Virginia Vineyards and Wineries on Interstate 81

Virginia has a saying, "Virginia is for Lovers." Today with 140 wineries scattered throughout the state the saying has added, "Virginia is for Wine Lovers". Little did Thomas Jefferson know when he planted his cuttings from European vines in the 1700's, that Virginia wine making would evolve into one of the five wine destinations of the world, according to Travel and Leisure Magazine.

With family scattered between Maryland and Tennessee I often find myself traveling Interstate 81, straight through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, where much to my delight there is an abundance of wineries and vineyards to break up my journey. Here are some of my favorites from South to North.

Exit 19. Abington Winery and Vineyard. www.abingtonwinery.com 276-623-1255

Abington Winery is open March 15 through December 15, Tuesdays through Saturdays 10a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 6p.m. Visitors receive six free tastings after which a $1.00 fee is charged. Tours are available from noon to 4p.m. for a small fee.

Exit 54. Davis Valley Winery. www.dvwinery.com 276-686-8855. Davis Valley Winery

They are open year around with wine selections varying from season to season and subject to availability. Davis Valley Winery is open Monday through Saturday from 10a.m. until 5p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5 p.m.

Exit 60. Rural Retreat Winery. www.ruralretreat.winery.com. 276-686-8300 The winery is housed in two buildings in downtown Rural. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11a.m. until 6:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 6:30 p.m.

Exit 80 West Wind Farm Winery. www.westwind.com 276-699-2020 West Wind Winery prides itself on being a small batch family crafted winery, and in my opinion that's a good thing. Taste for yourself Monday through Saturdays from 11a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1p.m. until 6 p.m.

Exit 156. Fincastle Vineyard & Winery. www.fincastlewine.com 540-591-9000. Open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. until 6p.m. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Exit 162 Blue Ridge Vineyard www.blueridgevineyard.com 540-798-7642 Open March through December. Blue Ridge Vineyard offers free tastings and tours daily from noon until 5p.m.

Exit 205 Rockbridge Vineyards www.rockbridgevineyard.com 888-511-9463 Open year around, Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. until 6p.m. and Sunday and Monday from noon until 5p.m. Reds, rose, white and dessert wines .

Exit 225 Barren Ridge Vineyard www.barrenridgevineyards.com 540-248-3300 Complimentary tours and tastings Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. until 6 and Sunday from 1p.m. until 6 p.m.

Exit 273 Cave Ridge Vineyard www.caveridge.com 540-477-2585 Open Wednesday through Saturday 11a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1p.m. until 6p.m.

Exit 291 North Mountain Vineyard www.northmountainvineyard.com 540-436-9463 Open 11a.m. until 5p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Complimentary tastings free. Limited editions at a modest fee. Cellar tours per request when available and barrel room tours by appointment at $15.00 per person.

This is by no means all of the wineries and vineyards along Interstate 81. My best advice would be to call ahead, especially for the smaller operations to be sure the hours haven't changed. While a few do charge a tasting fee, most are free. Many of the wineries and vineyards host special events with food and music throughout the warmer months and special tastings when the weather turns cold. Visit their website to find out more.