ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suggested Virginia FIVE day wine tour
Virginia Wine
The Southern Ways
James & Della Bogaty Owner Veramar Vineyard

Virginia Wine Country isn't just about wine. It is a lifestyle: gracious gardens, museums, dining out, nightlife, entertaining, recreation, sight seeing, American history battlefields, shopping, events, Inns and B&Bs, attractions, antiquing and arts. If you can think of it, the Virginia wine country offers it. Plan to enjoy many of your favorite activities while in Virginia Wine Country: A day of golf at a world-class resort, horse back riding, renting bicycles and picnicking at a winery in the countryside, relive American History at Revolutionary, French & Indian or Civil War battlefields, power shop at specialty boutiques or be adventurous and fly in a hot air balloon.

If you are visiting from out of the area you can fly into one of the Washington, D.C., areas three airports. Generally, the best fares are available into Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) in suburban Maryland. However, the most convenient airport is Washington Dulles International (IAD) in suburban Virginia. Washingtons third airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), just minutes from the White House and the U.S. Capitol. Independence Air (Fly I) offers Virginia wine tour packages.

Virginia Wine Tour Itinerary
Day One - Virginia Wine Golden Triangle
Day Two - Wine Blue Ridge Wine Way
Day Three - Central Wine Trail
Day Four - Southwest Trail
Day Five - Shenandoah Wine Country

Day One
Smithfield Farm Bed & Breakfast welcomes you to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley near Berryville, Virginia. The 1824 classic Federal style brick and stone manor house commands a majestic view of orchards and meadows, streams and forests. Inside, an elegant, sweeping staircase adds beauty to the grand hallway that is flanked by the parlor and dining rooms. An upstairs sitting area and three guestrooms offer a quiet, country respite. Our 350-acre working farm offers many ways to spend a pleasant evening. Phone: 540-955-4389.

Wine tour day one
A Virginia Golden Triangle Wine Tour.
Want to spend an afternoon in Virginias wine country and select wines from three of the most unique Virginia wine regions during that single afternoon trip? Here is one tour that will give you variety in wine, scenery and vistas.

Taste Virginia's most prestigious wine. Learn about Virginia wine with experts all in a single afternoon in Virginias wine country golden triangle. Enter the world of Virginia wine as an insider. Travel the northern Virginia wine tour to the best Virginia wine businesses via the Virginia Wine Golden Triangle tour route. You can get an exclusive insider's view that other tours cannot offer

Gain privileged access to the best Virginia Vineyards. From the prestigious classified growths to exclusive "boutique" producers, you will receive a warm welcome and a personalized tour and tasting. Each site visit is unique and fascinating, as you meet the passionate men and women who make some of the greatest Virginia wines.

THE Virginia Golden Triangle Wine Tour- quality wines from here just disappear; it would be easy to pass over this wine region, suspecting that its just a bit of plank fun. And that would be a grave mistake as this is a cracker jack Virginia golden triangle region for some of the best Virginia wineries. Lip smacking, rich and intensely full flavored, its a fruit driven wine style supported by subtle American and French oak. Excellent food friendly wines that are already drinking well and a list of International award winning wines.

This tour covers the Shenandoah (SWX) and Loudoun Valley as well as Blue Ridge Wineway wine regions. This is the one tour that focuses on high-end boutique wineries. This tour is known for being insightful, and memorable. Here is the ONE tour route that brings you all three regions in one afternoon tour - The Virginia Golden Triangle Wine Tour.

"We are more than a wine tour route location, we are wine geeks," boasts Jim Bogaty, Founder, Veramar Vineyard. Both first time visitors and regular wine country patrons have delighted in this tour. Some have even gone so far as to say, "This tour far exceeded my expectations. It was like having a private wine class in wine country. Not only was the wine we tasted beyond words, the scenery on this trip was so extraordinary that it rivaled our experiences in Tuscany."

