Many thanks to Nancy Bauer and our friends at the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop for the following guest blog:
Part of the fun of a destination wedding in the Shenandoah Valley region is offering your guests a taste of the place you chose to celebrate one of the most precious moments of your life. We invite you to use this quick-reference guide to find wedding and event packages from our renowned makers of wine, spirits, and brews, whose handcrafted libations come to you straight from the earth and the pristine waters of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Copper Fox Distillery
The first North American distillery to build a traditional malt floor and kiln since the repeal of Prohibition, located in Sperryville, Virginia. The distillery is housed in a rustic converted apple cider mill in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and nestled invitingly on the banks of the Thornton River. Spirits are made from scratch–floor malting locally grown barley, flavoring the grain with fruitwood smoke, then aging with a progressive series of hand-toasted wood chips in used bourbon barrels.
Contact:
Rick Wasmund
cufoxdistillery@gmail.com
540-987-8554
540-718-3715 (cell)
Desert Rose Winery
Family-run winery with a Western ranch vibe, producing such Virginia classic wines as Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, and Chardonnay, along with popular rose’ and port-style wines. The child- and pet-friendly winery is open all year long, every day, from noon to 6PM.
Contact:
Bob and Linda Claymier
info@desertrosewinery.com
540-635-3200
DuCard Vineyards
Boutique winery north of Charlottesville, “Virginia’s Greenest Winery” for environmental stewardship and #1 ranked TripAdvisor winery in Central Virginia. Limited production, estate grown wines and a renowned food and wine program run by on-site chef with extensive experience pairing wine and food for private events – private parties, corporate off-sites, weddings, other celebrations.
Contact:
Scott and Karen Elliff
scott@ducardvineyards.com
540-923-4206
Gadino Cellars
The “Italian Winery” on the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop, Gadino Cellars grows and produces Italian varietals such as Pinot Grigio and Nebbiolo as well as a wide range of wines including Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Traminette, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.
Dog- and child-friendly environment with Bocce Ball play and other outdoor activities.
Contact:
Bill Gadino
info@gadinocellars.com
540 987-9292
Quièvremont Winery
Located in the beautiful pastoral landscape of an 18th-century farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, John Quie’vremont built this winery and its vineyards to create memorable wines with unique characteristics. Using French wine making techniques, the winery produces Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Meritage, Merlot, Rose, and Vin de Maison.
Contact: 540-827-4579
Rappahannock Cellars
Rappahannock Cellars sits on a historic 85-acre farm and currently produces traditional method sparkling wines, red and white wine, as well as 100% grape-based spirits. With careful tending of the vineyard and exacting knowledge of the cellar, the Delmare family strives to create rich, supple, and elegant wines.
Contact:
Kelly Delmare Knight
kelly@rcellars.com
540-635-9398
Wisteria Farm and Vineyard
Wisteria only produces wines from grapes grown on the farm. The impressive variety includes Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Traminette, Vidal, Seyval, Petit Verdot, Mataro, Norton, and Carmine. The winery also produces a variety of semi-sweet blends and a popular dessert wine.
Contact:
Moussa & Sue Ishak
info@wisteriavineyard.com
540-742-1489
Hawksbill Brewing Company
Spacious craft brewery with a friendly local vibe located in the heart of historic downtown Luray. Locally grown ingredients are used in the brewery’s many fine stouts, porters, brown ales, IPAs, and Cream Ales. Family-friendly Hawksbill Brewing also serves non-alcoholic options such as the honey-based Boo Beer.
Contact:
hawksbillhops@gmail.com
540-860-5608
Learn more about the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop here.
Nancy Bauer writes about Virginia Wine Country travel on Virginia Wine in My Pocket (also a downloadable app). She is also the author of the book Virginia Wine Travel Journal. Contact her at Nancy@vawineinmypocket.com.