We all know that fall in the Commonwealth is a magical time. The leaves are turning, the farmers are harvesting in the fields, and the crisp morning air is a welcome relief after months of oppressive heat. Another bonus of a Virginia fall is that many of our award-winning wineries have annual festivals and celebrations to kick off the season. We may be biased, but there’s no better way to ring in another gorgeous autumn than enjoying a beautiful day at a Virginia Winery. Read on for our ultimate guide to fall events at Virginia Wineries:
5th Annual Fall Festival at Mountain Run Winery—Culpeper
When: October 12, 2019
The annual Fall Festival at Mountain Run Winery is on its 5th year and it’s proven to be one of the most popular in the area, and what’s not to love? With live music, yard games, kid-friendly activities, and food trucks– there’s something for everyone.
Oktober Wein Festival at North Mountain Vineyard—Maurertown
When: October 6, 2019
Love Oktoberfest, but more of a wine person? North Mountain Vineyard’s October Wein Festival has the best of both worlds. Live music, local artists, authentic german food paired with delicious wine? Yes, please!
Fall Harvest and Leaf Peep Festival at Ducard Vineyards—Etlan
When: October 26, 2019
The title of this festival says it all! This celebration is all about peeping those leaves and enjoying the harvest. Featuring live music, food truck morsels, and vineyard tours, the Fall Harvest and Leaf Peep Festival is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
4th Annual Fall Family Fun Festival at Horton Vineyards—Gordonsville
When: October 12, 2019
Horton Vineyard’s Family Fun Festival is the ultimate event for fall-lovin’ families. It’s jam-packed with kid-friendly activities like carnival games and crafts. Admission is free and the Family Fun Festival also includes live music, local vendors, and wine tastings (for a $9 fee).
Fall Oyster Fest at Early Mountain Vineyards—Madison
When: October 20, 2019
Oysters and wine are a match made in heaven. Pair that with a scenic vineyard landscape, and you have yourself an afternoon to remember. Early Mountain’s annual Fall Oyster Fest is the perfect place for seafood and vino lovers to come together. This popular fest features fresh Virginia oysters, live music, a seasonal menu provided by their Executive Chef, and a wide variety of wines.
Fall Harvest Wine Festival at Castle Glen Estates Winery—Doswell
When: October 26, 2019
Castle Glen Estate’s first-ever wine festival is sure to be one for the books. General admission tickets include unlimited tastings, but there’s enough fun to go around for the non-drinkers with dancing, live music, food trucks, and a market of over 25 vendors. This event is dog-friendly, and there will also be adoptable dogs there if you’re looking to expand your home to some furry friends.
2nd Annual Sweet Jazz & Wine Festival at Tarara Vineyards—Leesburg
When: October 12, 2019
This annual festival is for all the jazz lovers out there. The venue changes from year-to-year, but the music lineup is always stacked with quality jazz talent. This year the festival is at Tarara Vineyards in Leesburg, and there will be a variety of food and wine tastings available.
Harvest Festival “Rock the Grapes” at Veramar Vineyard—Berryville
When: October 12, 2019
If you’re an aspiring wine stompe a la I Love Lucy, then you should give the “Rock the Grapes” festival at Veramar Vineyard a try. There will also be a variety of games and activities, including “Wine Pong” in addition to live music, local food, and wine tastings, so you know you’re in for a good time.
11th Annual End-of-Harvest Celebration at Rosemont Vineyards—LaCrosse Virginia
When: October 19, 2019
Looking for the quintessential fall experience? Look no further than Rosemont Vineyard’s annual End-of-Harvest Celebration. Their lineup of family-friendly activities ensures everyone has a good time–with pumpkin painting, bobbing for apples, and even a grape stomp competition. So bring the entire family, for an afternoon of pure fall fun.
Harvest Festival at Doukénie Winery—Purcellville
When: October 19, 2019
Gourmet food and barrel tasting–who could ask for more? The annual Harvest Festival at Doukénie Winery has barbecue, sweet treats, and live music along with barrel and regular wine tastings. Their picturesque pond area is the perfect place to kick back, enjoy a glass of wine and some quality smoked meats.
Diwali Festival of Lights Celebration at Narmada Winery—Amissville
When: October 19, 2019
Narmada Winery is keeping their Indian roots alive and well in Virginia with their annual Diwali celebration. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a traditional celebration to mark the end of the harvest. Narmada Winery’s Diwali celebration includes traditional Indian food, fireworks, and a bonfire.
18th Annual Harvest Soup and Wine Festival at AmRhein’s Wine Cellars—Bent Mountain
When: November 9, 2019
View this post on Instagram
This festival is closer to the end of harvest season, but the cold air makes the soup even more delicious. The Annual Harvest Soup and Wine Fest is on its 18th year, so you know they’ve found the magical combo of warm soup and yummy wine. This event also features live music, which is the perfect way to enjoy a cold November afternoon.
So as you can see, Virginia wineries and vineyards really are a cut above the rest when it comes to celebrating the harvest and the coming of fall. Hopefully, this fall festival guide has you inspired to get out and see what wine country in Virginia has to offer. Happy Harvest!
Leave a Reply