Fall is one of my favorite seasons in Virginia because of the breathtaking colors of the leaves changing and did you happen to know its harvest season for wine ☺ Also October is Virginia’s famed Wine Month where you can enjoy numerous festival’s and events at local wineries. Take advantage of the lush landscape, breathtaking views at many wineries, cozy small towns and historical sites while enjoying the savory taste of local wines during the following popular wine festivals:
Wine by the Lake: Held in mid-September this Lake Anna community event sponsors the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This event will showcase food from local restaurants, business vendors and local wineries such as Burnley Vineyard, Prince Michael Winery, Lake Anna Winery, and Coyote Hall Ciderworks to name a few.
Gloucester Wine Festival: September 25 at Brent and Becky’s Bulb. A family fun event that will host top Virginia Wineries and fine food venders from the area. Learn about the art of wine making and food pairings with wine. Take a stroll through this venue while listening to live music from local entertainment. Tickets are $30 at the door.
Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival: September 23/24 at Crazy Horse Marina and Campground. Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Smith Mountain Lake while enjoying wine tastings from 29 local wineries, 85 craft & food venders and local bands including Barefoot West, Fuzzy Logic, and Hip Pocket Band. Some local wineries invited to participate in this fun event include Amrhein Wine Cellar, Barboursville Vineyard, Bold Rock Hard Cider, Castle Glen, and Peaks of Otter. Tickets can be purchased at the door $35 for tasting tickets $25 to just enjoy the event without wine tastings.
Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival: EAT. DRINK. STINK. This fun festival is one of Virginia’s largest agricultural events which is held at Rebec Vineyard October 14th/15th. Enjoy local wine tastings from Lazy Days Winery, Rockbridge Vineyard, Hilltop Berry Farm & Winery, Cobbler Mountain Cider and many more. While sipping on your wine enjoy 150 eclectic art, crafts, and specialty food venders. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat from several eateries and food trucks such as Over the Moon Pizza, Sherri’s Crab Cakes and Pie Guy which all feature garlicky menu items. Tickets are $30 at the gate.
These are just a few of the local winery events held this fall around Virginia. Several wineries have their own events and grape harvesting parties which are surely not to be missed. Take a break from the local hustle and bustle of daily life, grab a glass of a fall featured wine and enjoy the many events around the area. Maybe enjoy a different event each weekend at local wineries, a good time is sure to be had! Happy Fall ☺
