Summer's Perfect Pairing is Here!
Years ago, the only notable wine-growing regions in the country were Napa and Sonoma in California. In the decades since, wine-growing regions have been cropping up all over the country, perhaps most recently giving rise to several truly incredible wineries in Virginia. Wineries in Virginia have been perfecting their craft for centuries, as the industry dates back to at least the 17th century.
Today, there are more than 300 wineries in Virginia, and they can be found throughout the state. We think this burgeoning wine-growing region should be on your list of “must-see” destinations for 2022 – and that is especially true of the wineries found on Virginia’s Northern Neck. In fact, the Northern Neck is one of nine AVAs or American Viticultural Areas located in Virginia. An AVA is a delimited grape-growing region with specific geographic or climatic features that distinguish it from the surrounding regions. In short, the Northern Neck is deemed a great place to grow grapes. Its AVA is Northern Neck George Washington’s Birthplace.
The Northern Neck of VA is defined as the northernmost of three peninsulas on the western shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. The Northern Neck is one of the best-kept secrets on the eastern seaboard, and it’s home to some of the best wineries in Virginia, all within 3 hours of major metropolitan areas.
As if your visit to the top wineries in Virginia could get any better, one of our very own Select Registry properties happens to be both a winery and a Bed and Breakfast. They are located in the “tiny but tony” (New York Times) town of Irvington, Virginia. Combine a visit to this charming wine and oyster paradise with a road trip even more top wineries in Virginia, stay at the best places to stay in Virginia, and you have the makings of a truly unforgettable summer vacation.
Wineries in Virginia: Chesapeake Bay
Last month, we wrote about a number of the top wineries in Virginia, most of which just so happen to exist along a narrow stretch of the state along I-81. While that list certainly follows a convenient path through some of the top wineries in Virginia, it completely misses some great places to visit. Notably, those wineries out on the Northern Neck of Virginia that lie along the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail.
The wineries in this coastal part of Virginia represent some of the most unique wineries in Virginia. This region also happens to produce the vast majority of Virginia oysters, a renowned delicacy that pairs perfectly with certain Virginia wines – but more on that later!
While most people come to the Northern Neck of Virginia to escape the busy, raucous noise of metropolitan areas and enjoy the stunning coastal beauty found here on the Chesapeake Bay, there are more reasons to visit this coastal paradise. The Northern Neck is also home to some of the best wineries in Virginia, including the micro-vineyard (and oyster bar!) found at our Select Registry Bed and Breakfast in Irvington, VA. Virginia Tourism has hailed their winery as one of the “Ten Best of the Best” wineries in Virginia.
Though the wine (and oyster) tasting experience at this stunning Virginia winery is hard to beat, there are other great wineries in Virginia found right here on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail. In total, there are nine unique wineries and one cidery in this part of the state. Here are some of our favorite Chesapeake Bay wineries to add to your list:
- Good Luck Cellars features a delicious range of estate-grown and hand-crafted wines, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Norton, Petit Verdot, and Viognier.
- Arrive by land or boat to Jacey Vineyards, and enjoy waterfront views and lush vines while sipping your way through their inspiring collection.
- Ditchley Cider Works & Farm offers some great ciders, and even though it’s not strictly a winery, a stop here is a welcomed addition to your itinerary.
- General’s Ridge Winery is nestled in the quaint countryside of Virginia’s historic Westmoreland County. They focus on many different varietals, including Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, and Petit Verdot.
- Rivah Vineyards at the Grove is in the same area, situated on the Yeocomico River. They produce many varietals, including Cayuga White, Petit Manseng, Chardonel, Cab Franc, Chambourcin, Gruner Veltliner, Merlot, and others.
- Ingleside Vineyards is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Virginia, and they were recently awarded one Gold and six Silver Medals at the 2022 Governor’s Cup.
Virginia Oysters – A Summer Delight! come to a place where the terroir of the wine is the same as the merroir of the oyster!
Did you know that wines made by these fantastic wineries in Virginia just so happen to pair exquisitely well with another one of the Commonwealth’s specialties? You can’t visit the Northern Neck of Virginia without also sampling some Virginia oysters.
Virginia oysters, grown in the famed waters of the Chesapeake Bay, are nothing short of legendary. Pop one of these salty, sweet treats in your mouth, and you’ll be instantly transported by the taste of ocean breezes, salt water, and sunshine sliding down your throat. Virginia oysters may not be for everyone, but the resulting bite is sensational when you pair them with wines made right here on the Northern Neck.
Like so many of the best food experiences in life, combining two of coastal Virginia’s biggest loves is the easiest way to gain a deeper understanding of this place. In fact, oysters are such an integral part of life here that there’s a Virginia Oyster Trail. It’s not all that surprising, though, when you realize that this part of the Chesapeake Bay in addition to the traditional watermen has 31 oyster farmers who together produce 90% of all Virginia oysters. Oysters are a way of life here, and this summer is the perfect opportunity for you to get in on the fun.
The only thing that will make it better is a glass of crisp, white Virginia wine in your hand and a reservation at one of our unique Virginia Bed and Breakfasts. With 50 years dedicated to hospitality standing behind the Select Registry collection of Inns, you can be assured you’ve found the best place to stay with our Virginia Bed and Breakfasts – or wherever else your travels may take you this summer.
If you’re ready to sip and swirl your way through some of the top wineries in Virginia, why not start right here on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail? Book your getaway today!
