Author: Chris

“Can I go to a winery if I don’t drink wine?” Yes, you absolutely can–and should! Because wineries are not just for oenophiles.

Wineries are destinations, attractions themselves–even for non-drinkers. Sure, tasting award-winning wines is the primary draw for most winery guests; but even the strictest teetotalers enjoy the societal aspect of wineries: the food, the scenery, the non-wine activities, the education, the special events, the sense of community, and a connection to others.

Here’s how non-drinkers (including kids and pets) can enjoy a fun and memorable visit to wineries on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail.

1. Foodie Destination

Pairing certain foods and wines together complements and enhances the flavors of both the food and the wine. For this reason, many wineries offer food onsite. Dining options can range from casual fare and food trucks to gourmet meals prepared by seasoned chefs. The Trail’s location in the rural Northern Neck of Virginia enables wineries to grow fresh ingredients in their own gardens or partner with local farmers and restaurateurs.

Virginia is considered the Oyster Capital of the East Coast, thanks to the quality, abundance, and variety of oysters locally harvested; and one of only three places known in the world where wine grapes grow on the land next to the waters where oysters are dredged.

The Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail celebrates oysters during the Spring & Fall Oyster Crawls, held annually in April and November. Some Trail wineries serve oysters in traditional and unique ways year round. Jacey Vineyards serves the Lisa Pizza, a white sauce pizza with spinach and Parmesan cheese, topped with oysters. The chef at The Dog and Oyster prepares Dessert Oysters, fusing oysters, lime sorbet, dill, and other ingredients.

Ditchley Cider Works, the only cidery on the Trail, hosts Sunday Brunch, from March through December.

Wineries have non-alcoholic drinks available and may serve alcoholic drinks other than wine, such as cocktails, cider, beer, or wine drinks (slushies, mulled wine, sangria, etc.)

2. Live Entertainment, Games, & Special Events

Find your tribe at a Trail winery! Whether you like to sing, dance, listen to music, play games, paint, craft, watch sports, shop, run a 5k, or a host of other activities, you’re sure to make new friends who share your interests.

Most weekends, wineries on the Trail welcome live music acts or a DJ, playing a variety of musical genres, including country, classic rock, chamber / orchestra, or acoustic. Like to perform yourself? Check out Jacey Vineyards’ weekly Friday Night Open Mic. Or maybe dancing is your thing. Good Luck Cellars holds dance classes several times a month, in a range of styles, such as Line Dancing, Circle Dancing, and Hip Hop. Some wineries host comedy shows and holiday parties.

Year round, artists gather to paint, handcraft jewelry, craft decorations, and other creative  endeavors. Brides and grooms find inspiration at wineries’ bridal shows, including the Northern Neck Bridal Expo held every spring at Rivah Vineyards at the Grove.

Do you want to play a game? General’s Ridge Vineyard has a dart board crafted from recycled corks. Rivah Vineyards at the Grove just added cornhole boards to its collection, which includes board games, horseshoes, and giant chess.

Philanthropists can join the Trail for its annual Pour Your Heart Out event or other fundraisers hosted by individual wineries. Athletes meet up each year at Ingleside Vineyards for the Run the Vineyards 5k & 10k; while armchair quarterbacks appreciate watching the game at General’s Ridge Vineyards.

3. Lodging

 You don’t have to be a wine drinker to enjoy the beauty and romance of winery lodging. Book a stay onsite at a Trail winery, from rustic camping to working farm, to historic mansion to luxury cottages.

Described as “hopelessly romantic”, “whimsical” and “magical”, Hope & Glory Inn, home to Trail winery The Dog and Oyster, is named one of the Top Ten Most Romantic Inns by American Historic Inns. The boutique inn is made for lovers, featuring seven private guestrooms and six individual cottages, the latter immersed in a “secret garden” with sculptures, a saltwater pool, and a romantic, open-air, outdoor, garden bath. Guests can feast on oysters and other farm-to-table and boat-to-table locally sourced foods at the inn’s fine dining restaurant, The Colonnade.

Rent a historic mansion at General’s Ridge Vineyard (GRV) or Ditchley Cider Works. GRV’s mid-1800s Manor House features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining room, bar, several sitting rooms, wraparound porch and balcony. The winery also has available a two-bedroom cottage hidden among the grapevines, with full kitchen, dining room, sitting rooms and a deck, on the almost one hundred acre property.

The four-bedroom 1700’s Manor House at Ditchley is located on the cidery’s 160-acre working farm. House rental includes full breakfast, WiFi and 40 AMP EV charger.

Cabernet Cottage is the 8 ft. x 20 ft. tiny container house at Monroe Bay Winery, with 160 sq. ft. of indoor luxury living space: a kitchenette, full bathroom, and sofa/day bed. Adirondack chairs on the porch offer views of the farmland, with the winery’s Straw Bale Barn Tasting Room and waterfront just a short stroll away.

Bring your RV! Rivah Vineyards at the Grove are members of Harvest Hosts, offering limited space for unique RV camping.

4. Shopping

Visit a winery to find unique gifts for everyone–wine drinkers and non-drinkers–for any occasion!

Each year, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail hosts five Trail-wide signature events, including the annual Holiday Sip & Shop, during which artisans, crafters, and vendors sell their wares at select wineries.

Several wineries on the Trail have gift shops, stocked with far more than wine-related items and branded merchandise. Ingleside Vineyards devotes an entire room and part of its tasting room to selling hundreds of items, including housewares and decorative furnishings, artwork and antiques! Shop General’s Ridge Vineyard for handcrafted jewelry, home decor and cozy neck warmers.

If you happen to have a wine lover on your list, Good Luck Cellars’ gift shop features a variety of wine-related accessories and one-of-a-kind upcycled gifts, such as wine bottle wind chimes, cork art, and painted wine glasses.

5. Explore and Learn

Whether one enjoys wine or not, the agricultural process to produce it is a marvel to behold. Winemaking is an art and a science, reliant on the expertise of the winemakers and the whim of Mother Nature. Visit during harvest and you’ll be able to experience one of the most exciting times of the year at a vineyard, when grapes are at peak ripeness and ready to be plucked from the vines.

