There are different choices of rooms for romantics, families, or golfers. Wine tasting is nearby and the resort has a choice of restaurants available from casual to dressy. A place to relax and enjoy yourself. Keswick Hall has so much to see and do that this property has it’s own blog.

Day 5 Monticello

We had a great breakfast at Keswick Hall and then toured Monticello around 8:30 AM.

Monticello

Monticello is located at 931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway in Charlottesville, Va. 22902. Website is www.monticello.org.

Tickets

Purchase your tickets in Advance. The earlier in the day the better as you will be parking closer to the Visitor’s Center.

Monticello Neighborhood Pass is available for $40.00 and includes admission into Monticello, Ashe Lawn, Montpilier and Michie Tavern.

Monticello Day Pass and House Tours is $25.00 for an adult. It is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM with the first tour at 9:00 AM and the last tour at 5:10 PM. Included in Monticello Day Pass is the first floor house tour, guided slavery area, and guided gardens and grounds. Additional tours are available of the Upstairs int the Behind the Scenes Tour.

The Visitor’s Center has free parking, a 15 minute film on Jefferson, 4 exhibitions, museum shops and café.

Monticello has its own iphone app and there is free access to WiFi in the shopping and café areas.

Upon arrival enter the Visitor’s Center Ticket Office and pick up your tickets. You will then be assigned a shuttle bus which will take you to the top of the mountain for the house tour. Visit the museum and/or shops while you await your shuttle. There is also a theater showing “Thomas Jefferson’s World”. Upon reaching the top of mountain enter the timed queue assigned for your house tour. Your guide will stay with you while you explore the lower floor of the house. Finishing the ground floor rooms and tour you will be directed on viewing the basement, slave quarters, and the beautiful gardens. The views are breath-taking. Your camera is a must. You will re-board the shuttle bus which will take you to Tomas Jefferson’s grave site and you may opt to walk the trail down to the Visitor’s Center.

Our next stop was the King Family Vineyards.

King Family Vineyards

King Valley Vineyards is located at 6550 Roseland Farm in Crozet, Va. 22932. Telephone number is 434-823-7800. Website is www.kingfamilyvineyards.com. Tasting Room is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Day 6 Barboursville

We had an early breakfast at Keswick Hall and headed to Barvoursville where we would spend the next two nights.

Set the GPS for Barboursville, Va. 1804 Inn.

If you are looking for a great French restaurant we can reccommend the Pomme Restaurant in Gordonsville, Va.

Pomme

Pomme is located at 115 S. Main Street in Gordonsville, Va. 22942. The Telephone number is 540-832-0130. Website is www.restaurant-pomme.com. They are open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM. They have an extensive wine list. This is a high end restaurant. Reservations can be booked in advance with Open Door. You will feel like you are in France as soon as you walk into this restaurant. The wine list is extensive, with a great food menu, and wonderful service.

Day 7 Barboursville Vineyard and Winery 1804 Inn

We had breakfast at Barboursville 1804 Inn in the dining room which is served exactly at 8:30 AM. We then headed to Early Mountain Vineyards.

Early Mountain Vineyards is located at 6109 Wolftown Hood Road in Madison, Va. The telephone number is 540-948-9005. Website is www.earlymountain.com. Tasting Room is open from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This spot has lunch available from seasonal ingredients of salads, sandwiches, cheese and charcucierie boards to flat breads and some daily specials. Seattin area has a fire place both inside and outside. Winery produces reds, whites, and desert wines.

Our next stop was Horton Vineyards.

Horton Vineyards is located at 6399 Spotswood Trail, Gordonsville, Va. The Telephone Number is 540-832-7440. Website is www.hortonwine.com Tastings are available from 10 AM to 5 PM daily of their whites, reds, fruit wines, and desert wines. For $6.00 you will be given a list of all the wines available for tasting and you may pick and choose.

Day 8 Head Home With a Stop at Montpelier

After another delightful breakfast at the 1804 Inn in Barboursville, Va. we were off to Montpelier.

Montpelier was the home of James and Dolly Madison. In 1904 William and Annie duPont purchased the estate. They added two wings onto the house and built a race track. In 1984 Montpelier was transferred to the National Trust for Historic Preservation . The National Trust Historic Preservation removed the addition and is currently restoring the house back to the James and Dolly Madison Era.

Montpelier is located on Route 20 at 11350 Constitution Highway in Mountpelier Station, Va. 22957. The website is www.Montpelier.org. Telephone Number is 540-672-2728. They are open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. First Tour is 9:30 AM. Signature Tours is every half hour on Madison and Construction which is daily at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Cost is $19.00 for the Senior Tour. Tickets may be purchased in the Visitor’s Center, the center has a film on James and Dolly Madison, cafe, gift shop and a museum on the du Ponts. After a short walk from the center to the mansion you will enter the mansion in a small group with a very personable guide who will explain every room along with the furnishings and lifestyle of the Madisons. You may tour the cellars where food was prepared, the formal gardens, the slave area, and enjoy the walking trails before heading back to the Visitor Center.

Be sure on your way out to stop at the 1910 Train Depot. The Train Depot has separate entrances and waiting rooms for Colored and Whites. Be sure to read the posters in each waiting area. Open Daily from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM.