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Friends enjoying New Kent Winery and Talleysville Brewing Co. libations.
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The Williamsburg Winery
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New Kent Winery
Along with water, ships, Colonial history, and seafood, add wine to one of the distinguishing elements of the Virginia Peninsula.
In fact, the region made headlines last year as the newest appellation in the Commonwealth. To be designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA), an area must have a geographically defined grape-growing zone with boundaries determined by the U.S. government.
You can probably already guess what makes the Virginia Peninsula AVA so unique. Its subtropical climate lends itself to an extended growing season and its maritime features from the water found in every direction impact the topography.
All of that is reflected in the terroir, which contributes to the taste of the wine in the bottle.
It’s a cool designation — there are only seven other AVAs throughout the state — and what’s been branded the Virginia Peninsula Wine Trail presents an opportunity to visit them all, though probably not on the same day despite their proximity to one another.
The six wineries within the Virginia Peninsula AVA include the Williamsburg Winery, Gauthier Vineyard, New Kent Winery, Jolene Family Winery, Upper Shirley Vineyards and Saudé Creek Vineyards.
No two are the same. While the experiences vary, here’s a taste of what to expect:
Virginia wine’s history dates back to the 1600s when the British colonists tried to make a go out of grape growing. While the Williamsburg Winery isn’t that old, it was among only a handful of Virginia wineries when it opened in 1985. You’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to a European village when visiting this winery nestled into 400 acres of the Wessex Hundred farm full of charming spots to enjoy life and a glass of wine. Spread a blanket by the Duck Pond, sit atop the 1619 Wine Pavilion with a view of the vineyards, sample a flight inside the Susan Constant Tasting Room and linger over good food and wine at the Gabriel Archer Tavern, recognized by USA Today as the top winery restaurant on the East Coast. Make it an overnight stay by booking accommodations at Wedmore Place, the onsite inn with 28 distinct rooms and suites, each themed after a different European province.
This scenic retreat overlooks Tom Brooks Lake on one side and the vineyards on the other. Joseph and Helene Mikelaites were the original owners of the property that was once a garden center, and their three children combined parts of their first names for “Jolene” to honor their memory. Bring blankets or chairs to relax to the breeze off the water or for a truly unique experience, book a lakeside lounge tent. Reservations include complimentary wine-to-table service. Lounge tents come complete with a propane heater fire pit in the fall/winter and oscillating fans with exposed walls in spring/summer.
Discover one of the best beautiful bends on the James River at this riverside estate in Charles City where you can enjoy a flight in the tasting room or on the covered porch. The vast menu of chef-inspired dishes includes Oysters Rockefeller, the Upper Shirley Grazing Board that features its homemade country ham salad, shrimp and grits and crab stuffed quiche. Across the way, the Presquile National Wildlife Refuge, a 1,300-acre island bird sanctuary, offers the chance to spot a Bald Eagle. Upper Shirley Vineyards is just one mile off the Capital Bike Trail halfway between Richmond and Williamsburg.
Owned by two retired Navy Captains, this Barhamsville farm in New Kent County is a relaxing getaway rich in history. Local relic hunters have validated its service as a Civil War encampment for both Union and Confederate forces. There’s a second business onsite, a state-of-the-art equestrian center where you can take riding lessons if you arrange in advance. While the wine is undoubtedly a draw, if you’re visiting on a Friday evening or Saturday, you must indulge in a wood-fired brick oven pizza — Shrimp & Cajun Sausage Pizza, perhaps? Spend the night at The Inn at Woodmont Plantation adjacent to the property.
History tells us that this site once hosted Frank’s Tavern, where George Washington and French General Rochambeau slaked their thirsts. Washington’s bride, Martha Dandridge Custis, lived just 7 miles from where the winery sits today. Ample nooks — decks, patios, firepits and a wraparound porch — are found throughout the property to unwind with a glass of wine. Live music from local musicians every weekend year-round makes for a fun night. All seating is first come, first served. Slow down for the breathtaking view on your way to the vineyards overlooking the Pamunkey River in New Kent County.
She likes wine but you prefer beer? Wine enthusiasts and beer lovers come together at this all-in-one farm winery and farm brewery in Talleysville. The centerpiece of this family business is the winery, built by craftsmen who recycled materials from structures more than 100 years old. The heart-pine trusses come from a 1901 Southern Railroad Depot from Richmond’s Shockoe Bottom and the stunning exterior façade boasts handmade, pre-Civil War bricks. Golf nearby at a championship course, The Club at Viniterra, or plan your day around one of the venue’s numerous events that range from salsa dancing, trivia, live music and a 5K every May. Once a month, the winery features a seasonal Brunch Board of fruit, cheese, bacon, jam and croissants with a variety of breakfast favorites for two people to share and pair with a glass of wine; Brunch Boards must be pre-ordered.
Plan your visit to all or any of these local wineries with help from the Virginia Peninsula Wine Trail. Cheers to a good time.
