Virginia's wine industry traces back to 1609 when it first produced wine from native grapes, and to Thomas Jefferson's gift of 2,000 acres to Philip Mazzei for wine making, according to the Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission. Now, in 2010, more than 500,000 tourists visit Virginia's 250 vineyards and 120 wineries each year. Many hotels across the state provide convenient access to vineyards for visitors planning an extended wine tour.
Located on a 300-acre farm overlooking the James River, Wedmore Place is near the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg. Acres of vineyards, trees and meadows create a peaceful retreat for wine aficionados to stay in one of 28 rooms and suites while sampling reds and whites from the Williamsburg Winery. Rooms at Wedmore are styled after European provinces, each with its own theme and decor. Wood-burning fireplaces are in each guest room as well as bathrobes and luxury bed linens. Spacious suites include sitting rooms and views of the outdoor pool. Wedmore Place guests of legal age receive a tour and tasting session at Williamsburg Winery, and there are upgrades available to include cheese pairings and reserve wine tastings. Guests receive a complimentary European breakfast buffet each morning. An on-site cafe serves lunch and dinner, and a wine bar is on the pool terrace.
Wedmore Place
5810 Wessex Hundred
Williamsburg, VA 23185
757-941-0310
wedmoreplace.com
Close to three local wineries, Hotel Floyd is an ideal home base for travelers to the Blue Ridge Mountain region. The hotel was designed in 2007 with environmentally friendly standards using sustainable materials such as bamboo floors and geothermal heating and cooling. Choose from guest rooms such as the Crooked Road or Harvest Moon, or suites with up to two bedrooms, including a writers' suite and country store suite. Amenities include freshly-ground coffee each morning, microwaves, refrigerators, flat-screen televisions and local art used for interior decor. Located 12 miles to the south, Villa Appalachia is the closest winery to Hotel Floyd. Chateau Morrisette Winery is one mile south of Villa Appalachia and AmRhein Wine Cellars is 22 miles north of the hotel. Several shops and restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel, in the downtown district of Floyd.
Hotel Floyd
120 Wilson St.
Floyd, VA 24091
540-745-6080
hotelfloyd.com
Reserve one of four one-bedroom French provincial suites at Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery. Wander the grounds on a self-guided tour of the vineyards, barrel rooms and production facility. After the tour, enjoy complimentary wine tastings in the atrium or schedule a private tasting with appetizers and a visit with a resident wine expert. Suites feature separate bedroom and living areas, a full kitchen, fireplace and a secluded patio with vineyard and mountain views. Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery is 40 miles west of Interstate 95 at Fredericksburg, and 80 miles southwest of Washington, D.C.
Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery
154 Winery Lane
Leon, VA 22725
540-547-3707
princemichel.com
