Tasty Road Trips: Virginia's Prize Shenandoah Vineyards

Buckle up, folks, and this time make sure you've appointed a designated driver.

Did you know that Virginia is home to 150 wineries, 250 vineyards, and "dozens upon dozens" of medal-winning wines"?  Neither did I.  That's partly because I'm not up on wineries and usually think of the rolling hills of California or daydream about sipping lucious reds in Tuscany.  While I can't afford a trip to Italy this year, I can certainly find my way to Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.  

Within an hour's drive of one of our two Virginia resorts, Bluegreen's Shenandoah Crossing, I can take in twenty-five wineries and lots of beautiful scenery right outside my Yurt.

One terrific and easy option for taking a driving wine tour starts at the town of Sutter Creek, a place I had a hard time finding on Google Maps.  That was the first good sign that I'd be in for a scenic and unhurried experience.

I located a set of directions and map provided by Wine Country Getaways and found it's an easy drive to loop the roads leading to the Sierra Foothills Wineries.  They boast some of the top wineries on the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, but traveling this suggested route can be just the beginning of a great wine region experience.

Some of the vineyards available on this tour:

• TERRE ROUGE and EASTON – Rhone wine specialist + 4 Zinfandels

• Karly – Best kept secret in the Shenendoah Valley

• Amador Cellars – Unique winery and tasting room facility

• Renwood Winery – Zinfandel, and more Zinfandel

• Shenandoah Winery – gift shop and best organic wines

• Deaver Winery – Best picnic spot on a lake with view of vineyards

• Amador Foothill Winery – Best view, great wine values


Like I said, though, be sure to get yourself a driver.  25 wineries is a lot of stops, and many provide full tours so you'll get the complete winemaking experience.  You'll want to be sure you've had a full meal, too.  J & D's Steak House tops the list of recommended Sutter Creek restaurants, but a full list can be found here. 

Virginia's often written about as both an up and coming and serious wine producing region.  Just ask VirginiaWine where you'll find a complete listing of wineries by region.   After this road trip, and if you're not already, you'll become quite the aficionado by the time you get back from your next Shenandoah vacation.

Salud!, and stay safe in your travels.












Photo credit:  Bluegreen's Colorful Places to Live and Play!


resources:
Directions from Shenandoah Crossing
Virginia's Wineries
Wine Country Getaways
Winery Road Map
Virginia Wine's Shenandoah Winery Full Listing
What's a Yurt?!