Trail winery Good Luck Cellars invites volunteers to help handpick grapes from its 25 acres of vines, rewarding volunteers with “good luck” (wine) in return for their time and efforts. Ingleside Vineyards offers tastings and guided tours (sometimes by candelight) of their winemaking facilities. An on-site museum features antique wine bottles, Native American artifacts and Chesapeake waterfowl decoys.

Guests at Ditchley Cider House are invited to “be a farmer for a day”. Learn how to tend to cattle, hogs, ducks, geese and turkeys; learn about strawbale gardening; and pick vegetables. Ditchley also features Sunday Brunch weekly.

6. The Great Outdoors

Wineries are dreamily picturesque, with stunning views of vineyards, forests, farmland, bodies of water, wildlife, and other natural scenery.

Walk among the blooming gardens, courtyards, and lush vines, loaded with plump grapes, in the summer. Hike among the majestic trees ablaze with color in the fall. Trek acres of undisturbed snow in the winter. Witness the first buds of spring peeking out from the soil in spring. Watch the sunlight dance off of the local waterways.

7. Boating & Watersports

The Trail’s location along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries allows for a variety of water activities, including boating to the winery!

Access Ditchley Cider Works’ protected, deep water cove from the Chesapeake Bay via Dividing Creek. Drop anchor at the cidery’s 100-ft. dock and spend the day sipping cider, petting farm animals, lounging on the modest sandy beach or paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking in the private cove.

Seven docks are in Jacey Vineyards’ private Corbin Cove, off of Mill Creek, accessible from the Chesapeake Bay. A commercial dock is under construction near the mouth of the creek. A shallow draft boat gets you to Rivah Vineyards at the Grove. Stay at The Dog & Oyster’s Hope & Glory Inn and enjoy a sunset boat ride with the owner. Overnight guests at Monroe Bay Winery’s Cabernet Cottage have access to a kayak.

January symbolizes a new year, new beginnings, and a fresh start. To commemorate it, many people declare their new year’s resolutions, personal goals or promises to do things differently and improve their lives.

If abstaining for an entire month during Dry January doesn’t appeal to you, consider Try January. Step out of your wine comfort zone and try a new or new-to-you wine. We’ll even help you get started by suggesting some resolutions you’ll WANT to keep!

RESOLUTION: Explore more / Try new things

Experiment with a grape you may never have tried before. The Flying Leathernecks Sparkling Rosé from General’s Ridge Vineyard is a unique blend using the distinctive Touriga grape.

Get your favorite flavors in your next bottle of wine. Jacey Vineyards has three new wine blends featuring their Zinfindel: Espresso Bean Red for the love of coffee and wine; Chocolate wine, better known as Vino Dolce, with hints of chocolate and cherry; and Fruita, sweetened with a combination of almond, orange and coconut.

Plan a trip through Virginia Wine Country: Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA.

Bounded by the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, the Northern Neck of Virginia is a popular tourist destination for beachcombing, boating, antiquing, history lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and more. Find suggestions for overnight accommodations, from luxury to rustic, and nearby attractions on the Itineraries page on our website.

RESOLUTION: Make new friends / Find your tribe

Socialize more and make new friends at special events hosted by member wineries. Save the date for the annual Trail-wide Wine & Cherries Weekend (this year on February 15 & 16, 2025), celebrating Presidents Day with wine and cherry treat pairings.

Several members feature live music on weekends, including Jacey Vineyards’ weekly Friday Open Mic and the annual Musician’s Ball at General’s Ridge Vineyard, held this year on January 25, 2025, featuring catered dinner, glass of wine, and musical guests all day long.

Learn Line Dancing, Circle Dancing, and Hip Hop Dancing on select dates at Good Luck Cellars.    

RESOLUTION: Add some spice to life

Spiced mulled wine is a cozy winter drink that combines wine with spices, fruits including black raspberries and dark plums, and other flavors. Trail winery Rivah Vineyards at the Grove is serving it every weekend in January.

Good Luck Cellars hosts Sangria Sunday, featuring one of their red, white, and sometimes rosé wines, in a different, seasonal recipe each week. During the winter, the winery features a warm, seasonal-sangria, aka, mulled wine for Gluhwein.

General’s Ridge Vineyard (GRV) mulled wine features the winery’s Merlot crafted with spices. This season, GRV is offering a “Make Your Own Mulled Wine” kit to take home. The kit includes a bottle of Merlot, spices, and one of the winery’s mulled wine recipes.

RESOLUTION: Save money

Watch for wine sales on the Trail and stock up! Ingleside Vineyards is currently participating in Virginia Wine’s 2024 Winter Whites promotion. Now through February 16, 2025, Ingleside is offering a discounted Winter Whites Bundle, consisting of four of the winery’s white wines: Albariño 2023, Chardonnay Reserve 2022, Coastal White – Lot 21, and October Harvest.

RESOLUTION: Cut back on sugar / Lose weight

Harvest and fermentation processes have a tremendous impact on the amount of sugar and alcohol content in finished wine. White wine grapes are less ripe than red, thus have lower sugar levels and slightly fewer calories than red wines. Look for wine that has been fermented in stainless steel, which shaves off a few more calories than oaked wines.

Common Virginia wines such as Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay are among those whites with the least number of calories. If you want to try something different, pick up a bottle of Ingleside Vineyards’ Blue Crab Blanc, a blend of Chardonnay and the winery’s award-winning Albariño.

Another option is to swap out sweet wines for sparkling wines. Grapes used for higher acidic wines, such as General’s Ridge Vineyard‘s Sparkling Semper Fi, a blend of Chardonnay, Chardonnel, and Vidal Blanc, are generally picked first, hence, have a lower calorie count.

RESOLUTION: Lower alcohol content

The fermentation time for rosé wine, is generally shorter than red, resulting in a lower alcohol content. Good Luck Cellars‘ popular Rip Rap Rosé, a blend of Seyval Blanc and Chambourcin, is a Trail favorite.

