The Northern Neck of Virginia is home to the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA, a grape-growing region distinguished by its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, such as the Rappahannock, Yeocomico, and Potomac Rivers. The unique composition of the soil results in grapevines with “small berries with a good concentration of sugars and acids… richness and flavor intensity in the wines,” according to Wine-Searcher.
Take a trip to Virginia Wine Country’s Chesapeake Region and explore unique wines and special events from members of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail.
-
Celebrate with one of Virginia’s oldest wineries: Ingleside Vineyards. Owned by the Flemer family since 1890, the historic estate is designated a Virginia Century Farm, honoring over 100 consecutive years of farm operation. The winery, established in 1980, is celebrating its 45th Anniversary this month, with behind-the-scenes tours, live music, food, and 80s pricing!
-
Stay in a luxurious bed and breakfast at The Dog and Oyster. The winery is located on the grounds of a historic 1889 schoolhouse, Hope & Glory Inn. Choose a guest room in the main building or a private cottage set amongst the inn’s “secret garden.”
-
Boat to the Winery! Several Trail members are located in boating communities, with their own private docks or nearby marinas where boat owners can drop anchor. Jacey Vineyards is one of the few vineyards nationwide in which visitors can arrive by boat.
-
Get a history lesson. Virginia is one of the country’s earliest wine producers; and the Northern Neck is the “birthplace of our nation”, with three of the first five American presidents born here. Stay at Monroe Bay Winery’s Cabernet Cottage and you’ll be only minutes from George Washington Birthplace National Monument, James Monroe Birthplace Park & Museum, and Belle Grove Plantation, birthplace of James Madison.
-
Warm weather lasting into October means more time on the water. Stay at Ditchley Cider Works’ historic 1752 house and enjoy the use of stand up paddleboards (SUP), the small beach, and private dock.
-
Meet fellow wine lovers and make new friends at Good Luck Cellars, which hosts a variety of special events and activities most weekends. Listen to live music, take dancing lessons, join a crafts class, or attend a health & wellness event.
-
View the breathtaking fall foliage and waterfront splendor of rural Kinsale, VA, home to Rivah Vineyards at the Grove, located on 125 scenic acres of farm, woods, and Yeocomico riverfront. Play outdoor games like Giant Jenga, corn hole, and life-size chess under the majestic trees! To learn more about Virginia wine, visit our blog post, October is Virginia Wine Month.
Share This Post!