Shenandoah Valley Winery Trail

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Settle back, relax and enjoy a scenic drive to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley as we kick off a memorable "New Tour" get-away filled with stunning sights, delicious food, and plenty of wine tasting! Our first stop on the winery trail is Rockbridge Vineyard in Raphine, Virginia. Established in 1992, this family-owned gem is nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains. Rockbridge offers a wide variety of award-winning wines and a rotating selection of craft beer. Their wines have received numerous accolades, including Best in Show at the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, Best in Show at the Town Point Competition, and two-time winner at the prestigious Virginia Governor's Cup. Your visit includes a flight of both wine and beer - the perfect way to begin your get-away! After our tour, we depart for the Natural Bridge Hotel in Natural Bridge, Virginia, for the next two nights. Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, this premier hotel is surrounded by the scenic beauty of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains! Upon our arrival we are treated to a warm welcome reception featuring wine and Hor D'oeuvres. Later this evening, we will be treated to a delicious buffet dinner showcasing freshly prepared, savory cuisine and genuine Southern hospitality in the hotel's Colonial Dining Room.

Day 2

After breakfast we cross the street to visit Natural Bridge State Park. Once owned by Thomas Jefferson and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Natural Bridge is a breathtaking 215-foot-high natural arch spanning 90 feet. It sits within a dramatic limestone gorge carved by Cedar Creek, a small tributary of the James River. Our visit begins at the Visitor Center, featuring educational exhibits and a charming gift shop. From there, we follow the Cedar Creek Trail, which takes us past a Civil War-era saltpeter mine, a key source of gunpowder, along a hidden river, and onward to the picturesque Lace Falls, a 40-foot cascading waterfall. Note: Accessing the Natural Bridge involves descending and later ascending approximately 137 steps. After exploring the park, we take a short ride to the Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery, a scenic, farm-based establishment nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Known by locals as the "go-to" spot for quality beer, wine, and sweeping valley views, the brewery offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere perfect for relaxing. Included is a tasting flight of four two-ounce pours of craft beer or wine. Our final stop on the winery trail tour is the Virginia Gold Orchard. Established in 1990, this family-owned orchard has become a local gem, known for its exquisite Asian pears, vibrant u-pick flower gardens, fragrant lavender fields, and award-winning wines. Enjoy wines made from estate-grown grapes, with something for every palate, from dry reds to sweet, handcrafted sangrias. Included is a flight of wines to sample. Relax and take in the stunning farm scenery before we return to the hotel for some downtime. Freshen up and unwind before gathering for another delicious dinner in the hotel's elegant Colonial Dining Room.

Day 3

After breakfast we depart for Ecco Adesso Vineyards in Fairfield, Virginia. This family-owned farm winery is nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The vineyard offers not only wine tastings but also lodging, hiking, orchards, and local fare. The name Ecco Adesso means "here, now" in Italian, a philosophy the owners embrace. They invite guests to leave their worries behind, relax, and take in the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is more than just wine tasting; it is about engaging your senses to truly savor the aromas, flavors, and textures of the wines. You will enjoy a flight of four 4-ounce pours. Next, we will head to Michie Tavern in Charlottesville, Virginia, an authentic 1784. b. There, you will experience a delicious buffet lunch served in a rustic tavern setting, with servers dressed in period attire. Enjoy a Southern-style dining experience rich in culture and hospitality. After lunch, we will begin our journey home, taking with us fond memories of a wonderful get-away in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley!

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner