5 Fun Wine Getaways Near DC

Lina Portman3 weeks ago

0 2 minutes read

Merrie Mill Farm and Vineyard

Experience: Take a safari-inspired getaway in a vintage Land Rover, navigating through the 12-acre vineyard and along the creek. After exploring the fields, the winery organizes a tent picnic with a choice of sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards and seven wines to taste. Up to seven bottles of wine are included in the three-hour excursion.

Stay: Situated on the Vineyard, Clementine Cottage is a cozy pink house with two bedrooms and a spacious patio. Order room service from the nearby tasting room for salads, sandwiches and pizzas dropped off at your door.

Distance from DC: Two hours and 15 minutes

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King Family Vineyards

Experience: Tailgating gets a makeover at Sunday polo matches. Reserve a place with a tent to dine at food truck prices and sip wine. A golf cart selling bottles is driving around and there is also spillage at the side of the course. Ready to play? The vineyard hosts a boozy polo school Tuesday through Saturday, where you can do a tasting and take a class, no experience necessary.

Stay: Iris Inn, about 15 minutes from the winery, offers several lodging options. Book a stay in the main inn or, for more solitude, check out the intimate cottages and chalets with valley views.

Distance from DC: Two hours and 30 minutes

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Chatham Vineyards

Experience: Tour operator Southeast Expeditions runs kayak tours starting and ending at the Bayford Wharf, with a stop at this winery on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Paddle for about 45 minutes past boatmen and seabirds (you might spot a bald eagle) before docking at the vineyard for a tour and tasting. Each solo or duo participant receives a bottle of wine to take home.

Stay: For accommodation near the waterfront, check out the Cape Charles Hotel, about 25 minutes from the kayak drop-off point. The boutique hotel has modern rooms and free bikes and beach chairs.

Distance from DC: Four hours

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Keswick Vineyards

Experience: The vineyard has a wine-themed mini-golf course with nine holes, ideal for a wine day with kids. Each stop has a small table so you can set down your drink while you play, and sometimes a bar is set up near the course to refuel. Pets are also allowed in the winery and there is a fenced area for dogs to play.

Stay: Less than ten minutes from the winery, the luxury Keswick Hall resort offers guests a well-equipped spa; a high-end restaurant; and an infinity pool with views of the bucolic surroundings.

Distance from DC: Two hours and ten minutes

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Véritas Vineyard

Experience: Explore the vineyard and surrounding farmland during a horseback riding session with tour operator Indian Summer Guide Services. The walks last 1.5 hours and offer views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Once you dismount, venture into the tasting room or onto the brick terrace to taste platters of wine, cheese and charcuterie. The tour company also offers occasional sunset walks.

Stay: You don't have to go far to find a place to sleep: Farmhouse at Veritas is a vineyard-side B&B with six rooms in the main house and two more in a private cottage.

Distance from DC: Two hours and 45 minutes