RESOLUTION: Be a Better Cook

Cook more flavorful dishes using red wine. Dry red wine is a popular choice for savory dishes because it adds depth and flavor. Use it for hearty beef dishes, braising, and deglazing a pan. Add a dash of lighter reds to tenderize stewed meats and add flavor to chicken dishes without overpowering the dish.

If you don’t like cooking, venture out this season for a bowl of tasty soup. Trail wineries are serving it up hot this season! Ingleside Vineyards hosts Souper Sunday twice a month, featuring a different soup on the menu, as well as live music. General’s Ridge Vineyard serves hot soup during their Sunday Football viewing parties.

Cheers to a happier 2025 with good friends, good food, and GREAT wine!

Whether you embrace winter’s chill or are already counting down the days to spring, wineries on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail have the perfect wine and wine cocktails to warm your body and soul.

Cozy up by the fire at Good Luck Cellars (GLC) inside the tasting room or by the fireplace outside on the porch. There are also patio heaters available on the wraparound porch. GLC offers wine flights, by the glass or bottle, AND on Sundays they offer freshly-made sangria (available most Sundays year-round). During the winter, the winery features a warm, seasonal-sangria (aka mulled wine or Gluhwein); it’s a different, seasonal recipe each week and features one of their red, white, and sometimes rosé wines.

Rivah Vineyards at the Grove is serving mulled wine every weekend in December and January. The spiced wine is made from the winery’s Chambourcin, aged in French and American oak with dark fruit, such as black raspberries and dark plums greeting the palate, followed by a succession of leather, coffee and chocolate.

As soon as the weather turns chilly, General’s Ridge Vineyard (GRV) releases its eagerly-anticipated mulled wine: the winery’s Merlot crafted with spices. This season, GRV is offering a “Make Your Own Mulled Wine” kit to take home. The kit includes a bottle of Merlot, spices, and one of the winery’s mulled wine recipes.

General’s Last Call, a unique blend of American Brandy and Chambourcin, is a popular wintertime Ruby Port-styled after-dinner/dessert wine. GRV’s sparkling wines are a favorite during the holidays, especially New Year’s. Sparkling Semper Fi is a blend of Chardonnay, Chardonnel, and Vidal Blanc; The Flying Leathernecks Sparkling Rosé is a blend that features the Touriga grape.

Jacey Vineyards has three new dessert wines, perfect for the season: a Chocolate Red wine, an Almond and Fruits Red Wine, and an Espresso Bean Red wine.

Trail winery Caret Cellars has several new releases available this season: Bay Blu, a white wine made from Vidal Blanc, a hybrid blended with Italian Trebbiano Toscano grapes; Syrah, with aromas and tastes of violet, plum, blackberry, blueberry and peppercorn; Tannat, with aromas of black currant and red plum, and subtle notes of licorice and savor, smoked meats; Nebbiolo Rosé (a blend of Nebbiolo and Rkatsiteli); and Rivah Red (95% Chambourcin, 5% Niagara).

Debunking the myth that white wine is only for summer, Ingleside Vineyards is participating in Virginia Wine’s 2024 Winter Whites promotion. Now through February 16, 2025, Ingleside is offering a discounted Winter Whites Bundle, consisting of four of the winery’s white wines: Albarino 2023, Chardonnay Reserve, Coastal White – Lot 21, and October Harvest.

Freshly-brewed cider on tap is available at Trail winery Monroe Bay Winery. The tasting room of Ditchley Cider Works is closed for the season, but cider and meat products are available via the cidery’s online store.

The Dog and Oyster is closed for the season, but wine from its microvineyard is available at the winery’s sister property Hope & Glory Inn.

The deliciousness of wine in a glass can be echoed on your stove top. Cooking with wine boosts flavor, augments other ingredients’ flavors, enhances savoriness or sweetness, and bolsters depth and complexity. Simply put, wine makes food taste better. Additionally, wine’s acidity helps tenderize tougher cuts of meat, break down fats, and retain moisture.

This season, if a guest brings a vino that you don’t particularly care for, save it for cooking! If you followed our Thanksgiving Dinner Wine Pairing guide and have leftover, open bottles, don’t let them go to waste! Or if you are just hoping to step up your holiday meal game, pick up a bottle at your favorite Trail winery. (Look for holiday sales at individual Trail wineries.)

Choosing Wines for Cooking

In researching this article, we didn’t come across a single source that advocated using “cooking wine” over regular wine, for two primary reasons: 1) The quality of cooking wine is markedly lower than that of regular wine. 2) Cooking wine is loaded with preservatives, salt, sweeteners, and other ingredients that affect the taste of your dish.

So, we’ve established that “cooking wine” is a no-no. But does it matter which regular wine you choose? Chefs are divided on this. Some say that as long as the wine is not faulted (having an unpleasant look, smell, or taste), any vino will do. Those who disagree say that you should only use wine that you would drink.

However, the wine you eat in food does not require as sophisticated a palate as that which you drink. If you re-cork and store opened bottles on their sides in the refrigerator or freezer, you can use them for cooking long after they are no longer suitable for drinking. The wine’s subtleties are altered as it cooks and less pronounced as it meshes with the other ingredients. Alcohol in the wine will be partially burned off; and as the wine reduces, its flavor will intensify and may take on a stewed, baked or burnt note.

Red vs. Rosé  vs. White

In a previous blog post, Refreshing Summer Wine & Wine Drinks on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, we debunked the myth that red wine is only for meat and white wine is only for fish. The same goes with cooking; though some choices will better enhance the flavor of your dish. Plus, it’s best to avoid oak-heavy wines, which may become bitter when cooked.

Dry red wine is a popular choice for savory dishes because it adds depth and flavor. Try Shelter Dog Red from Trail winery The Dog and Oyster for hearty beef dishes, braising, and deglazing a pan.

A lighter red, Pinot Noir, is great for tenderizing stewed meats and adding flavor to chicken dishes without overpowering the dish. Since Pinot Noir is similar to Chambourcin, we recommend Caret Cellars’ Rivah Red, a blend of 95% Chambourcin and 5% white Niagara.

