Tag: Virginia

On the western banks of the Potomac River, just about 25 miles from the heart of Washington DC, beautiful Loudoun County, Virginia holds hundreds of excuses for you to get away. It’s blessed with wine, horses, Civil War history, quaint towns and villages, rave-review restaurants, and scenery so stunning, you’ll find it hard to believe that the nation’s capital is just a stone’s throw away. Loudoun County offers a full calendar of engaging events all year round, and someone there is always cooking up something innovative and new to do. Case in point: on Labor Day weekend (August 30–September 2, 2013), in partnership with Saveur magazine, Loudoun hosted the inaugural Epicurience Virginia. When they came up with the idea for the event, it was so unique, no existing name quite described it.

The heart of Northern Virginia has always been known for horses and foxes, and now Three Fox Vineyards in Delaplane is helping to make it known for fine wine. The boutique winery, situated on 50 undulating acres, produces several award-winning estate wines from varieties native to or grown in Italy, like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Here, proprietors Holli and John Todhunter have combined their passion for life, wine, and Italy to bring a little bit of la dolce vita (the sweet life) to Virginia.

They say that Virginia is for lovers, and after a stay at the romantic L’Auberge Provençale French Country Inn in the lush Shenandoah Valley, that proclamation is sure to ring true. For over 30 years, innkeepers Celeste and Alain Borel have made it their mission to provide the most authentic reflection of their Provençal heritage within every detail of L’Auberge. From the well-designed rooms and suites, and award-winning restaurant, to the beautifully maintained garden, orchard, and grounds, the couple has offered guests a true French countryside experience right here in America.

A true wine touring experience is not only what you sample, it’s about what you do, see, smell, and taste along the way. The beautiful Commonwealth of Virginia offers endless possibilities for exploration and discovery all year round—and harvest time is no exception when Virginia invites you to "Discover your Local Crush" during October, Virginia Wine month. On most October mornings, there’s a chill in the air here that softens as the sun climbs to center stage. Well into the afternoon, it is decidedly warm. And as the sun lowers in the sky, the air cools again, causing one to reach for a sweater or jacket. It is this dependable temperature pattern that causes Virginia’s crops to develop their intense flavors. Wine grapes attain an optimal level of sugar, acid, and tannin—so they’re lusciously ripe in every way. October is a wonderful time to visit Virginia and experience the harvest in every sensorial way.

Known as DC’s wine country for its proximity to the heart of Washington, DC (just 25 miles), Virginia’s Loudoun County provides a breath of fresh air and so much to discover.

The rolling hills of Loudoun County are a treasure trove for visitors looking for something to do. Its countryside has remained untouched for decades, with winding roads that lead past elegant estates and picturesque horse farms. Loudoun County is proud of its equestrian legacy, as evidenced by its many race tracks, riding trails, shows, and equestrian-related museums. The gently rolling pastoral landscape is a haven for golfers, hikers, rock climbers, cyclists, and birdwatchers.