Sample Itinerary #1
Located just off State Route 3 (Kings Highway), you will find Ingleside Vineyards, one of the oldest wineries in Virginia. Ingleside was also the first winery on the Northern Neck. Take a tour of the production facility, taste award-winning wines and relax in the European-style outdoor courtyard.
You’ll find another one of the Trail’s newest members, Monroe Bay Winery, just outside of the town of Colonial Beach. As part of your day, why not enjoy a delicious seafood lunch in Colonial Beach, a historic beach town on the Potomac River?
Looking for historic attractions? You are not far from several attractions – George Washington’s Birthplace, James Monroe Birthplace and Stratford Hall, home of the Lees of Virginia.
Or maybe outdoor activities are more your thing? Then make a stop at Westmoreland State Park to enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding or a nature hike.
There are so many activities, you may want to stay overnight! There are a number of B&B’s and lodging options in the area. Historic options include Belle Grove B&B (the birthplace of James Madison) and Stratford Hall.
Sample Itinerary #2
If you’re heading east on Route 3 (Kings Highway), you will pass through Montross, a quaint historic town that makes a great place to start your journey. Here, you can grab a bite to eat or a great cup of coffee! Consider a stop at the Westmoreland County Museum & Visitor’s Center to learn more about local history. Or perhaps a visit to the Carrot Cottage, also an information hub for the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, where you can pick up a Wine Trail passport brochure, as well as other winery brochures.
As you continue east, plan to visit General’s Ridge Vineyard. As you drive in, you will notice the historic Manor house built in the 1800’s. Enjoy your tasting in the “Somewhere In Time” tasting room. If you find you are ready for something to eat, there is a bistro menu to enjoy while sitting in the “Vineyard Views” tasting room.
Not far from General’s Ridge Vineyards, you will find Rivah Vineyards at the Grove. Rivah Vineyards features 125 scenic acres of farm, woods and riverfront on the Yeocomico River.
Next, head down Route 203 and continue through the town of Warsaw and head towards Tappahannock, located just across the Rappahannock River in the Middle Peninsula. Just north of Tappahannock, you will find Caret Cellars, located in Caret, VA.
Want to add a historical stop on your trip? Check out the museum and ruins at Menokin, home of Francis Lightfoot Lee, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
This makes for quite a trip so if you are thinking of making a weekend of it, there are several lodging options, including two properties at General’s Ridge Vineyard. Or choose from a selection of local B&B’s in the area.
Sample Itinerary #3
The Dog and Oyster Micro-Vineyard is America’s only vineyard to craft wines to pair with oysters. Its unique seasonal tasting room is located in front of the Hope & Glory Inn.
Continue your wine excursion to Good Luck Cellars. Be sure to stop and romp with the rescue dogs, and then enjoy a bottle of wine on the lovely porch. Be sure to taste their signature red, the Inheritage.
Not far from Good Luck, you will find Ditchley Cider Works & Farm. In addition to its production of hard cider, Ditchley also produces beef and pork products and offers cooking classes, overnight stays and event space rentals.
Lunch time? Stop in historic Kilmarnock and enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants serving everything from Virginia comfort food to Thai!
Next, stop by one of the only wineries in Virginia that is accessible by water, Jacey Vineyards, located off Route 200 and situated on Mill Creek. Be sure to try the Malbec.
Want to add some history to your visit? Stop by the Historic Christ Church in Weems and see why it was named one of the Top Three Historic Sites in Eastern Virginia by the readers of Virginia Living Magazine.
Consider scheduling an overnight stay to enjoy all the area has to offer. Several of our wineries offer overnight accommodations, including the Hope & Glory Inn (which owns The Dog and Oyster Vineyard) and Ditchley Cider Works. Other local options include local B&B’s and the historic Tides Inn Resort.
Transportation Options
Make your visit to our Wine Trail even easier by working with one of transportation partners:
Bay Transit (Warsaw, VA)
804-250-2019 x1100
www.baytransit.org
Bright Day Transit Services, LLC (Fredericksburg, King George, Stafford and Spotsylvania, VA)
540-656-6325
www.brightdaytransitservices.com
Belman Limo & Airport Service (Fredericksburg, VA)
540-899-5466
www.899limo.com
James Limousine (Hampton, Newport News, Richmond and Williamsburg, VA)
804-273-1540
www.jameslimousine.com
Tours of the Northern Neck (Hague, VA)
978-286-8766
www.toursnnk.com