Northern Virginia Scene
3DT just got back from a 2 day weekend down to Northern Virginia ("NOVA"). Northern Virginia hosts the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah valley, and some of the best wineries on the east coast.
Just 4 hours from New York, travelers can visit a variety of wineries, some located just 45 minutes from Washington, DC. With low priced hotels ranging from 5 stars to bed and breakfasts, the area offers up many possibilities for a short weekend trip.
Wineries
Swedenburg Wines
Northern Virginia has quickly become a premiere wine growing region on the east coast. Unlike the west coast, NoVa's wineries are a bit more laid back and relaxing. In recent years, larger winery operations have opened, but the best are still the smaller players. Average price per bottle is between $15 - $20. Typically, the winemaker will actually be the person o ffering up the tastings - a nice treat - but be prepared to pay for the tasting, anywhere from $3 to $7.50. Some wineries will discount the tasting if you buy a bottle or two.
There are some local grapes which make for excellent wines such as the Norton, other grapes being grown include Vigonier, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Merlot - to name a few. 3DT recommends the following wineries, all located closeby and can be visited in the same day:
Rappahanock Cellars - Founded by a Californian family, this winery offers a good variety of wines with all grapes estate grown (on the property). A nice porch area and benches provide a view over the vineyard.
Gadino Cellars - The welcoming owners make a variety of wines and also sell some very tasty venison sausage.
Piedmont Vineyards - The owners serve up the tastings: a variety of different wines including a Peach wine, plus an inviting patio make for a great experience.
Piedmont Winery
- Located the closest to DC, this winery produces one of the new Pinot Noirs in Northern Virginia
Other recommended stops:
Chrysalis,
Barrel Oak,
Willowcroft and
Lost Creek.
Where to Stay
3DT likes the charm of Bed and Breakfasts, but for this region, we typically choose hotels near the Dulles Airport area, typically north near Sterling but also south near Fairfax. In Sterling, there is a variety of hotels that include breakfast such as the Hyatt Place, or Residence Inn. The room rates are typically under $100, with free parking and breakfast. Near Fairfax there are larger hotel chains available with slightly higher rates.
What to eat
Northern Virginia is home to many chain restaurants, which, we wouldn't want to eat at home. However, they are also home to the
Great American Restaurants chain - all of which are particularly tasty. We like the Sweetwater Tavern, located within walking distance of the Hyatt Place in Sterling. Fresh beer, made in the restaurant is available along with perfectly prepared steaks.
Of course, when winery hopping, nothing beats a picnic on the porch or patio of a winery. Bring your cooler and head to the Wegmans in Sterling to prepare - this supermarket will offer something for everyone.
And, if you are in the market for a real variety, you are only 30 minutes away from Washington, DC, where there is the typical flavor of a large city available to you.
When to go
Barrels are opened in the fall, but most wineries are open year round - so go anytime! We've been there in the spring, fall and summer - and always have had a great time. Combining this with a trip to Shenandoah including a drive throughout the national park would be a great long weekend. Or go to DC and see some museums and the nation's capital - the combinations are endless, all year long.