THE VIRGINIA GOLDEN TRIANGLE WINE TOUR ROUTE

Stop 1- Veramar Vineyard

Veramar Vineyard is situated on a private, 100-acre estate in the heart of Virginia Hunt County at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Shenandoah River. A small, family-run winery dedicated to producing naturally dry, full-bodied wines. Around Veramar Vineyard are a great number of bed-and breakfasts, championship golf courses and antique shops as well as some of the finest restaurants in Virginia. So, if you are in the mood for romance, or to enjoy fine wines, or simply want a picnic outing in the country, hike the Blue Ridge Mountain trails, come and be our guest as you experience Veramar Vineyard. Wines: Cabernet Franc, Rooster Red, Norton, Chardonnay, Tres Blanc, Seyval Blanc & DOra. Hours: Year round. 11:30a.m. -5p.m. Thursday- Monday. Food: Light fare, i.e. cheese & crackers (Catering available for groups of 50 guests or more). 540-955-5510 www.veramar.com

Stop 2- Breaux Vineyards

You're invited to come and enjoy the internationally acclaimed wines of Breaux Vineyards. Our "Napa meets Mediterranean" style tasting room offers views of the beautiful Blue Ridge and Short Hill Mountains. Enjoy light gourmet fare, or bring your own picnic to savor on our umbrella-covered tables at Patio Madeleine. Our winery and grounds, part of a magnificent 400-acre estate, are surrounded by 43 acres of vineyards including the original 16-year-old vines. Wines: Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier. Hours: 11a.m.-5p.m. daily. Closed major holidays. Tours & tasting: May-Oct. daily, 11a.m.-6p.m.; Nov.-April: daily, 11a.m.-5p.m. Closed major holidays. Groups please call ahead. LIMO Tasting Fees: $15/person.. Food: Light fare, i.e. cheese & crackers.

Stop 3 -Piedmont Vineyards
Virginia's first commercial vinifera vineyard, located on the pre-revolutionary farm of Waverly in the heart of Virginia's Hunt Country. Picnic area, private parties, wedding and reception facilities. Wines: Hunt Country Chardonnay, Special Reserve and Native Yeast Chardonnays, Semillon and Cabernet Sauvignon. Hours: Apr.-Oct., daily, 11a.m.-6p.m.; Nov.-Mar., daily, 11a.m.-5p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec. 24, 25, 31 & New Year's. Food: Light fare, i.e. cheese & crackers.

Dinner Village Square Restaurant
Village Square Restaurant Right in the heart of historic downtown Winchester, our restaurant flows out onto a pedestrian mall under a canopy of green shade trees. 540 667 8961 103 North Loudoun Street Winchester Virginia 22601
Day Two
Sunset Hills Farm Bed & Breakfast
Situated high on Jenkins Mountain in beautiful Rappahannock County, with magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sunset Hills Farm is a secluded getaway for adult guests. Just minutes from wine trails, gourmet restaurants, antique shops, galleries and Skyline Drive, the visitor can enjoy the finer things or just stroll around the farm and pet the horses or watch for deer and bear dining on the fruit in the orchard. (800) 980-2580

Wine Tour Day two Blue Ridge Wine Way
Experience the way of wine. Experience the wine way trail with the Blue Ridge WineWay, an Alliance of the Premier Virginia wineries & vineyards just under an hour drive from our Nations Capitol! Our wine region makes for a perfect day trip, weekend escape, corporate outing and much more! For more information, call 1-800-820-1021 or explore our website here!

Stop 1 Rappahannock Cellars
Nestled in the heart of Virginia's famous hunt country and Blue Ridge Mountains in Rappahannock County. Experience our family's award-winning wines crafted primarily of Viognier, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. We grow nine varieties of wine grapes; each variety contributes to a broad palette of textures and flavors allowing our winemaker to create rich, supple, elegant wines reflecting our dedication to the winegrower's art. We hope each visit to our tasting room, vineyard and winery is pleasant and memorable.

Stop 2 Linden Vineyards
Meticulously managed mountain vineyards yield complex wines with fresh, assertive aromas, concentrated flavors and personality. Specializing in small lots of single vineyard Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux Red Blends

Stop 3 Pearmund Cellars
Located in beautiful foothills of eastern Fauquier County, conveniently close to Washington DC, one of Virginia's top quality Chardonnay vineyards will be opening its doors of their new winery in July 2003. Family owned and operated. Premium wines to be produced will include Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Come taste, tour and picnic while surrounded by picturesque views and vineyard on a farm dating back to 1783. Lite fare will be available.

