Wine Weekend in Williamsburg

Welcome, wine enthusiasts, to the charming and historic town of Williamsburg, Virginia, where traditional charm meets modern sophistication. Here’s a delightful weekend itinerary sipping your way through some of the nicest wines this region has to offer, indulging in exquisite dining experiences and discovering the rich tapestry of history and culture that surrounds.

Day 1

Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Aromas Coffee & Bakery, a cozy cafe known for its artisanal coffee, delectable pastries and breakfast till noon. Fuel up for the day ahead as we embark on our wine-tasting journey.

Mid-Morning: Our first stop is the award-winning Williamsburg Winery. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush vineyards, this esteemed winery offers a delightful selection of varietals, including chardonnay, cabernet franc, and viognier. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque vineyards and grounds before indulging in a guided tasting experience, where knowledgeable staff will expertly guide you through the nuances of each wine.

Lunch: For lunch, head to The Gabriel Archer Tavern that is part of the Williamsburg Winery. Sit out on the charming pergola-covered patio and enjoy a delightful menu: think oysters, mussels and crab cakes (or go with a with a burger!). This spot is also perfect for a lovely brunch or dinner with bright and fresh ingredients, perfectly paired with a glass of their signature wines, of course.

Afternoon: After lunch, venture to Gauthier Vineyard, a family-owned working farm and equestrian center. Here, you can unwind on the picturesque patio as you sample an array of handcrafted wines, including their acclaimed Estate Norton red wine – the Norton grape has unique Virginia origins worth tasting here.

Detour: Depending on the level of love for history of your group, or your desire to immerse yourself in the stories of our nation’s birth, Colonial Williamsburg, is a must and likely what brought you here. Here, history comes to life amidst meticulously restored colonial buildings, costumed interpreters and immersive experiences. Stroll along Duke of Gloucester Street and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of 18th-century America. Consider a full day here, or take a look at their events calendar and come back on another day. Better yet, book a private walking tour or nighttime ghost tour of the area. I have some great local guides and can arrange a tour.

Evening: For dinner, treat yourself to a gourmet experience at the Rockefeller Room, located within the Williamsburg Inn. Dress up in elegant casual attire and experience a special evening of modern fine dining, paired with an impeccable selection of wines from around the world (or Virginia, of course).

Morning: Kick off your day with breakfast at The Blue Talon Bistro, an awesome local spot with a nod toward French-inspired cuisine and cozy ambiance. Enjoy a leisurely meal plotting out the day’s history and wine-tasting itinerary.

Detour: Another History Detour: Satisfy your curiosity for history with a visit to Jamestown Settlement, in the Colonial National Historical Park, where you can explore recreated colonial ships, a Powhatan village and a living history museum that vividly depicts the story of America's first permanent English settlement. Again, you can spend a day driving through this wonderful national park along the Colonial Parkway with stops along the way where battles were fought. Park rangers tell stories of settlement and strife, and it is absolutely worthy of your time! Spending a half day to a full day here is advised to truly appreciate it.

Lunch: Time to let loose and play a little pool and have a bite at The Corner Pocket. Their casual menu includes small plates, bar snacks, flatbreads and sandwiches. They serve brunch on the weekend, too!

Afternoon: Our next wine destination is the charming New Kent Winery, situated just a short drive from Williamsburg. Here, you'll discover a diverse array of varietals, from bold reds like merlot and cabernet sauvignon to crisp whites such as sauvignon blanc and chardonnay. Be sure to take in the stunning views of the vineyard from the winery's elegant tasting room.

Hop back on New Kent Highway and make your way to Saudé Creek Vineyards, a hidden gem nestled along the banks of the Pamunkey River. Here, you can unwind on the picturesque patio as you sample an array of handcrafted wines, including their acclaimed petit verdot and traminette.

Evening: For a memorable dinner experience, reserve a table at Fat Canary, a culinary gem located in the heart of historic Williamsburg. A AAA Four Diamond award winner, here you will indulge in a gourmet dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients.

As you sip on a dessert wine, reflect on the unforgettable memories made amidst the vineyards, historic sites and culinary delights of Williamsburg wine country.
Cheers to lovely wines in unknown places, new discoveries and delightful adventures.

With a rich history dating back to Thomas Jefferson's vineyard experiments, Virginia boasts a diverse array of wineries scattered across the state’s rolling hills and verdant valleys. Consider stopping at these other Virginia locations on your wine tasting travels: Charlottesville, Loudoun County, and the Shenandoah Valley are home to some of the state’s highest-rated wineries.