“We no longer build fireplaces for physical warmth, we build them for the warmth of the soul; we build them to dream by, to hope by, to home by.” ~ Edna Ferber, writer
With spring nearly here, everyone is eager to get outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of flowers blooming and birds chirping. But “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” On the days it’s ‘roaring’, members of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail are ready, with outdoor heaters and open fire pits on wineries’ porches, in their courtyards and outdoor spaces. Indoor Tasting Rooms may be heated with traditional heating systems or indoor fireplaces. At one Trail winery, you can even take a warm bath!
Outdoor Fire Pits, Patio Heaters, and Fireplaces on the Trail
A massive 3,000 sq. ft. wraparound porch surrounds Good Luck Cellars’ Tasting Room, gift shop and event room. Overlooking the vineyards and the winery dogs who patrol them, the Grape Vine Patrol Squad, the covered porch is equipped with an outdoor fireplace and patio heaters, allowing guests to enjoy spring in warmth and comfort.
At Trail winery Ingleside Vineyards, a beautiful, European-style courtyard is nestled under a canopy of trees, with additional covered spaces along the perimeter. There’s plenty of seating in the courtyard, with dozens of tables and chairs surrounding a graceful fountain at the center. New gas fire pit tables have replaced the original wood fire pits, which can now be found in the Bullpen, a new seating area adjacent to the courtyard.
The deck at Jacey Vineyards, overlooking the vineyard and nearby picnic tables, warms right up during spring cold snaps, thanks to outdoor heaters and wood-burning fire pits that keep guests toasty on even the coolest spring days.
At Rivah Vineyards at the Grove, you can sit outside around the fire pit and enjoy stunning views of the Yeocomico River.
Located on the grounds of Hope & Glory Inn, The Dog and Oyster Micro-Vinyard protects guests from spring’s chill with outdoor tower heaters inside a massive, clear span tent, as well as wood-burning fire pits in seating areas on the surrounding walkways. The Inn’s patio dining area, Hooky, also comes complete with fire pits and tower heaters.
Warm the Body & the Soul with Indoor Fireplaces on the Trail
Step into the tasting rooms of these Trail wineries on a chilly day and you just might be greeted with the warmth, coziness and nostalgic aromatics of a crackling, wood-burning indoor fireplace.
Lodging is available at select wineries on the Trail, including in the historic mansions at Ditchley Cider Works, General’s Ridge Vineyard, The Dog and Oyster. At The Dog and Oyster, guests can stay in a room at the vineyard’s Hope & Glory Inn, which has a fireplace in the lobby of its fine dining restaurant, The Colonnade, or in one of three private guest cottages that have a fireplace. For a REALLY unique experience, try the inn’s Garden Bath, a secluded enclave that enables guests to bathe under the stars in an open air, antique claw foot tub.
As the weather warms up, visitation at Trail wineries increases. Beat the crowds and visit your favorite Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail member location before the season picks up! Enjoy wine tasting indoors or outdoors; and stay cozy warm with indoor and outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, patio tower heaters, and even an outdoor garden bath!
Cheers!
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