Rosé is often substituted for white wine in recipes, because of their similar weight and texture. But cooks must carefully consider the flavor profile of the dish they are creating. Sweet Sue from Rivah Vineyards at the Grove, a blend of Chambourcin and Concord, will be sweeter than the Chardonel, Chambourcin and Cabernet Sauvignon blend of Red Reach from Good Luck Cellars.

Dry white wines bring structure and acidity to meals. Chardonnay, with its smooth, buttery flavor, is versatile and brings out the richness of cream sauces used for chicken, seafood, and pasta dishes. Sparkling Chardonnay, like General’s Ridge Vineyard’s Sparkling Semper Fi, usually has higher levels of acidity and adds more brightness.

The floral and citrus notes and lush fruit flavors of Albariño combined with the slightly sweet and fruity profile of Muscat Ottonel make Ingleside Vineyards’ October Harvest ideal for adding to lightly sweet desserts like panna cotta, fruit tarts, poached pears, granita, or even to a sweet glaze for ham.

Vino Dolce, a Zinfandel with cocoa and cherry flavors, from Jacey Vineyards is so versatile that you can use it to add sweetness to beef, pork, or lamb dishes, or in desserts such as Italian biscotti, cookies, chocolate cherry cake, wine soaked chocolate covered cherries, or brownies. (Vino Dolce is especially fitting to enjoy during the Trail’s annual Wine & Cherries Weekend event held each February.)

Cooking with Cider

Hard cider is a fall favorite; and incorporating it into your holiday meals makes the season even more festive. Cider can be substituted for white wine for a warmer flavor or in place of beer in recipes that call for it. Consider cider for caramelizing onions or to give salad vinaigrettes a little kick. Find a variety of hard ciders on the Trail at Ditchley Cider Works or Monroe Bay Winery.

Find more wines available at Trail wineries by reading our blog post Unique Wines on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail.

Virginia wine is unique! Virginia is the birthplace of American wine—the first colonists engaged in winemaking as early as 1609. Today, Virginia ranks sixth for the most wineries per state. Member winery Ingleside Vineyards was founded in 1980 and is one of the oldest in the Commonwealth.

WINE AND OYSTERS IN THE NORTHERN NECK GEORGE WASHINGTON BIRTHPLACE AVA

The geographical diversity in Virginia allows for a variety of grape vines to thrive; thus, there are eight AVAs (American Viticultural Areas) in the Commonwealth. The Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA, home to most members of the Trail, is one of only three places in the world where wine grapes grow on land next to waters where oysters are dredged. The sandy, rocky soil composition is similar to the banks of the Garonne River, in the French city of Bordeaux. Incidentally, Monroe Bay Winery owner and winemaker Kiki Apple learned winemaking in France before bringing her knowledge to Virginia.

Dudley Patteson, owner of Trail winery The Dog and Oyster, describes it as the perfect pairing “where the terroir of the grape meets the merroir of the oyster.” To celebrate this phenomenon, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail hosts two annual oyster crawls, in the spring and fall. Several Trail members offer oysters year round; and at The Dog and Oyster, you can imbibe on a Bloody Mary Oyster Shooter or Champagne with Oyster.

CELEBRATING VIRGINIA WINE MONTH

In honor of October’s Virginia Wine Month, presented here are some of the grapes and award-winning wine varieties available on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail. Influenced by Old World European and New World California flavors, included are innovative, handcrafted blends aged in oak, stainless steel and bourbon barrels that capture the very essence of Virginia. Take note of less common grape varieties such as sparkling rosé using the Touriga grape from General’s Ridge Vineyard; Vignoles from Trail winery Good Luck Cellars; Albariño from Ingleside Vineyards; and Petit Manseng from Monroe Bay Winery and Rivah Vineyards at the Grove, which also offers a Cayuga White.

Ditchley Cider Works, the lone cidery on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, offers a variety of ciders. Blush, in particular, was created for wine lovers, as wine yeast starts the fermentation of this cider, made from fresh pink- and red-fleshed apples.

RED WINES

Here’s a look at some of the red wines produced on our wine trail: Cabernet Franc; Cabernet Sauvignon; Chambourcin; Petit Verdot; Petit Verdot Reserve; Sangiovese; Syrah; and Tannat.

WHITE WINES

Here are some of the white wines produced on the trail: Albariño; Cayuga White; Chardonel; Chardonel Reserve; Chardonnay; Chardonnay Reserve; Petit Manseng; Pinot Grigio; Traminette; Vidal Blanc; Vignoles and Viognier.

UNIQUE BLENDS FROM WINEMAKERS ON THE CHESAPEAKE BAY WINE TRAIL

In additional to single varietal wines, winemakers along the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail have also developed some unique blends, which have impressed the palates of wine critics and visitors over the years. Please note that blends may vary based on the vintage year. Here’s a look at some of the current blends that can be found on our trail:

Caret Cellars:
Nebbiolo Rosé (60% Nebbiolo, 40% Rkatsiteli)
Rivah Red (95% Chambourcin, 5% Niagara)

The Dog and Oyster:
Pearl (70% Chardonel, 30% Muscat Ottonel)
Shelter Dog Red (50% Merlot, 35% Petit Verdot, 10% Cab Franc, 5% Cab Sauv)

General’s Ridge Vineyard:
GRV White (blend of Traminette and Vidal)
Sparkling Semper Fi (blend of Chardonnay, Chardonnel, and Vidal Blanc)
The Flying Leathernecks Sparkling Rosé (blend using the Touriga grape)
GRV Red (blend of Merlot and Chambourcin)
General’s Reserve (blend of Petit Verdot, Merlot and Tannat)
General’s Last Call (a port blended from American Brandy and Chambourcin)

Good Luck Cellars:
Rip Rap Rosé (blend of Seyval Blanc and Chambourcin)
Red Reach (blend of Chardonel, Chambourcin and Cabernet Sauvignon)
Four Blonds (blend of Vidal Blanc, Traminette, Seyval Blanc, & Chardonel)
Baleen Beauty (blend of Chardonel and Vidal Blanc)
Cuvée de Calamité (blend of Traminette, Chardonel, Seyval Blanc and Vidal Blanc)

Ingleside Vineyards:
Blue Crab Blanc (Chardonnay and Albariño)
Coastal Red (Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon)
Left Bank (Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend)
October Harvest (Albariño and Muscat Ottonel)
Red Drum (Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot)
Right Bank (Merlot and Petit Verdot)
Sweet Rose Mallow (Merlot, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese)
Virginia Gold (Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon)

Monroe Bay Winery:
Blue Heron White
Blue Heron Rosé
Blue Heron Red

Rivah Vineyards at the Grove:
Yeocomico White (blend of Vidal Blanc, Viognier, Symphony, Chardonel and Petit Manseng)
Stolen Kiss (rosé blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Chambourcin)
Sweet Sue (blend of Chambourcin and Concord)
2 Labs and a Hound
Element

Be sure to visit the websites of our member wineries to learn more about their unique wines.

