Central Virginia - Visiting the Vineyards

Ankida - View from the mountain top

October is Virginia Wine Month! Time to break out my old comfortable sweaters, grab a pumpkin spice latte, and enjoy the brisk feeling in the air. For many years the fall weekends were all about tailgating at college football games, but now (with all due respect to both Hokies and Wahoos) I find it equally enjoyable to spend a weekend afternoon visiting one of the many vineyards close to home.

People don’t often think of Virginia as “wine country”, that phrase is typically reserved for California, maybe Washington, Oregon, or the Finger Lakes region of New York but Virginia wine has come a long way. There are 10 distinct wine regions in the state and over 300 individual vineyards. A number of these vineyards have become well known for producing quality wine on beautiful estates; Barboursville, Blenheim, King Family, and Pippin Hill to name a few. There are others that are lesser known, maybe off the beaten path that still offer delicious wine in scenic settings:

Nelson 151

Nelson 151 isn’t a vineyard but rather it refers to VA Rt 151 that runs through Nelson County. Located along the 35-mile rural road you will pass seven wineries, six breweries, three cideries and two distilleries. The route is also dotted with a number of campgrounds and charming bed and breakfast inns that make it an ideal location for a long weekend. Over the years I’ve visited all of the 151 wineries and found each to be charming and unique in their own way but I do have a favorite and that would be Veritas. Veritas is a place where you can spread out and create your own experience. If the weather is chilly, you can reserve a table in their large tasting room. They have a small food menu where you can order a cheese plate, salads or gourmet sandwiches to pair with your wine. Or if you prefer to bring your own food, you can set up at a table outside, lay out a blanket on the lawn or wander up to the grove and enjoy the shade.

Veritas

When it comes to the wine, Veritas has been making it for a long time and they know what they’re doing. If you’re not sure what you want, order a flight and sample two of their most popular reds and whites or order a glass or bottle of your favorite. My personal favorites are their Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier.

Ankida Ridge

Last year I was reading an article in Food and Wine magazine about the best Virginia wineries and Ankida Ridge was at the top of the list. I was stunned to find out that despite being located only one county over, I had never heard of it. After visiting their web site, I gathered some family and friends to plan an afternoon in the mountains tasting wine while taking in the fall colors. They have a sizable tasting room with a number of different of seating options and the perfect spot can be easily booked through their online reservation system.

The vineyard isn’t particularly difficult to find, but you will never simply stumble across it on a drive through region. Expect to navigate some rough and narrow roads to reach the location and once you arrive, the views with take your breath away. Our group of six had arrived with snacks and assembled a homemade charcuterie while we each ordered a flight of wine to taste. While they have a variety of red and white, what makes Ankida truly unique is their production of a Pinot Noir. Due to the elevation, they are one of the few wineries in Virginia geographically situated to produce this variety of wine and they have accomplished this amazingly well.

The perfect afternoon at Ankida

After spending some time in the tasting room, visitors with a 4-wheel drive can travel up to the top of the mountain where there is a lovely area with picnic tables and Adirondack chairs. The staff will be happy to provide you with plastic cups and even a bag of ice if requested. One last glass of wine at the top of a mountain gazing over the changing leaves is the perfect way to close out the afternoon.

Septenary

Located on just over 100 acres, this estate is listed on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks and looks like it came straight out of a movie set in the old south. Septenary was another surprise winery that I had never heard of until a friend took me there last year. While not as large as some of the others in the region, when you visit you feel as though you were attending an intimate afternoon garden party at the home of an old and dear friend. The tasting room is cozy with limited seating but there is a spacious outdoor area. They don’t offer fancy gourmet food, but you can purchase a picnic pack to accompany your flight or a bottle.

The estate’s vineyard is located on the western border of the property, and they produce both red and white wines. The reds are my favorite, I especially enjoy their Merlot and Petit Verdot. This is the perfect place to go when you want a relaxed afternoon catching up with an old friend.

Fables and Feathers

One of the newer wineries in the state, Fables and Feathers, opened in May 2021. This place is truly family friendly with owners who are warm and welcoming. You can climb up the bookshelf styled staircase to the bright and spacious sunroom to enjoy a flight of wine while looking out over the vineyards. If your companions are not wine drinkers, no worries as they also have beer and cider as beverage options. If you’re in the mood for some activity there are billiards and foosball tables and you can even bring your dog and stroll around the property.

Playing with the baby goats at Fables and Feathers

It’s a beautiful place for a picnic lunch if you want to be outside and most weekends there are food trucks and live music. It’s one of those places where you can go with a large group and know that everyone will find something to enjoy. I fell in love with the environment on my first visit and can’t wait to see how they grow in the future.

Burnbrae

This is a tiny little gem tucked away in Forest, VA. Is only about three miles from my house making it my “neighborhood winery”. Most people probably haven’t heard of Burnbrae, but the locals love it. The tasting room is a restored log cabin, small but incredibly cozy. You can grab a table on the covered back patio or find one in the sun. Because it’s so close, I visit often and generally buy a bottle of the Viognier though most of my friends prefer the Chardonnay Acier. If you’re in the mood for red, both the Merlot and Syrah are bold and smooth.

Burnbrae Vineyards

What I enjoy most about my afternoons at Burnbrae is the casual atmosphere, a staff that takes great care of their customers, and the knowledge that I can wander in alone and feel almost certain that someone I know is already there. Whether you stop by for an hour or bring a basket of food and caravan of friends, you will find this a serene and quiet place to enjoy an autumn afternoon at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Let me know in the comments your favorite Virginia Vineyards and I’ll add to my ever-growing list of weekend wine excursions.