We hope you’re in the holiday spirit, because the day after Thanksgiving is full of festivities. The first full weekend of the holiday season also includes the annual Lighting of the Vines at Bluemont Vineyard.
On November 29, the winery kicks off the holiday festivities with its Lighting of the Vines Launch Party from 5 to 7 p.m. Grab a spot on the patio and watch as the vineyard welcomes in the holiday season by switching on over 10,000 twinkling lights lining the vines — a process that can take up to four weeks to prepare.
The holiday tradition first started back in 2018 and expanded in 2019. Since its creation, the launch party has become bigger and more family-friendly. This year, the event will feature performances from the D’ Potomactaler Stamm dance group, honoring the Zurschmeide family’s German heritage.
This will be the first year the launch party will be hosted in the 951 Tasting Room. Sitting at an elevation of 951 feet, the tasting room’s patio space and lawn provide the perfect viewing spot to watch the lights.
“The Norton vines are located directly below the 951 Tasting Room so guests can enjoy capturing their photo surrounded by vineyard lights with a view of the Reston cityscape in the distance,” says Hailey Zurchmeide, chief vision officer of Bluemont Vineyard.
Don’t plan on spending all night outdoors or you might miss the stunning interior decorations. The tasting room has been transformed into a picture-perfect mountain lodge, with buffalo check decorations. In The Stable, which hosts holiday wine dinners, classic Christmas trees, twinkle lights, and gold accents add to the rustic elegance of the room.
Tickets for the launch party are $20 for adults and $15 for guests under 21. Adult tickets include a glass of sangria, while the under-21 tickets include a light-up cup and glass of juice.
Patio seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Those wanting to sit on the lawn can bring blankets and chairs. Reservations are also available for seating around a fire table.
If you are unable to make it to the kickoff, you can still catch the lights this holiday season. The vineyard hosts a Casino Night for guests 21 and older on November 30. Don your holiday best for a night full of games. The vines will be lit to showcase a festive glow for the evening. Tickets are $129 per guest.
Throughout December, the vineyard will host Lighting of the Vines wine dinners and a German Christmas market.
The lighted vines also will be available for viewing on Thursdays through Sundays starting at 5:30 p.m. throughout December.
18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont
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Feature image courtesy Bluemont Vineyard
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