Harvest is a busy time on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail and perhaps the most exciting time of the year for wineries. Wine grapes undergo a process the French call “veraison” (verr-ray-zohn), in which grapes naturally sweeten and turn from small, hard, green berries to soft, plump grapes in purple/red and translucent gold hues. At the time of peak ripeness, (generally late summer/early fall), winery staff (and sometimes volunteers) pluck these grapes from the vines to begin their transformation into wine.

GRAPE (AND APPLE) PICKING

Visiting a winery during harvest is fascinating! Guests get a front-row seat to the winemaking process, from hand- or machine-grape picking to crushing/pressing to fermentation.

The exact timing of grape harvesting can vary, with weather being a major factor in determining when to pick. Weather that is too hot, too rainy, or even a freak cold snap, can force an earlier or later harvest; and can also affect the development of the grapes. Cooler growing conditions can inhibit ripening, making grapes more tart, with higher acidity and lower sugar and alcohol level. Warmer growing conditions result in a riper, sweeter grape that has more sugar and a higher alcohol level.

Winemakers and vineyard staff visit the vines daily before harvest, monitoring sugar, acidity, and tannin levels. Grapes used for higher acidic wines, such as sparkling wine, are generally picked first. Red wine grapes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, may require more time to mature; thus, may be left on the vines a little longer.

When the time is right, wineries begin their harvests, often picking grapes around the clock. Grape-picking can be by hand or mechanical. Special equipment may be used, such as a grape hook knife, a tool with a curved blade or hook used to cull grapes that are under-ripened, over-ripened or blemished. Lugs are containers used to hold grapes during handpicking, before being transferred to bigger bins and taken to the winery.

Some Trail members, such as Good Luck Cellars, welcome volunteers to help handpick grapes from its 25 acres of vines. Volunteers are rewarded with “good luck” (wine) in return for their time and efforts.

Mechanical harvest requires pivotal strikers or trunk shakers, which shake grapes off the vines. Though less gentle on the grapes than handpicking, mechanical picking is faster and easier, though may result in a lower yield of usable grapes.

Ditchley Cider Works, the lone cidery on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, is busy harvesting apples destined for the cool room, where they will stay fresh until processed and turned into cider.

CRUSHING/PRESSING

Wine grapes are processed differently, depending on their variety and by winery. Red grapes are usually crushed to break the skins and release some juice. The resulting mixture is called the “must”. Some wineries will destem the must, while others remove no solid matter prior to starting the fermentation process. Pressing is done after the fermentation process, either by hand or via a wine press.

White grapes are generally pressed immediately after harvest, thus, releasing the juice from the skins prior to fermentation. Rosé is made by pressing off some of the juice from red grapes, and then fermenting this juice in the same manner as a white wine. The juice is pink when it gets pressed off, giving rosé its distinct color. There are also “orange” wines, which are white wines which are fermented with the skins.

FERMENTATION/CLARIFICATION/AGING & BOTTLING

After crushing, red wine grapes are left to soak in their juices during a process called maceration, which intensifies the color and allows for the extraction of phenolics (flavor and aroma compounds.) Naturally occurring wild yeast from the vineyard starts the fermenting process, added yeast completes the process, which can last anywhere from several days to over a week. Generally, the longer the maceration and fermentation period, the more tannins, color, and flavors will be extracted, thus, the more full-bodied and redder the wine will be.

Fermentation for all varieties is complete once the yeast has consumed all the sugar in the grapes. Clarification follows, which includes the filtering of large particles and the fining of small microbes.

The final step of winemaking is aging and bottling. Many factors affect the vinter’s (winemaker) decision as to how long to further age the wine, and what type of container to age it in. Depending on the grape varietal, flavor profile, mouthfeel (how a fine feels in the mouth: texture, weight, etc.), and other characteristics, vinters may choose to age wine in stainless steel vats or oak barrels, for months or years before bottling.

AUTUMN HARVEST IN VIRGINIA WINE COUNTRY

The end of harvest season typically coincides with Virginia’s peak fall foliage viewing: between October 10 and 31. Start planning your autumn getaway now!

The Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail is located primarily within the Northern Neck National Heritage Area (NNK), one of Virginia’s most picturesque rural regions. A peninsula bordered by the Potomac River, Rappahannock River, and Chesapeake Bay, the NNK is home to three Virginia State Parks (Westmoreland, Caledon, and Belle Isle) and additional nature areas, making it an ideal place to view fall foliage via walking, hiking, riding, or boating. The rural area boasts miles of countryside, including small towns that host charming autumn events, pumpkin patches, parades, and more. Stock up on cider from the Trail member Ditchley Cider Works!

Visit the Itineraries page on our website for ideas on Trail wineries to visit, local lodging (some onsite at Trail member locations including Ditchley, The Dog and Oyster, General’s Ridge Vineyards, and Monroe Bay Winery), and nearby attractions.

Planning an autumn wedding? Visit the wineries on the Trail this season, including Caret Cellars, Jacey Vineyards, and Rivah Vineyards at the Grove, to see how a winery’s fall foliage makes a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photos!

Crisp and refreshing wines, icy slushies, and warm-weather sangria quench your thirst and cool you down on even the hottest summer days. Here are some wines and wine drinks to try, including some new releases from Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail wineries, and proof that red wine can be enjoyed even when temperatures soar.

