by Peggy Sijswerda
1. Cheers to yoga and wine at the Retreat at The Farmhouse at Veritas
Ready to renew your body and soul? Join a four-day yoga retreat at The Farmhouse at Veritas Vineyards and Winery not far from Charlottesville. Enjoy hikes, yoga, a daily wine hour and locally inspired cuisine. The retreat also includes a vineyard education tour and a cooking class. The Farmhouse, built in 1839, offers simple but luxurious accommodations and loads of Virginia charm.
2. Giddyup in the vineyard with Fieldstone Trails
Grab your cowboy hat for an equine experience like no other. On well-behaved horses, you’ll ride through picturesque vineyards at Blue Quartz Winery with views of Old Rag Mountain. Choose from a one-hour trail ride, a romantic sunset ride, or a picnic ride. At trail’s end, relax in Blue Quartz’s tasting room with a glass of wine or craft beer from Shotwell Run Brewing Company. Happy trails!
3. A Taste of Truffles at Barboursville Vineyards
Each fall at Barboursville’s elegant restaurant, Palladio, in Virginia’s Piedmont region you can enjoy four truffle-icious courses paired with award-winning wines made by Italian winemaker Luca Paschina. Other dining events including An Evening with Morels and the Italian Harvest Feast. Stay in The 1804 Inn, a classic Georgian villa located at the winery. Sweet dreams!
4. Time for harvest at Wisteria Vineyard
Once per year volunteers help harvest and stomp grapes at this family-run winery near Luray. For their efforts, guests are rewarded with a generous lunch and a vertical tasting of Wisteria’s vintages. Keep an eye on Wisteria’s Facebook page as Mother Nature and the grapes decide when the time is ripe for harvest.
5. Polo and vino with Roseland Polo at King Family Vineyards
Come out and watch an exciting polo match Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October as you drink in expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bring chairs, blankets, umbrellas and a picnic basket packed with goodies. Then pop in the winery and choose one of the King Family’s award-winning wines to enjoy as you cheer for your favorite team.
Peggy Sijswerda, MFA, has written about travel and wellness for 25 years, covering myriad topics from design trends in Stockholm to spa treatments in Spain. She loves riding horses and hanging out with family and friends around a campfire. Follow Peggy on Instagram and Facebook.