September 27, 2017

The Coastal Virginia Wine Experience

Virginia is in the top 10 wine producing states in the country and number 6 on the list for wineries by state, with over 280 wineries and counting. Popular and distinct varietals of our region include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Viognier, Chambourcin, Petit Verdot, and Norton, which is native to Virginia. There are many blends and dessert wines as well. While most of Virginia wineries are located west of Richmond in the piedmont and mountain regions of the state, there are several nearby that afford visitors from Hampton Roads a chance for a wine tasting day trip.

With October being Virginia Wine Month, we thought it would be a fitting time to share some information about the nearby wineries and wine festivals in Coastal Virginia which offer plenty of opportunities to learn more about all the wonderful wines produced right here in Virginia, and one just over the border.

Wineries in Coastal Virginia/NC

1. Mermaid Winery – Norfolk, VA
330 W 22nd St
Norfolk, VA 23517
https://mermaidwinery.com/

2. Pungo Ridge Winery – Virginia Beach, VA
1665 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
http://www.pungoridgewinery.com/

3. Williamsburg Winery – Williamsburg, VA
5800 Wessex Hundred
Williamsburg, VA 23185
https://www.williamsburgwinery.com/

4. Silver Hand Meadery
224 Monticello Ave
Williamsburg, VA 23185
http://silverhandmeadery.com/

5. Hampton Roads Winery – Elberon, VA
6074 New Design Road
Elberon, VA 23846
http://www.hamptonroadswinery.com/

6. New Kent Winery – New Kent, VA
8400 Old Church Road
New Kent, VA 23124
https://www.newkentwinery.com/

7. Gauthier Vineyard – Barhamsville, VA
5000 Farmers Drive
Barhamsville, VA 23011
http://www.gauthiervineyard.com/

8. Saude Creek Vineyards – Lenexa, VA
16230 Cooks Mill Road
Lanexa, VA, 23089
http://www.saudecreek.com/

9. Martin Farm and Winery – Knotts Island, NC
213 Martin Farm Lane
Knotts Island, NC 27950
https://www.martinfarmandwinery.com/

Wine Festivals

Neptune’s Annual Fall Wine Festival – Enjoy a variety of Virginia wines right on the oceanfront! Over 15 wineries will be offering samples, there will be a Rosé tasting station, food and live entertainment.
Dates: September 9 & 10, 2017
Tickets: $35-$40
https://www.neptunefestival.com/events/21st-annual-fall-wine-festival

Gloucester Wine Festival – This event has sold out each year so get your tickets early. Over 10 wineries, plenty of coastal Virginia food, and live music all set within the beautiful grounds at Brent and Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester, VA.
Date: September 23^rd, 2017
Tickets: $25-$35
http://gloucesterwinefestival.com/

Chesapeake Wine Festival – A very large wine festival right in the heart of Chesapeake. In its 8^th season, it gets better every year. With over 20 wineries, you’ll find wines to satisfy any palate and plenty of food and good music to balance out a great event.
Date: October 14, 2017
Tickets: $30-$40
https://www.cheswine.com/

Town Point Wine Festival – The largest wine festival in Hampton Roads, this event happens twice a year in the spring and fall. The fall festival is coming up soon and if you want to check out the largest variety of Virginia wines all in one place, this is the event to attend. Our advice is show up early!
Dates: October 21 & 22, 2017
Tickets: $30-$40
https://festevents.org/events/2017-season-events/fallwinefest/

Two final notes to remember. When you taste your wine, don’t worry if you don’t like it. The more you taste, the better it gets! And more importantly, always remember to designate a driver and enjoy your wine tasting responsibly.