Dinner Griffin Tavern
Griffin Tavern is a casual, family dining restaurant with three dining rooms and wonderful outdoor seating. We also carry a variety of affordable wines. We are located at 659 Zachary Taylor Highway (522) in the wonderful village of Flint Hill, VA; just minutes from Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah Valley. Our beautiful, Victorian style building known to many as Chapalapa or the Bradford house was first a home in the late 1850's. It has been added onto many times, but we hope this renovation, by the owners Jim and Debbie Donehey, will be its last! 540-675-3227
Day Three - Central Wine Trail

The Foxfield Inn is located in one of Charlottesville's most picturesque country settings near Foxfield steeplechase track, yet only seven miles from downtown Charlottesville. The discriminating B&B Inn-goers and newcomers alike will find the experiences and romance of a country inn at the Foxfield Inn, from sipping fine Virginia wines upon your arrival to relaxing in our soothing hot tub and in-room Jacuzzis. The Inn is smoke-free and pet-free environment in all guest areas. The entire Inn is on one floor. (434)923-8892

Central wine trail
The wineries of the Monticello area fulfill a vision of Thomas Jefferson, whose aim was to produce exceptional quality wines like those he had tasted on his travels to Europe. Today, 500 acres of vitis vinifera vineyards surround Jefferson's historic Monticello estate. In just over two decades, the wine industry in the Charlottesville area has flourished, achieving national acclaim.

Stop 1 Keswick Vineyards
Al and Cindy Schornberg chose the historic Edgewood estate near Charlottesville for their vineyard site, discovering that this unique terroir produces wines of exceptional quality. They also own the 20-year-old vineyard at Vinland estate in Keswick, which has arguably produced some of Virginias finest Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine varieties also include Viognier, Chardonnay, Touriga, Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends.

Stop 2 Barboursville Vineyards
Established in 1976 by the largest family-held winemaking enterprise in Italy, headquartered in the Veneto since 1821, Barboursville Vineyards continues to demonstrate that Estate-bottled vitis vinifera wines, grown in Virginia, meet the highest international standards. The estate of the Governor of Virginia during the War of 1812, Barboursville is a uniquely welcoming destination, for its array of superb vintages, its casually elegant Palladio Restaurant, affiliated with the Chaine des Rotisseurs and the James Beard Foundation, and for its Landmark plantation Ruins, designed by Thomas Jefferson, set within an expansive, serene private park.

Stop 3 Prince Michel & Rapidan River
Prince Michel offers an extensive wine museum and self-guided tour of production facility. Follow tour with a stop at the tasting bar and gift shop. Restaurant and suites on premises. Hours: Museum & Wine shop hours: 10am-5pm daily except major holidays. Tour Fees: none. Tasting Fees: 6 wines of your choice-$2/person.

Stop 4 White Hall Vineyards
White Hall Vineyards is a farm winery located just 13 miles from historic Charlottesville, Virginia. At an elevation of 800 feet, the winery has lovely grounds, a pleasantly shaded picnic area, and spectacular views of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. White Hall's winemaking philosophy is that "great wines are made from the careful handling of great fruit." Combining attentive vineyard practices with modern winemaking techniques has resulted in the consistent production of wines of excellence. White Hall's wines have won numerous awards across the nation for their fine quality, and White Hall is quickly becoming recognized as one of the premier wineries in central Virginia.

Stop 5 King Family Vineyards
Located 15 minutes west of Charlottesville and two minutes off I-64 at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Indoor and outdoor seating is available for groups or private parties. We offer the perfect setting for special events and private functions.

Dinner OXO
Everything up front at OXO smacks of elegancethe sheer open space of it, the snowy white linens, the plush back pillows in rich chocolate brown, outrageously beautiful sounding entrees that come in threes, like lobster bisque, lobster risotto, and lobster crepe, and special occasion wine flights. (434) 977-8111

Day Four - Southwest Trail
Mountain Rose Inn Enjoy the perfect romantic getaway as you step back in time. Nestled along the banks of the Rock Castle Creek in Woolwine, Virginia, the Mountain Rose Bed and Breakfast Inn offers historical country elegance within the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 276-930-1057

