Virginia is for (Wine) Lovers

So what do you do with three days without children? Reconnect with your significant other and drink wine, of course! And what better way to do this than to travel around the beautiful state of Virginia. That's what we did and I love it every time.

In the past 6 years, the number of wineries have skyrocketed and succeeded in making a name for itself in the world of wine. We typically travel up 64 to the Charlottesville region but we also spent a little time around 66 in the Northern Virginia area. I'll spare you the wine descriptions and just let you know what I liked about each one. This trip, we made it to the following:

1. Grayhaven - Very rustic and a little sketchy when we first drove up but the winemaker was very friendly and we had a great little chat with him. This was our first introduction to Seyval. Some guy reviewed it online and compared it to a place out of Lord of the Rings. I guess the door had a Middle Earth feel to it but that's about it.

2. King Family - BEAUTIFUL scenery, great place for a picnic. They have a big patio area overlooking their horse stables and polo field. We are fans of their Rosé Croze. This place makes me feel like I'm very preppy and need to wear my Ralph Lauren and pearls. But don't be intimidated. The people are super nice.

3. Gadino Cellars - Wine is decent. Pretty garden and porch outside. Very close to Skyline Drive. Friendly ladies work there.

4. Rappahanock  Cellars -  Very good wine and beautiful tasting room. Their wine tasting was much more of a production than some of the others we've been too. I really enjoyed their port. It was like drinking melted chocolate. And I love all that is chocolate!

5. Barrel Oak Winery - This might have been my favorite because I'm a little biased. One of my roommates from college is the general manager here and we had a personal tour and tasting. I loved this place! It was crowded yet had a fun, laid back atmosphere - a place you could sit and hang all day (much like how King Family is without the UVA football game wardrobe). Wine was excellent. I wish I had more time to explore the provencial-like grounds.

So, when Napa or Sonoma is just not in the cards, check out what's in your own backyard (that is, if you live in Virginia!).