Oenophiles rejoice: Virginia wine enthusiasts will gather at wineries across the state for Virginia Wine Love Weekend, the state’s biggest wine meetup ever, May 13–14.
Fifty wineries in seven wine regions from Northern Virginia to the Shenandoah Valley to Hampton Roads will participate in the inaugural event, which kicks off the summer wine travel season and gives wine fans the chance to meet other wine lovers in person.
“Virginia wine fans are famous for the love they show our wine industry,” says event organizer Nancy Bauer, who runs an 11,000-member Facebook Group called Virginia Wine Love. “Other states envy our tight community, which really showed up when wineries closed down at the beginning of COVID.”
To participate in Virginia Wine Love Weekend, check out which wineries are participating, look at the details each offers, make winery reservations if needed (most wineries don’t require them), and book your hotel and dining if you’re staying overnight.
Join the Virginia Wine Love Facebook group and check for updates. Check out the complete list of participating wineries and event details.
Here is a sneak peek at what some of the Northern Virginia wineries are planning.
Three Fox Vineyards & Farm Brewery
Both days this Delaplane vineyard will have seating for Virginia Wine Love members, an unreleased barrel sample for members, private tasting giveaways, and wood-fired pizzas. 10100 Three Fox Ln., Delaplane
Chateau O’Brien at Northpoint Winery & Vineyard
From noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 14, the winery will have free red velvet cupcakes, live music with guitarist Joe Martin, and two complimentary wines. For every bottle of wine purchased, each guest is entered in a drawing for a private cellar tasting with owner Howard O’Brien, which has a $200 value for four guests. 3238 Railstop Rd., Markham
Little Washington Winery and Brewery
Little Washington Winery is hosting a Virginia Wine Love Trifecta Treasure Hunt on Saturday, May 13. You can visit Little Washington Winery’s urban tasting room, Wine Loves Chocolate at 353 Main St. in Washington, at 2 p.m. for a wine and chocolate pairing. At the main tasting room at 65 Clark Ln., taste to taste and compare iconic masterpieces with the vineyard’s George Meritage Blend. At 72 Christmas Tree Ln., those who are participating can take in an afternoon concert and get the Trifecta Treasure Hunt goodie bag. 65 Clark Ln., Washington
The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm
There will be live music with Medicine Wind from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13. Rolling Wraps food truck will be on location from noon to 8:30 p.m. 15850 Sunshine Ridge Ln., Gainesville
North Mountain Vineyard & Winery
From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, the vineyard will have live music by Smuggler’s Moon . There will be special seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for Mother’s Day. You will need reservations for those. 4374 Swartz Rd., Maurertown
Fox Meadow Vineyards
Enjoy live music with David Elliot on Saturday, May 13 and with Adriel Genet on Sunday, May 14. There are cellar tours both days at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. 3310 Freezeland Rd., Linden
Gray Ghost Vineyards
You can taste the new release 2022 Gewurztraminer on Saturday, May 13. Local musical duo, Heartstrings, performs 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. And the winery will have Bill’s Backyard Barbecue on site all weekend. Sunday, there’s live music by Mo and Mary Mac from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 14706 Lee Hwy., Amissville
Pearmund Cellars
Participate in a scavenger hunt, featuring special wines available for tasting. Those who mention the Virginia Wine Love weekend will get premium seating and a $5 coupon good for bottles of wine (no limit). 6190 Georgetown Rd., Broad Run
DuCard Vineyards
DuCard Vineyards is participating both days from noon to 6 p.m. It is offering a designated seating area and a DuCard trivia game with prizes. Take vineyard tours at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. (weather permitting). There is no cover charge, however reservations are recommended for the tours. Reservations can be made by emailing [email protected]. Enjoy music in the mountains from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with Bailey Hayes and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with Jimmy O, both on Saturday, May 13. Reservations are recommended. 40 Gibson Hollow Ln., Etlan
868 Estate Vineyards
Look for special tables set aside for Virginia Wine Love. Play cornhole, Connect Four, and Jenga. Listen to music Saturday by Laura Cashman from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. by Noah Poncin. Music on Sunday will be provided by Freddie Long from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ellen Crosby will be signing her most recent book, Blow Up, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville
Feature image courtesy 868 Estate Vineyards
For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Food newsletter.