REFRESHING FAVORITES & NEW RELEASES

Champagne is always in season; and, here on the Trail, so are oysters–especially at The Dog and Oyster, owned by Dudley Patteson, originator of the Virginia Oyster Trail. So it’s only natural that the winery would offer the Champagne with Oyster cocktail, a flute of champagne with an oyster shell perched gently on the rim.

The glistening, coral-hued Flying Leathernecks Sparkling Rosé from General’s Ridge Vineyard features scents of summer, with enchanting aromas of strawberries and raspberries. Medium bodied, with crisp acidity and fruit finish, this sparkling rosé captivates with its elegant and lively appearance of the varietal character of the Touriga grape. Pairs with seafood, cheese or charcuterie. Named in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps pilots of World War II and beyond.

Good Luck Cellars has three new releases. Oak-aged for 18 months, the winery’s Chardonnay 2022 is medium-bodied, crisp, dry, with aromas of spiced apricot and pear. Hints of local mineral hit the tongue followed by ripe persimmons that progress into a smooth finale. Steel-aged and dry, Traminette has subtle floral aromatics like honeysuckle and lemongrass. A tinge of apricot delights the taste buds before soft, citrusy flavors linger on the finish. Cabernet Franc 2021 is oak aged, medium bodied. This wine is supple with a pleasant mouthfeel, ripened dark fruit, a pinch of cocoa and cinnamon, ending with a smooth, dry finish.

Two new releases from Ingleside Vineyards are available exclusively in the winery’s Tasting Room and online store. Bourbon Barrel Chardonnay 2022 is a limited-production, dry white, 100% Chardonnay fermented and aged in bourbon barrels from the A. Smith Bowman Distillery for nine months. Albariño 2023 is a fruit-forward, aromatic wine that pairs well with local oysters and other seafoods. Roughly 57% of this wine was fermented in stainless steel and 43% was fermented in oak barrels. The resulting blend brings a unique twist to the winery’s traditional stainless steel Albariño. It was produced from just over four acres of vines, from three vineyard sites. Ingleside’s most established Albariño vines are over ten years old, and newer vines have been planted in recent years.

For non-wine drinkers, Monroe Bay Winery is now serving beer. Visit Ditchley Cider Works during Sunday Brunch and try Blush cider, made for wine lovers by utilizing wine yeast to start fermentation.

A guest favorite at Rivah Vineyards at the Grove, Cool Breeze is summer in a glass, with flavors of apricot and peach, matched with a citrus tannin. The sweet smell of this 100% Cayuga White is deceiving, as it is not as sweet as may first appear. Great paired with aperitifs and appetizers or just by its lonesome.

ICY COLD WINE SLUSHIES

Slushies are not just for kids! Grown-ups will love the icy cold refreshment of an adult wine slushie. Ingleside Vineyards offers two varieties. Frosé is made with Sweet Rose Mallow, a sweet rosé named after the Rose Mallow flower (indigenous to the Chesapeake Bay region), with pineapple and apricot aromas, and a velvety finish. Blanc-a-Rita is similar to a margarita, made with Ingleside’s Blue Crab Blanc. With a slightly sweet finish, this wine makes a great aperitif and pairs well with white meats and seafood.

EAT MORE FRUIT (AND BY THAT WE MEAN SIP SANGRIA!)

Sangria is our favorite fruit! Every summer, Jacey Vineyards offer white sangria, made from the winery’s Sauvignon Blanc, and red sangria, with Jacey’s Zinfandel as its base. Sangria Sunday is held weekly, year-round at Good Luck Cellars.

SUMMER SAVINGS

It’s a summer of winery savings, with three ways to save on the Trail!A limited-edition Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail Tasting Pass can be used in conjunction with the Trail’s Passport to save 50% or more! Each Tasting Pass entitles guests to one annual wine tasting at the nine wineries on the Trail, typically representing a savings of at least 50% over normal tasting fees. Only a limited number of Passes are available and can be purchased in the tasting rooms of participating wineries for $30 each, or $25 for four or more. (VA sales tax additional.)

Use the Tasting Pass in conjunction with our Passport Program to earn even MORE wine discounts. Start with an official passport brochure & map, available in most Trail tasting rooms, as well as select local attractions. As you visit each winery of the Trail, friendly winery staff will validate your visit with a “stamp”. Seven different stamps earn a 10% discount on wine; nine different stamps get a 15% discount on wine. Once the discount level is reached, the passport discount remains valid for the next 12 months!

Good Luck Cellars (GLC) and Ingleside Vineyards are also participating in Virginia Wine’s Sip Into Summer Tasting Pass-Eastern Virginia, a mobile pass granting access to exclusive flights across Virginia’s wine country. Purchase the pass to unlock opportunities to explore a variety of wineries through Labor Day (September 2^nd). GLC’s “summer sips” include Vignoles, new release Traminette, Rip Rap Rosé, Red Reach, and Raspberry Bliss, as well as a special summer tasting menu. Ingleside’s summer sips are Coastal White-Lot 20, Chardonnay Reserve, Petit Verdot Rosé, and new releases Albariño and Bourbon Barrel Chardonnay.

SUMMER WINE MYTHS DEBUNKED

Myth: “Reds are for cooler weather; whites are for warmer weather.”

Some oenophiles (wine lovers) will tell you that there are some wines that should be avoided during warmer weather, citing various reasons and ways the integrity of the wine could be compromised due to the heat. Traditional wine drinking rules notwithstanding, we think wine lovers should be able to drink what they like, whatever the day, month or occasion! But… just don’t let your wine bake in that summer sun. Whether keeping it cool with a few ice packs or just finding a nice shady spot, your wine will thank you.

Or stick with tradition and enjoy a refreshing chilled white wine like Caret Cellars 2017 Chardonnay, aged in stainless steel with slight, late exposure to oak. Creamy rich, with nutty aromas of apple blossom and pear, this Chardonnay maintains hints of butter, citrus and grapefruit, and is tinged with a slight minerality. Balanced tannins and dryness make this wine excellent for pairing with Chesapeake Bay seafood such as raw or roasted oysters and rockfish. A lingering finish allows the delicate flavors of shrimp scampi or citrus cooked chicken to be savored.

