October is Virginia Wine Month and the wineries of the Shenandoah Valley are glorious destinations for award-winning flavors and breathtaking scenery. Raise a glass and travel well this fall.
CrossKeys Vineyard | Mt. Crawford
Bringing a bit of Tuscany to the Shenandoah Valley, CrossKeys Vineyard is an expansive 125 acres of rolling vines. Their bistro is the place to be Sundays during Virginia Wine Month. Make a reservation for brunch (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and enjoy the Vineyard Vibes Concert Series from noon until 3 p.m. Go ahead and stay the evening, too! The Fall Supper Series is a three-course culinary treat overlooking the vines (weather permitting) each Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. Reservations are required.
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Barren Ridge | Fishersville
An apple packing barn turned winery and tasting room is the centerpiece of Barren Ridge Vineyard. Spend time on the glorious porch and soak in the sunset while enjoying a flight. Save the date for Balade Gourmande, a ticketed culinary event October 22. Afterward, patio entertainment by Mojo Parker Express bids you stay awhile.
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Ecco Adesso | Fairfield
Perched on a hill with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and rows of vines, Ecco Adesso in Fairfield is one of the Shenandoah Valley’s newest wineries. Stately, the stone exterior gives off castle vibes, but the coolest thing is passing beneath it! Savor the wine, walk the trails, enjoy an event at the timber frame pavilion, or even stay the night in one of their on-site cabins.
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Muse Vineyards | Woodstock
Lovers of art, come have a glass of Muse Vineyards’ excellent wine and enjoy a new artist exhibit by Rachel Lofton. “Floribundance” is a collection of vibrantly colored work displayed in the tasting room through October 31. Meet the artist for a special reception from 2 to 5 p.m. October 15.
For another Rachel Lofton exhibition in the Shenandoah Valley, check out Art at the Mill at The Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood.
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Peaks of Otter Winery | Bedford
If you’re not taking a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, you’re doing fall in Virginia all wrong. Plus, Virginia’s best fruit wines are just off milepost 85.6 at Peaks of Otter Winery. Enjoy a flight of eight wines and don’t forget an apple cider donut or two. If you care to try your hand a pick-your-own apples, they’re still in season and available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
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Wisteria Farm & Vineyard | Stanley
Music Under the Arbor is still in full swing this fall at Wisteria Farm & Vineyard. Putter Cox & LP open the month on October 1, then look forward to Jason Frye October 8, Davis Bradley October 15, Jim O’Ferrell October 21, and Mike & Virginia October 22. All of them pair beautifully with their seasonal Mulled Wine, a crafty batch of Semi-Sweet Adonis, cloves, allspice, star anise, cinnamon, and sugar. As expected, it’s served warm. Mmm!
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Star in the Valley | Strasburg
Situated at a nice elevation in the foothills of Little North Mountain, Star in the Valley estate winery in Strasburg promises great fall foliage. Ask about their 2020 The Astronomer! An “orange” white with a hit of honey and licorice, it’s perfect for October porch sitting.
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We hope you enjoy tasting your way through the Shenandoah Valley this month! Cheers!
Header image courtesy of Barren Ridge Vineyards.