Wine Tours

Link: http://officialwinery.com/calendar

Experience Virginia's spectacular fall foliage, crisp autumn air, a perfect bouquet of Virginia wine in your glass . . . and a hardy Cheers! from Virginia wines! October is Virginia wine month, and many growers across the Old Dominion are optimistic about this year's crop. A dry fall is 'GREAT GRAPE WEATHER'.

'Celebrate the harvest of the grape during VirginiaÕs Wine Month

Experience Virginia's spectacular fall foliage, crisp autumn air, a perfect bouquet of Virginia wine in your glass . . . and a hardy Cheers! from Virginia wines!
October is Virginia wine month, and many growers across the Old Dominion are optimistic about this year's crop. A dry fall is 'GREAT GRAPE WEATHER'.

The month-long celebration supports 'Vision 2015,' the Commonwealth's first industry strategy developed by the 9-member Virginia Wine Board under the leadership of Gov. Mark Warner to strengthen and expand Virginia's wine industry.

The Virginia's wine industry is believed to be the major growth highway to riches for state tourism. It has been called 'Grapes of Gold' for Virginia. Virginia's burgeoning wine industry is one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors in the state. Today more than 92 wineries ∆ up from six in 1979 ∆ are in production, and most of them will be open to the public for tours and tastings during 'Virginia wine month.' The industry contributes millions to the state's economy and continues to expand in both quantity and quality, garnering national and international awards for excellence. More than 500,000 people visit Virginia wine country annually. In addition, Virginia's wines continue to garner national and international awards, including a 'Best of Show' in International competitions. Further, Clarke County's own Veramar Vineyard has won gold medals in both National and International wine competitions.

Begin you Virginia wine month on the Shenandoah Wine Country (SWX) Trail. In the north it 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 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, Aurora Corona & DÕOra. 540-955-5510 www.veramar.com



Stop 2 Deer Meadow
Deer Meadow, one of the smallest of Virginia's farm wineries, Deer Meadow has been handcrafting quality wines since 1987. Our wines include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Marechal Foch (join the fan club!) and Afternoon of the Fawn.


Stop 3 North Mountain Vineyard
North Mountain, just a few miles away. The 1864 Civil War action at Toms Brook swept across the winery's 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 4 Shenandoah Vineyards
Shenandoah Vineyards the stateÕs 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 mother's 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.

Cheers From Veramar Vineyard

James C. Bogaty is Founder, Owner/Operator of Veramar Vineyard, President of the Shenandoah Valley Wine Grower Association, and Member of the Board of Directors for the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association for Clarke County, Advisor to the Virginia Wine and Food Society and is a published writer and event speaker on Wine, Food, Travel and Agritourism with a Virginia focus. www.veramar.com

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