1. Pack a Good Lunch
Some Vineyards serve food but others may only offer snacks. Be sure to research before planning your visit. I prefer to bring my own food. It is wise to have food around if you will be wine tasting all day. I always make a charcuterie board with meat and cheese varieties, fruit, crackers, a pasta salad, tuna fish etc… These items are easy to pack and transport and pair well with wine. It is also important to stay hydrated. In addition to food, remember to pack lots of water!!
2. Plan the Best Arrival Time
The best time to arrive is before noon. Vineyards can become overcrowded in the early afternoon. By arriving early, you can beat the crowds and ensure time to tour the vineyard. Most wine tours are about an hour long so keep that in mind when planning your visit. Arriving early also gives you the opportunity to find a comfortable space to sit for the day. Vineyards often have first come, first served seating (with the exception of larger party reservations). Lastly, make sure the weather is right for you. Try to avoid rainy days and extremely hot temperatures. There will most likely be shaded and covered areas so you can avoid direct sunlight on hot days.
3. Hire a Driver or Carpool with a Designated Driver
I love day drinking at Vineyards, however I do not like the long drive home. Vineyards are usually a long way from metropolitan areas and the commute is usually over an hour. Why spend the day at a vineyard if you are not able enjoy a few glasses of wine? I hired a driver for our last trip to 868 Estate Vineyards and it changed the entire experience! We were all able to celebrate and drink freely without the thought of having to drive home! The Sprinter van we rented was $600. We had 10 people in our group which made the total $60 per person. This included the 3 hour roundtrip transportation as well as the 4 hours we spent at the vineyard. This may seem unnecessary, but think about it. If you drive your own vehicle, you are going to spend an average of $30-$40. Why not splurge an extra $20-$30 for peace of mind. It was worth it! If you have a smaller group, I suggest driving one large vehicle and designating a driver.
4. Tour The Vineyard
Wine tours provide the history of the vineyard and the wine. All vineyards are different and have unique information to offer.
5. Order Flights First, then Order Bottles
The best way to drink at a vineyard is to sample the options first. All wine is not made equally! I suggest ordering a couple of flights so that your group can sample everything first (Especially if you do not participate in a wine tasting). This way you aren’t stuck with a bottle that you don’t like. Once you have found your favorites, then order the bottles. Don’t be afraid to explore beyond your favorite wine! Wine tasting offers the opportunity to expand your palate. I always end up liking something new that I never would have tried before. Be open minded and learn and taste what the vineyard has to offer. Order bottles to go! I usually order a few bottles and give out as gifts throughout the year.
6. Relax and Enjoy the View!
Sip your wine and relax while admiring the picturesque backgrounds. Vineyards are usually located near mountains and have gorgeous panoramic views. Take this time to let go of your worries and enjoy the good company around you!! Again, always remember to drink responsibly!
My Favorite Vineyards in the DMV area
- Bluemont Vineyard-18755 Foggy Bottom Road Bluemont, VA 20135 http://bluemontvinyard.com
- Stone Tower Winery- 19925 Hogback Mountain Road Leesburg, VA 20175 http://stonetowerwinery.com
- 868 Estate Vineyards- 14001 Harpers Ferry Road Purcellville, VA 20132 http://868estatevineyards.com
- Linganore Wine Cellars- 13601 Glissans Mill Road Mount Airy, MD 21771 http://linganorewines.com
- Virginia Mountain Vineyards- 4204 Old Fincastle Road Fincastle, VA 24090 http://vmvines.com