Wine Tour Day four Southwest Trail

Stop 1 Chateau Morrisette
Chateau Morrisette located in a spectacular mountain setting in Floyd County off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway between mileposts 171 and 172. The winery and gift shop are open seven days, Monday-Thursday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The restaurant serves lunch Wednesday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Sunday lunch/brunch from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and dinner Friday-Saturday 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Stop 2 Valhalla
Valhalla was conceived as a vineyard and winery to allow us to strive for perfection. Is there an endpoint? We dont believe so. With each new vintage, there is something new to discover, learn and improve. Many of you, our friends and customers, helped us plant our vines or were with us to harvest the first fruit. For the rest, come along for the ride as Valhalla continues on the road to world class wine.
Dinner Montano's International Gourmet
Montano's is a great restaurant with a variety of gourmet food products and wine that customers can purchase. They offer a nice variety of vegetarian dishes and their salads and desserts are outstanding. The tiramisu is heavenly! 3733 Franklin Road, Roanoke 540-344-8960

Day Five - Shenandoah Wine Country (SWX)

Day Five
The Lost Dog is a casual, fun, romantic B&B with yummy breakfasts and beautiful rooms. We invite you to return to the gracious hospitality of yesteryear without leaving today's conveniences and comforts! Enjoy private renovated baths, a whirlpool tub, an outdoor spa, fireplaces and guest rooms with phones, TV/VCRs and Wi-Fi, high speed wireless internet access for your laptop. 211 South Church Street Shenandoah Valley, Berryville (540) 955-1181

Shenandoah Wine Country Trail ( SWX)
Oh Shenandoah! Virginias Shenandoah Wine Country (SWX) welcomes visitors with exciting things to see and do: Wine Tours & Tasting, Civil War battlefields, Caverns, antiques, Antebellum Plantations with unique Inns, B&Bs and Restaurants. This historic valley is tucked between the Blue Ridge Mountains on the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west from the West Virginia line in the north to the James River in the south. The Shenandoah Wine Country (SWX) Trail from the north begins at Veramar Vineyard, and then meanders to Deer Meadows, North Mountain and Shenandoah Vineyards most within a half hour of each other along interstate 81. En route, you'll pass by thoroughbred horse farms, dairies, orchards, woodlands, Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains and along the Shenandoah River that will transport you to an earlier, simpler time. In addition, there is Civil War Battlefields, Berryville, Winchester, Cedar Creek, Cool Springs, New Market, as well as the fabled Sky Line Drive and Shenandoah Caverns.

Stop 1- Veramar Vineyard

Veramar Vineyard is situated on a private, 100-acre estate in the heart of Virginia Hunt County at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Shenandoah River. A small, family-run winery dedicated to producing naturally dry, full-bodied wines. Around Veramar Vineyard are a great number of bed-and breakfasts, championship golf courses and antique shops as well as some of the finest restaurants in Virginia. So, if you are in the mood for romance, or to enjoy fine wines, or simply want a picnic outing in the country, hike the Blue Ridge Mountain trails, come and be our guest as you experience Veramar Vineyard. Wines: Cabernet Franc, Rooster Red, Norton, Chardonnay, Tres Blanc, Seyval Blanc & DOra. Hours: Year round. 11:30a.m. -5p.m. Thursday- Monday. Food: Light fare, i.e. cheese & crackers (Catering available for groups of 50 guests or more). 540-955-5510 www.veramar.com

Stop 2 North Mountian Vineyard
North Mountain, just a few miles away. The 1864 Civil War action at Toms Brook swept across the winerys fields, and every April a living history encampment is set up to reenact the battle. The winery released its first vintage in 1986. Owners Brad Foster, Krista Jackson-Foster, and son John Jackson produce a Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Claret, Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as several specialty wines.

Stop 3 Shenandoah Vineyards
Shenandoah Vineyards the states fourth oldest winery located between Winchester and Harrisonburg but closer to Edinburg and Woodstock. In 1976, owner Emma Randel and her late husband, Jim, planted 5,000 vines on property that had been in her mothers family since the mid-1800s. Current winemaker Frederick Burroughs, who has been with Shenandoah for eight years, produces wines in the handcrafted Old-World style with a nod to the new. These include Chardonnay, Founders Reserve Chardonnay and Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Johannisberg Riesling, Shenandoah Blanc, and a few aperitif and dessert wines.

Dinner VIOLINOS RISTORANTE ITALIANO
I have always had the best experience when visiting Violinos, it is probably the best place to eat for Italian food in Winchester, to add to that I have never heard anything but the best of the restaurant. A must do for anyone in the Winchester area. VIOLINOS RISTORANTE

Labels: Wine Facts | Wine Fermentation