In Northern Virginia, autumn is synonymous with wine festivals. Usually the calendar is full of wine, cider and beer festivals every weekend during the fall, and even though COVID-19 has postponed most festivals until next year, there are still a few events that are scheduled.
Here are three wine and cider festivals that are still taking place this fall throughout the region.
Virginia Cider Festival 2020
Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
If cider is your go-to drink in the fall, head over to Fredericksburg for the annual Virginia Cider Festival. Spend the day listening to live music, chowing down on some delicious food, talking with distillers and sampling ciders from around the country. With 28 cider vendors in attendance, you are sure to find something you like. This rain or shine event will also have wine and bourbon available. // Fredericksburg Fairgrounds: 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg; $30-$40
Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour
Friday, Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11, 6-9 p.m.
Stop by George Washington’s historic Mount Vernon estate for its annual Fall Wine Festival. Take in the beautiful autumn sunset as you relax on a picnic blanket, sampling local wine. Sixteen Virginia wineries will be in attendance, including Northern Virginia’s Breaux Vineyards, Gray Ghost Vineyards and Lake Anna Winery. Guests will be required to wear facial coverings in areas where social distancing cannot be maintained. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon; $42-$46
Harvest Celebration
Saturday, Oct. 24 & Sunday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Celebrate the end of the harvest season with Breaux Vineyards. The two-day event will feature food trucks, craft vendors, live music and lots of wine. Bring along a blanket or chair and enjoy the view of the vineyard as you drink, eat and chat. Pair Breaux’s wines with delicious food from 3 Fires Oven, Fords Fish Shack, Ho-It-Up or King Street Oyster Bar. Other local vendors participating include Pet Wants Chantilly, Raina’s Jewelry Box and Uniquely Seaglass. // Breaux Vineyards: 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane, Purcellville; free entry
For more ways to spend your time in Northern Virginia, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.