Who says you have to cross the Atlantic or venture out to the west coast for an amazing vineyard experience? As of this year, Virginia, our neighbor to the south, now boasts over 300 wineries and vineyards. Virginia is not only for lovers but even more specifically it’s becoming a destination for wine lovers. With its close proximity to Washington, the state is becoming the perfect weekend getaway or an ideal way to spend a day in Virginia Wine Country.
October was Virginia Wine Month and with the changing fall leaves, it was a good time to gather some friends to enjoy a day of Virginia wine tasting. In about 90 minutes, the gang arrived in Loudon County, home to lush countryside views, quaint towns and about 42 wineries and testing rooms. To make the most out of trip, the plan was not to simply hit up tasting rooms but it was to make each place we visited more experiential. We visited three craftsmen who have been responsible for progressing and shaping Virginia’s wine country. Winemakers James Phillips of Doukenie Winery, and Nate Walsh of Walsh Family Wine and Chef Stefano Frigerio of La Petite Loulou Creperie.
Doukenie Winery
Our day started with a brunch at Doukenie Winery. Here we dined al fresco while pairing selections from the winery with a meal prepared by Le Petite Loulou and featuring an assortment of cheeses from Loudoun cheesemaker Molly Kroiz of George’s Mill Cheese. The wine was selected by James Phillips who despite his young age is helping to craft some award winning wines for Doukenie.
Doukenie Winery is Loudoun’s largest family-run winery. Situated at the base of a mountain, with a large lake and 400 acres of vines and wine production, it was the perfect setting for our outdoor brunch. If you visit, don’t leave without trying some of the winery’s matriarch, Hope Bazaco’s homemade Baklava.
Photo by The DC Fashion Fool
Photo by The DC Fashion Fool
Doukenie Winery – 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro, VA 20132
Walsh Family Wine
Not to be outdone in the award’s category, The Walsh Family Wine is a newer vineyard which started in 2014. Despite its youth, the winery is already garnering awards. The owners Nate and Sarah are very hands-on in their approach to winemaking. In fact, the gang was encouraged to dip our toes into winemaking (literally) and help press some of the fermenting grapes. I can now honestly say that I’ve helped make wine!
Nate spent seven years as a winemaker and vineyard manager before setting out to finding a vineyard of his own. Sarah’s expertise lies on the business side having cultivated her skills through fine wine sales and wine education. Together they strive to produce delicious, authentic Virginia wines meant to be a direct expression of their vineyard sites in Loudoun County.
Photo by The DC Fashion Fool
Walsh Family Wine – 16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville VA 20132
La Petite Loulou
Those who have ventured to Union Market may have popped into this French creperie making a name for itself in the Northeast section of DC. But did you know the restaurant has another exciting location in Purceville, Virginia? Michelin-starred chef Stefano Frigerio has created a little piece of Paris right in the heart of downtown Loudon County. This French creperie and wine bar is located right on Main Street in Historic Purcellville. The menu includes hot croissants every hour, an expansive crepe menu and a wonderful selection of wine and cheeses. When you go try, the French onion soup. You will not be disappointed. Plus, there’s a savory or sweet crepe to satisfy any appetite,
La Petite Loulou Creperie was our last stop as part of day in Wine Country Virginia. After a day of sampling some fantastic wines, this was an ideal spot to reflect on the day and enjoy afternoon tea. Served with signature pastries and macarons, it was the perfect way to end our adventure.
La Petite Loulou Creperie – 713 E. Main Street, Purceville, Virginia
Tips for planning a day in Virginia Wine Country
- First and foremost. Drink responsibly. Ideally arrange car service or have a designated driver if you plan to drink.
- Plan out your day. Our trip was to Loudon County and there are over 43 wineries. There’s was no way to select them all and after two or three different visits, you could be in wine overload.
- Look for different experiences. Don’t just go for the tastings. Make your trip experiential. Do something different at each location. Try activities such as wine pairing meal at one, take a tour at a different winery and listen to jazz under the stars while sipping wine at another
My look
This time of year is a little chilly so dressing warmly for a wine tour is a must. The corduroy Sherpa jacket is a hot look this season and was great for fighting off the chill of the day. Denim or denim style slacks look great in autumn colors such as greens, browns and berries. I paired mine with a zip cardigan to complete a terrific great fall look. Notice how I pulled out the color of the stripe in my sweater with the color of my pants
Corduroy Sherpa jacket – Express (alternative – The Gap) | Zip front sweater – Express | Stretch chino – Express I Chukka boot – Trask | Sunglasses – Maui Jim
Unless otherwise noted photography is from Alicia Bruce
3 comments
Love the look! You went to many of my favorite places. Great review!
Thanks so much. It was a great outing.
[…] Who says you have to cross the Atlantic or venture out to the west coast for an amazing vineyard experience? As of this year, Virginia, our neighbor to the south, now boasts over 300 wineries and vineyards. Virginia is not only for lovers but even more specifically it’s becoming a destination for wine lovers. With its close proximity to Washington, the state is becoming the perfect weekend getaway or an ideal way to spend a day in Virginia Wine Country. October was Virginia Wine Month and with the changing fall leaves, it was a good time to gather some friends to enjoy a day of Virginia wine tasting. In about 90 minutes, the gang arrived in Loudon County, home to lush countryside views, quaint towns and about 42 wineries and testing rooms. To make the most out of trip, the plan was not to simply hit up tasting rooms but it was to make each place we visited more experiential. We visited three craftsmen who have been responsible for progressing and shaping Virginia’s wine… This is only a snippet of a Men’s Fashion Article written by dcfashionfool Read Full Article […]
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