Wineries + picnics = my love language

A fun perk of living in Northern Virginia is all of the wineries around! The closest winery (that I know of) to the DC metro area is also one of my favorites, Paradise Springs Winery. It’s about 35 minutes away, tucked out in Clifton, Virginia, and I love the curvy mountain-feel road as you approach the vineyard.

I’ve been to Paradise Springs about 20 times over the last few years, and it never disappoints. It’s a great day trip, and you feel worlds away from metropolitan DC. I love doing the wine tasting – they have a fun sampling of whites and reds to try. Some of my favorite bottles to buy are the Petit Manseng (a fruity white), the Cabernet Franc (the red wine of Virginia!), and the Meritage (full-bodied red). Yum!! The folks doing the wine tastings are always really helpful, knowledgeable, and clearly love their Paradise Springs wine.

Their wood and stone tasting room is impressive and so natural, but I especially love the back patio! With its huge stone fireplace and hearth, comfy couches, and iron picnic tables, the ambiance is perfect for sipping wine and enjoying your picnic with family or friends. More often than not, there’s a folksy local artist or band playing on the patio, too!

I also love strolling around the quiet property. There is a pretty log cabin, plenty of picnic tables in the hills, and the small vineyard itself. It’s especially colorful in the Fall, of course!

I would highly recommend coming out to one of my favorite Virginia wineries for a weekend day trip… and bring me with you! Be sure to pack a picnic basket filled with cheeses, French bread, fresh fruit, prosciutto, and whatever else your heart desires to go along with your wine.