Escape to Loudon's Wine Country This Fall
Day 1
Let’s meet in the middle, Middleburg that is. Named because it is the halfway point between Winchester and Alexandria, Middleburg is a wonderful introduction to Loudoun County. Known as the Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital, Middleburg is home to several boutique stores, art galleries, wineries and restaurants. Enjoy exploring this quaint town and lunch at one of many options, from Market Salamander to the Red Fox Inn & Tavern, it will not disappoint. While in town, visit a hidden gem, the National Sporting Library and Museum. This museum boasts a large art collection, and rotating exhibits focused on the literature, art and culture of equestrian, angling and field sports. Make sure to ask and see a ‘fore-edge’ book from their collection of rare books.
Head to 50West Vineyards. Just past the historic town of Aldie, this farm winery sits on a bluff with breathtaking views of the Bull Run Mountains. Wines made in the Bordeaux style are served in a cozy barn tasting room. This is a sister winery to Sunset Hills located in the Northern part of Loudoun County. Together these wineries create excellent wines using old-world techniques with modern day facilities and technologies. Be sure to check out the member only house, which is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture and style.
One more winery is on the books for the day. Enjoy the sunset at Greenhill Winery & Vineyards. This west-facing winery offers unprecedented views of the sunset each night. Take a walk through the vines or out into the fields, and if you are lucky you may catch a horse drawn carriage operating on property. Visit their farm market for local fresh goods and enjoy the wine with breads, cheeses and snacks. Fun fact, Greenhill’s sparkling white wine was the only wine in the 2016 Oscar nominee gift bags.
Downtown Leesburg is full of history and locally owned shops and restaurants! Choose from the Wine Kitchen, where several wine flights are a menu staple and the food is sourced locally, or head to King Street Oyster Bar for you guessed it, oysters! Other options include: Delirium Café, the first US location of this Belgium restaurant, Tuscarora Mill, a local favorite, or Lightfoot Restaurant, housed in a beautiful historic bank building. Roam the streets and try a few!
Lay down for the night at a local Loudoun hotel or bed & breakfast.
Begin the day with breakfast at South Street Under, followed by a tour of the Greek revival mansion at Morven Park. Learn about the architecture and decorating style of the late 19th century in this home to former Virginia Governor Westmoreland Davis and his wife Marguerite. From his role in agriculture and farming to his position as Virginia’s governor from 1918-1922, learn about the part both played in 20th century Virginia.
If the views from Morven Park were not enough, visit Stone Tower Winery for picturesque views from the top of Hogback Mountain. The rolling mountains of Virginia are the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy the wine. Choose from a variety of wine to sip and savor, walk out to the vines, sit on their beautiful patio and make sure to take pictures and tag #LoveLoudoun.
Get back to your roots with lunch at Rich Rosendale’s Roots 657 Cafe and Local Market. With house made soups, smoked meats and classic southern sides, you can’t go wrong with your choice. Peruse the market with local artisan goods, Virginia made products and local beer and wine before heading to your next destination.
Just north of historic Leesburg visit The Vineyards and Winery at Lost Creek. This boutique winery features high-quality Virginia wines paired with a variety of culinary offerings in a casual atmosphere. Find your space outside on the deck or inside the tasting room and enjoy these 100% Virginia wines.
Next up is Tarara Winery. Sitting on 475 acres along the Potomac River, this winery is bound to impress, not only with the wine, but with the history. What began as a personal family vineyard in 1987 has grown to be a fully public winery with accolades to match. Visit the tasting room for a sampling of their wonderful wine or tour the cave, which was designed and made by the original owner. If you plan for a summer Saturday visit, stick around for the evening concert series.
Enjoy dinner at Tuscarora Mill. Known as "Tuskie’s" to locals, the restaurant has earned its reputation through its "authentically local" experience felt in the ambience and décor, conveyed by the passionate staff and evident in the quality cuisine.
Return to the hotel for the evening.
Following breakfast, be immersed in history at Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park. Ball’s Bluff is home to one of the largest Civil War engagements within Loudoun County in 1861. With a small National Cemetery and guided walking tours that take you through this historic battle, this visit will give insight to a lesser known part of Civil War history.
Retail therapy is next on the agenda at Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets. With more than 100 upscale designer and brand-name outlet stores, this is the perfect excursion for any shopper. If you don’t have space in your luggage, don’t worry, they have multiple luggage stores to choose from.
After, head into wine country and start at 868 Estate Vineyards. After tasting a series of delicious whites and reds, head over to Grandale Vintner's Table to enjoy a delectable lunch paired with a glass of your favorite 868 Estate wine. Following your meal, walk the grounds and make sure to check out their butterfly garden to see if you can spot any monarchs.
Just across the street is Breaux Vineyards, overlooking the Blue Ridge and Short Hill mountains. With 85 acres of vines, you’ll end this getaway with a bang. Try any of their award-winning wines and settle in for an afternoon of relaxation before departing for home.
