Heavenly Harvest: Wineries Within Easy Reach of Western Prince William County.
Autumn is wine time! The fall grape harvest is coming in and vineyards in the area are strutting their stuff with new and vintage wines to try. Our region boasts an abundance of wineries, many of which celebrate with fun events. Here are some of my favorite wineries, all no more than an hour’s drive from Gainesville, VA.
Located in Haymarket, this historic home and property serves up amazing tastings and tours, with a patio area offering delightful views of the vineyard. The winery is full of folklore and ghost stories for you to hear about as you sip La Grange’s quality red and white wines. The winery’s event page reminds you to bring a picnic meal to their events. I’d recommend spending the day. Especially during this time of the year, it’s just lovely. www.wineryatlagrange.com
Delaplane sits on Lost Mountain, overlooking a vast vineyard that offers inspiration and reflection. The rustic tasting room and open area patio are delightful. In my opinion, their wines are excellent. There is impressive entertainment on the weekends, as well as a very knowledgeable staff. Delaplane will ship wine to any eligible state, so you can do a little Christmas shopping while you are there. My experience at Delaplane had me considering my own little farm in the country! www.delaplanecellars.com
Gainesville and Bristow residents in particular talk about this winery because it is so close. The Winery at Bull Run is conveniently located right off Route 29 between Centreville and Gainesville. Amid the ruins of a historic farm house, the modern tasting room was built with rustic appeal, offering up an impressive list of award winning wines. Children and pets are welcome on their lively family picnic grounds where free entertainment is provided most weekends.www.wineryatbullrun.com
Naked Mountain boasts they are less than an hour from the Capital beltway. I have to say an early morning trip to a nearby orchard and follow-up with a tasting at this winery is sure to release anyone’s stress. The long rustic wine tasting bar sits high up on the knoll, with a view of the vineyard and some beautiful land. Naked Mountain has a fun, fresh vibe. They offer wine dinner events, as well as light fare wine tastings, or you can bring a picnic basket of your favorite goodies. www.nakedmountainwinery.com
A smaller winery off Rt.15 in Middleburg, Chrysalis is a very down to earth winery with the mission of bringing back the Norton Grape as the premier American wine grape. Nestled up in the Bull Run Mountains, they provide an authentic, up close wine making experience and thoroughly enjoyable wines. If you have not been there, give them a try. www.chrysaliswine.com
BOW! in Delaplane is a winery all about bringing people together for a good time! It feels like a big barn party with plenty of activity. They have “picnics, and Frisbees, and games, and kids, and dogs, and laughter, and friends, and joy.” From local art exhibits to local bands, this winery wants the community involved. They encourage picnic lunches, but remember to read the “Doghaus Rules” if you plan on bringing your favorite fur baby. www.barreloak.com
Tucked away in Clifton, Paradise is a very unassuming winery on a very historic piece of land. Not too big, not too small, they have pleasant front and back patios for enjoying a basket meal. Wines paired with weekend entertainment make this a quick getaway place. Oh, and from October 21st to October 31st Paradise is having wine tastings for junk food. How fun is that?www.paradisespringswinery.com
Aspen Dale is a working farm as well as a small winery in Delaplane, with an intimate tasting room located in a renovated barn. Tastings include matching foods to learn more about pairing. Aspen Dale is a fun experience, and I felt I’ve learned some new things about wine. Most weekend, Aspen Dale has live music.www.aspendalewinery.com
You might think by now that there are no more local wineries left for me to experience for the first time. There are! On my list to visit is Linden Vineyards. This vineyard is “never content,” always striving to improve their wines. I can’t wait to visit them. I will certainly share my experience in another edition full of winery suggestions.
©2016, Jacobson Realty and Home Staging
Jacobson Realty and Home Staging (JRY) was established by Broker/Owner Belinda Jacobson-Loehle in April 2002. Belinda is a native Washingtonian who grew up in Alexandria, Virginia and has lived and worked in Gainesville, Virginia since 1995. She has been a licensed broker since 1989.
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