Myth: “Reds are served room temperature; whites are served chilled.”

Serve white wines slightly warmer than fridge temperature (eg somewhere between 45-55 degrees), and red wines slightly cooler than room temperature (eg 60-68 degrees F). Yes, that means some red wines can be chilled slightly. You could keep wine in a wine fridge, cellar, ice bucket or place a bottle of red into the refrigerator for 15-25 minutes before serving. To be clear, not all varieties of red are suitable for chilling. Serving some reds cool can intensify the tannins and feeling of body and diminish fruit flavors. Ideal wines for chilling are those low in tannin, light bodied and full of fruit, such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.

An example of a red wine that is perfect for chilling would be Red Drum from Ingleside Vineyards. This versatile red is made to be served either chilled or room temperature.

Myth: “Red wine for meat; white wine for fish and vegetables.”

Light, fresh red wines do exist; and their moderate alcohol content pairs well with seafood and cold vegetable dishes. Slightly fuller-bodied, intense and fragrant red wines complement more savory fish. The best choices include those that can be chilled, as listed above.

 

Planning a wedding is exciting—and overwhelming. Every couple wants their big day to be perfect! Wineries and vineyards are ideal locations for wedding ceremonies and receptions, providing tons of options and flexibility for every wedding style.

Here are 8 reasons why you’ll love hosting a winery or vineyard wedding on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail:

1) Wineries are romantic! Nothing pairs better with love than wine. In a previous blog post, Romance on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, we shared all the reasons why Virginia is for Lovers, especially wine lovers. From charming small towns in the rural Northern Neck to fun photo opps alongside VA’s iconic “LOVEworks” love signs (two of which can be found at Trail wineries Ingleside Vineyards and Monroe Bay Winery.)

2) Any Wedding Style / Decor. Rustic, sophisticated, elegant, relaxed, chic or shabby chic–every wedding style can be accommodated on the Trail. Several Trail wineries have onsite wedding coordinators who can help design the wedding of your dreams, incorporating every aspect of the day into the theme of your choosing.

3) Inside, Outside or Both! Depending on the size of your guest list, Trail wineries can accommodate outdoor weddings, al fresco or under / inside a tent (heated if necessary); indoor weddings in Tasting Rooms, special event rooms, or Manor Houses; or both, such as an intimate wedding ceremony in a wine cellar, larger reception in a Tasting Room.

4) Breathtaking Views = Stunning Wedding Photos. Vineyards and wineries are stunningly picturesque. Imagine the backdrop of lush vines, majestic trees, sparkling waterfronts, quaint towns, historic buildings, wraparound porches, gardens, courtyards, wood beams and barn doors, fireplaces, wine barrels, and more.

5) One site for the entire wedding. In addition to providing special event space, some Trail members can also accommodate overnight guests, including a bridal suite and lodging for the wedding night, honeymoon and overnight guests. An abundance of off-site lodging, from rustic to luxurious, is also available in the areas surrounding the Trail.

6) Destination Weddings. The Northern Neck, where nearly all Trail wineries are located, offers a wealth of activities for those planning a weekend destination wedding with out of town guests. The region is especially known for its rich history and maritime culture. Quaint and charming towns along the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail offer historical and colonial architecture, access to nature and outdoor activities, beaches and watersports, events, culinary delights, shopping, antiques, art and much more.

7) Mouthwatering Eats & Wines. An endless supply of a variety of wines is a benefit of a winery or vineyard wedding; but what’s paired with the wine is almost as important as the vino itself. Some Trail wineries have in-house food service, while others can recommended caterers with whom they have established relationships. The Trail’s location in the rural Northern Neck ensures that couples have access to high quality, locally-sourced, farm fresh ingredients for their reception, including regional favorites such as oysters and other seafood directly from local waters.

8) Wedding Favors. Nothing is easier than allowing a guest to choose their favorite bottle of wine from your wedding venue as a wedding favor. Or branded merchandise from the winery’s gift shop, where you can also pick up more personalized gifts for the wedding party and VIPs.

Whatever your wedding style or budget, there’s a Trail winery for you! Contact the nine Trail wineries below to learn more about their special event capabilities.

• Featuring an Italian-inspired Tasting Room, Caret Cellars specializes in non-traditional weddings, elopements and micro weddings with up to 40 guests. Affordable DIY and inclusive packages, wedding planning services, and free content creation. A “getting ready” suite doubles as a place a couple may spend their wedding night.

• From just the two of you to hundreds of family and friends, the lawn, Manor House, and water’s edge can be used for weddings, rehearsals or accommodations at Ditchley Cider Works. Use of the houses for lodging and event preparation, and catering with farm raised products and locally procured specialties.

• Get married on the front steps, at the grand staircase, or in the whimsical garden of The Dog and Oyster’s romantic Hope & Glory Inn. Formal plated, casual food stations, oyster or seafood bars for up to 75 guests in the restaurant, on the grounds, or by the pool. Exclusive floral designer and officiant on staff.

• Step back in time and say “I do” in General’s Ridge Vineyard’s historic Manor House, Carriage House, or against the breathtaking backdrop of the vineyard. A full service wedding facility for up to 150 guests, offering catering, wedding cakes, entertainment, photographers, equipment rental, florists, limo service, on site hair dressers and lodging.

• Good Luck Cellars boasts 4,500 sq. ft of cozy indoor space (including a cupola with 360 degree views of the estate), 3,000 sq. ft. of covered, wraparound porch overlooking the vineyards, and surrounding acreage for weddings.

• A European-style courtyard with fountain, romantic Barrel Room, indoor/outdoor Pavilion, Bridal Salon with waiting area, and dedicated wedding staff are just a few reasons Ingleside Vineyards is an award-winning wedding venue for up to 150 guests.

• Up to 250 guests can arrive by car or boat to Jacey Vineyards for weddings in wooded forests, along a one-mile stretch of waterfront, or among lush vineyards, on 150 private and tranquil acres.

• Monroe Bay Winery’s Straw Bale Barn and Event Center provides a rustic, yet elegant setting, on acres of wooded, waterfront lawn and vines, with “LOVE” shimmering in stained glass crafted from recycled wine bottles.

