Vineyards

With a View [ CHARLOTTESVILLE ]

A number of Virginia wineries offer much more

than just a great pour. These scenic retreats
Meriwether Springs
Explorers at heart will be in their element at
blend delicious food, breathtaking views, and Meriwether Springs. The combination vineyard

luxurious accomodations for an experience and brewery resides on the family estate of
Meriwether Lewis, who President Thomas
that invites guests to sip and stay a while. Jefferson commissioned to co-lead the 1804
Lewis and Clark Expedition.
BY BETSY ABRAHAM
The 40-acre property is full of winding trails
to explore the woods, ponds, and lake. A bridge
leads to one of the Lewis family’s original spring
houses—a small stone enclosure built over a spring
that was used for refrigeration.
The spirit of exploration carries into the
property’s 2 tasting rooms: one dedicated to
Lewis’ epic cross-country journey
and the other featuring items
representing modern exploration
and adventure, such as climbing
ropes, kayaking gear, snowshoes,
and ice axes.
Despite the winery’s
Wine to Try
Viognier,
adventurous pedigree, Meriwether a white wine
Springs invites guests to unwind made from
sip by sip. “I think most people a signature

COURTESY MERIWETHER SPRINGS ESTATE AND VINEYARD

Virginia grape.
come here because it’s a relaxed
atmosphere,” says co-owner Ed
Pierce. “We like it mellow up here. You can come
and spread out and have a quiet time.”
Its secluded location offers unobstructed views
of starry skies and stunning sunsets. In addition to
the natural delights, guests can enjoy live music
The estate at Meriwether most Saturdays and an Oktoberfest in October.
Springs sleeps up to 14
The 7-bedroom estate rents for about $1,000
and offers gorgeous
views and trails. per night.

34 | AAA EXPLORER APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2023

 [ CROZET ]

Stinson
Vineyards
If a trip to France isn’t in the cards,
a stay at Stinson Vineyards might
be the next best thing. Its wines are
[ WILLIAMSBURG ] heavily influenced by European wine-

Williamsburg Winery makers, and the property features a

tasting room built into a 3-car garage
in homage to France’s independent
When creating Williamsburg Winery, owner Patrick Duffeler drew inspira- garagiste winemakers, who
tion from the area’s rich history, his years spent traveling in Europe, and create small batches in
a deep-rooted love of nature. The result: a 300-acre farm that includes a their garages. 
52-acre vineyard and 28-room hotel. “The tasting room
“We believe good food, good wine, and good fresh air are critically im- is more intimate,”
portant,” says Duffeler. “Enjoy a glass of wine, get some cheese, enjoy a says co-owner Rachel
breath of truly fresh air and say, in spite of everything, life can be good.” Stinson Vrooman.
During your stay, sip your vino on the 2-level deck, cozy up next to “We’ve got a great Wine to Try 
the firepit on the pavilion, or sign staff who are really Farmer’s Rest,
a sparkling wine
up for private wine-cellar tours personable and
and the winery’s
and wine-discovery seminars for make everyone feel first vintage.
a behind-the-scenes look at the at home.”
winery and what’s being poured. Enjoy wine flights
Relaxation takes center stage and charcuterie boards as you take in
here. Explore the farm, which in- the stunning views of the vineyards.
cludes more than 62,000 trees “We’re right at the foothills of the
and overlooks the James River. Or Blue Ridge and you’ve got the sunset
grab a bottle of wine from the re- right over the mountains,” Vrooman
tail shop and have a picnic by the says. “We have an amazing view.”
duck pond.  You can also marvel at the views FROM LEFT: ROB OSTERMAIER (2); COURTESY STINSON VINEYARDS
Back at Wedmore Place, the winery’s elegantly designed hotel, old- from the beautifully decorated
school charm blends with modern amenities. “I wanted a hotel that was rooms or the heated pool at the
not boring,” says Duffeler. “When we opened in 2007, I had a lot of people luxurious Inn at Stinson Vineyards.
say that the building looks 200 years old. I wanted to Thanks to the innkeeper’s culinary
make it look like that. I want to give it a lot of authen- background, the Inn also features
ticity and provide the comforts of modern life.” fine food. Start your day with a
Adding to that air of authenticity is a central court- 3-course breakfast; in the evening,
yard with fountains from southern France, a herald to choose a wine-cellar dinner that
Wine to Try those used for watering horses in the 1800s. Each of features 4 or 6 courses with wine
The 2019 Adagio, the hotel’s rooms is named after a region in Europe pairings or the chef’s supper of
a red blend that and features antiques specific to that area. Rates seasonal shared plates. For a more
pairs perfectly start at $175. laid-back experience, check out
with red meat.
the oyster trucks and live music on
Sundays. Rates start at $320.
MORE
36 | AAA EXPLORER APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2023
 [ AFTON ]

Veritas Vineyards & Winery

The Blue Ridge Mountains provide an idyllic backdrop to the 60 acres
of vines at Veritas Vineyards.
Learn more about Veritas’ wine in the tasting room (pictured)
or grab a flight and do a Taste in Place—a self-guided tasting where
scanning a QR code leads to a video detailing your flight’s 4 wines.
Oenophiles will take special pleasure in the wine-and-food experience,
which offers access to the vineyard’s highest-quality reserve wines
paired with food prepared by the executive chef.
“You taste the wine, take a bite of the food, and
then take another sip of the wine to see how it’s
changed the taste and aroma of the food,” says
Marketing Manager Lindsey Navin. “It’s a really
elevated and special experience for people looking
Wine to Try  to learn more about the wine-making process and
2109 Veritas

COURTESY VERITAS VINEYARDS & WINERY

who are more familiar with wine.”
Reserve,
a classic You’ll also find an elevated culinary experience at The Farmhouse, the
Virginia red. vineyard’s cozy on-site bed-and-breakfast. Wine-paired 4-course dinners BETSY ABRAHAM is a freelance
are offered Tuesdays through Sundays, with a focus on local farm-to-table writer who enjoys travel, good
cuisines. Daily breakfast, a bottle of wine, and a nightly wine hour with small bites are books, and white wine.
included with your stay.
And for those looking for a longer winery getaway, The Farmhouse offers 4-day retreats
throughout the year. While each retreat varies slightly, they all include yoga, a cooking Be sure to designate a driver
class, hiking, and cellar and vineyard tours. Rates start at $235. if you plan to drink alcohol.

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