Unique Virginia Wine Experiences

All of Virginia’s wineries offer stunning scenery and world-class wine, but a few go above and beyond. From polo matches and paddleboarding to distinct wine tasting pairings and horseback rides, these wineries turn a typical vineyard visit into a fun-filled Virginia adventure.

Paddle Your Glass Off to Chatham Vineyards on Virginia’s Eastern Shore

PHOTO CREDIT: SAM DEAN, IG ACCOUNT: @SDEANPHOTOS

The beautiful Eastern Shore winery, Chatham Vineyards, has teamed up with Southeast Expeditions to offer a relaxing 45-minute paddle tour through Church Creek on your way from the local Wharf of Bayford to Chatham Vineyards. Guides identify local wildlife and aquaculture along the way and show you around the historic property once ashore. After your complimentary wine tasting, there’s always time to sit outside with a glass of wine and a cheese tray to enjoy the vineyard before paddling back. The cost is $89 per paddler and covers the guide, gear, boat, winery experience, and a complimentary bottle of Church Creek wine for every two paddlers.

Explore Charlottesville Wine Country by Horseback

PHOTO CREDIT: CARLITA PITTS IG: @IAMTHELITA

Explore Central Virginia’s wine country by horseback with Indian Summer Guide Services. This guided riding experience is available at several wineries in the Charlottesville and Albemarle County area, including King Family Vineyards, Veritas Vineyard, Keswick Vineyards, Glass House Winery, and more. These five-star private, guided horseback rides through the vines allow you to learn about the grapes and the vineyard’s production process while getting an up-close look at the Virginia terroir that results in world-class wines.

Bike to Upper Shirley Vineyards Along the Virginia Capital Trail

PHOTO CREDIT: BIG ORANGE FRAME

Based out of Richmond, Basket & Bike teamed up with the gorgeous Upper Shirley Vineyards for its Signature Ride, returning in Mid-March 2021. Departing from Upper Shirley Vineyards, you’ll enjoy a leisurely, 14-mile guided bicycle tour along the Virginia Capital Trail where you’ll learn about Virginia’s history and the picturesque landscape viewed from the Capital Trail. Priority bikes are outfitted with Nantucket Bike Baskets, or riders have the choice to opt for RVA on Wheels Pedego electric bikes for an easier ride. The tour includes a glass of wine and lunch at Upper Shirley Vineyards, and $5 of the tour fee goes towards supporting one of the rotating conservation partners (Capital Trees, James River Association, VCU Rice Rivers Center, BridgePark RVA), allowing you to support local nonprofits while also enjoying the Great Outdoors, Virginia history, and some marvelous wine.

Attend a Proper Polo Match at King Family Vineyards

PHOTO CREDIT: MATTHEW BROWN

Beginning in May, King Family Vineyards hosts weekly polo matches on Sundays, where visitors can set up a socially-distanced family picnic and sip on King Family wines with a stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These events are free and open to the public, but are weather dependent; check the website or their Facebook page for current updates on the Roseland polo matches at King Family.

Looking for more unique Virginia wine experiences? Contact Tony today.