• Exchange your vows in your choice of romantic settings at Rivah Vineyards at the Grove: outdoors among undulating rows of grape vines or a woodsy setting with a view of the Yeocomico River. Or transform the inviting main hall into the wedding of your dreams for up to 100 guests. “Getting ready” rooms for the couple and their wedding party.

It’s that time of year when we roll down the windows, open the sunroofs, put the tops down, and take to the road, sea and air, cruising to the sounds of our favorite tunes. A visit to the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail is a fun trip, whether your preferred mode of transportation is auto, boat or plane.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Most of the members of The Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail are located in the Northern Neck (NNK) of Virginia, with one winery just over the bridge on the Middle Peninsula. The Northern Neck is the northernmost of three peninsulas on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay; the Middle Peninsula is, obviously, the middle peninsula, accessible from the NNK by the Norris Bridge.

The Northern Neck’s northern border begins in King George County, Virginia, fewer than 60 land miles from Washington, DC. In this region of the NNK, you’ll find Trail wineries Ingleside Vineyards, in Oak Grove, and Monroe Bay Winery, in Colonial Beach, on the Potomac River, about 35 nautical miles from the Chesapeake Bay.

In the middle region of the Northern Neck, about 25 land miles southeast, is General’s Ridge Vineyard, in Hague; Rivah Vineyards at the Grove, in Kinsale, on the Yeocomico River; and Caret Cellars, located just over the Rappahannock River, in Caret.

Thirty land miles further and you’ll arrive at the southern region of the NNK, sandwiched between the Chesapeake Bay and Rappahannock River, about 50 land miles from Newport News, 70 from Richmond. This area of the Northern Neck is home to Jacey Vineyards, in Heathsville; Ditchley Cider Works and Good Luck Cellars, in Kilmarnock; and The Dog and Oyster in Irvington.

GETTING HERE BY LAND, AIR, SEA… EVEN HORSEBACK!

Bounded by the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, the Northern Neck is easily accessible by sea, as well as land. Several Trail wineries are located directly on the water, some with boat access and their own docks.

Access Ditchley Cider Works’ protected, deep water cove from the Chesapeake Bay via Dividing Creek. Drop anchor at the cidery’s 100-ft. dock and spend the day sipping cider, lounging on the modest sandy beach or paddle boarding and kayaking in the private cove.

Seven docks are in Jacey Vineyards’ private Corbin Cove, off of Mill Creek, in Northumberland County, and accessible from the Chesapeake Bay. A commercial dock is under construction near the mouth of the creek. Further, a marina is located just down the road.

Located just across Monroe Bay from Colonial Beach, waterfront Monroe Bay Winery is accessible by road, boat, trolley and plane! The local trolley transports guests to/from various points in town, including the winery. Seaplanes are regularly observed landing in Monroe Bay, which is only a short rideshare to another Trail winery, Ingleside Vineyards.

At Caret Cellars, light aircraft have landed right on the vineyard’s grounds; and horses and buggies are not unheard of at Rivah Vineyards at the Grove!

Drop anchor at a nearby marina and commission a rideshare for the short drives to General’s Ridge Vineyard, Good Luck Cellars, and The Dog and Oyster, the latter of which has a private boat for hotel guests, True Love.

STAY ON THE TRAIL: From Camp Sites to Luxury Lodging

Did you know you can stay overnight on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail? Several Trail members have accommodations, ranging from rustic to luxurious.

Situated on a 160-acre working farm, the historic 1752 Manor House at Ditchley Cider Works & Farm has four bedrooms and sleeps up to eight. Rental of the house includes full breakfast for up to eight guests each morning, seven stand up paddleboards (SUPs), WiFi and 40 AMP EV charger. Guests are invited to “be a farmer for a day” and tend to cattle, hogs, ducks, geese and turkeys; learn about strawbale gardening; and pick vegetables. Ditchley also features Sunday Brunch weekly.

The Dog and Oyster is located on the grounds of the award-winning Hope & Glory Inn. The boutique inn boasts six guest rooms in the historic bed and breakfast, opened in 1889 as a schoolhouse. Historical references remain, with common areas including “Detention”, the full service bar; “Hooky”, an outdoor dining area; and “The Colonnade” fine dining restaurant, named for the 10 Doric columns that frame the space. In addition, seven quaint cottages dot the “secret garden” on the property, complete with manicured grounds, garden sculptures, a saltwater pool, and a romantic, open-air garden bath. Each one- and two-story cottage is uniquely decorated in luxurious, shabby-chic décor and haute couture designs.

Watch the sun rise and gaze out over the vineyards from the large wraparound porch and balcony at General’s Ridge Vineyard’s mid-1800s Manor House. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, dining room, bar and several sitting rooms sleep six comfortably. A second option is Vineyard Views, a  two-bedroom cottage hidden among the grapevines. The cottage also includes a full kitchen, dining room, sitting rooms and a deck, on the  almost one hundred acre property.

Cabernet Cottage, the tiny container house at Monroe Bay Winery, blends 160 sq. ft. of indoor  luxury living space with the natural beauty of the farmland to create a harmonious connection. Measuring 8 ft. x 20 ft., the container features a large door at one end and a screened French Door on one side. Inside is a well-appointed kitchenette, full bathroom, and sofa/day bed that serves as a couch and pull-out bed for two people. Adirondack chairs on the porch offer views of the farmland, with winery’s Straw Bale Barn Tasting Room and waterfront just a short stroll away. A kayak is available for guest use.

Bring your RV! Caret Cellars and Rivah Vineyards at the Grove are members of Harvest Hosts, offering limited space for unique RV camping.

OFFSITE LODGING

Along the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail route are quaint small towns and rural villages, many with waterfront and beach accommodations, historic and colonial architecture, world class resorts, charming cottages, rustic cabins, private vacation rentals, boutique inns and natural campsites. Visit our Itineraries page to find lodging close to each of our Trail member sites.

Watch for our next blog post, where we will share fun activities at Trail wineries, cool attractions in the surrounding areas, and more to help you plan your perfect road or boat trip!

Cheers!