Last month I went on a weekend trip to Wintergreen Resort in Virginia with my boyfriend and our friends to explore some of the many wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the area.

Because we only had one Saturday, we had to choose our destinations wisely. Based off of recommendations I was able to map out a route for us that hit 2 vineyards, 2 breweries, a hard cidery, and a distillery all pretty much on the same road! We chose to go to the furthest destination first and work our way back to the resort.

While there are coaches and vineyard hopping tours available, we chose to drive ourselves to save money. We planned to rotate who was drinking at a destination to make sure we drove safely.

Destination #1: Veritas Vineyards & Winery

This is a beautiful property, and an excellent place to take a good instagram photo. Beyond the tasting room and cafe, is a large deck and open field with open tables where you can either bring a picnic, or enjoy the food they sell at their cafe. At the cafe you can order cheese boards, wine by the bottle or glass, sandwiches, and flatbreads

We got here at about noon on a Saturday, and while there was a line for the wine tasting, it moved fairly quickly. There are 2 wine tastings you can choose from one with the regular wine for $10 and a second option for $15 which includes some of their select wines. For the tasting, your server gives you a sheet of paper that has details about the flavors you are tasting. Even though we shared our tasting table with another couple, the whole experience felt very personalized. After the tasting, we ordered a delicious cheese plate for $15 and enjoyed the beautiful sun while staring out at the vineyards and changing colors of the leaves. I had been here before, and this place remains one of my favorites.

Destination #2: Blue Mountain Brewery

We skipped our second vineyard to make it in time for Blue Mountain’s complimentary tour (ending at 3pm). Blue Mountain Brewery has a full sit-down restaurant, with many children and dogs around. Thinking we had time, we chose to sit and have our lunch and beer flights before our tour. Do to a miscommunication from our waitress, we ended up missing the last tour by a few minutes which was very disappointing. Regardless we had a great time trying their beer flight. For $9 they serve you 10 different beers (in 2.7oz glasses). We also ordered their crab dip and one of their pizzas. Both were delicious. We didn’t spend much time their after lunch, having been disappointed about the tour. I still would return, but earlier in the day so as to not lose out on the experience.

Destination #3: Bold Rock Hard Cidery

We skipped the distillery to make it to this destination in time for sunset. Bold Rock is a personal favorite of mine not only because I love hard cider but also because the property is just gorgeous. When you first arrive you have the opportunity to order your hard cider and any food you might like. Their menu mostly covers bar food. We didn’t order any food this time, but I have in the past and it is delicious for bar food. Here is where you can order one of the their two flight options: Seasonal, and Classic. Their flights are $5 each, which is a STEAL! Their hard cider is a delicious.

Once you pick up your food and drink you have a choice of finding a seat within the lodge, on the deck or you can walk down the hill on the gravel path to one of several picnic benches in their field. As I said before, the atmosphere outside is gorgeous, especially in the fall. Beyond the colorful leaves on the trees, there is a babbling creek that runs along the back of the property that you are free to explore. While we were there we found out that every Saturday night throughout the fall they show movies outside on their lawn. That night was Hocus Pocus. It was so cute seeing so many families come either dressed up in costume or in full pajamas, with all their blankets and chairs, getting ready to enjoy the movie. I definitely want to return for a movie night!

Destination #4: Devil’s Backbone Brewery Base Camp

This location is also a campgrounds, though I have only been there in the dark so I cannot describe how that works to you. The DB’s Basecamp has a full restaurant, an outdoor wine and beer bar, a distillery, outdoor fire pits, and a breakfast hub. It is VERY dark here when the sun sets…which makes sense as you are in the middle of the mountains. Despite being very dark, Devil’s Backbone is VERY crowded. Wait time for dinner when we were there (7:30pm) was OVER AN HOUR. We decided to skip having dinner here and just enjoy a beer flight at their outdoor bar. Their flights there allow you to choose 5 options off their menu to try for about $11. I would like to return here in the daylight, perhaps to try their breakfast (and maybe possibly avoid a crowd?)

Looking Back…

Overall, we had such a lovely day. We lucked out with beautiful Fall weather and we enjoyed each destination. I really recommend coming here in the Fall, as the foliage is just indescribable. Next time I come I will probably prioritize going to Devil’s Backbone during the day (maybe even first, for breakfast), getting to Blue Mountain Brewery in time for the tour, and making it to the winery and distillery we had to miss for timing. It was such a relaxing weekend getaway and I recommend it to all!