THE NAPA VALLEY OF THE EAST COAST

ITINERARY

DAY 1 (SUNDAY) 

Travel to Pennsylvania’s Amish Country
Begin your “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wine” adventure with an early morning departure. Following the final local pick-up point depart by private motorcoach and travel to Charlottesville, Virginia.

Stops will be included along the way for a morning, afternoon, and lunch break, arriving in Lancaster, PA by late afternoon.  While we take care of your bags, soak in the Amish fields which can be viewed from right outside your window.  Once you have settled into your rooms, we will walk next door for our included family style Amish meal at “Plain and Fancy Farms.  The remainder of the evening is at your leisure.

DAY 2 (MONDAY)

Continue our journey to Charlottesville, VA

After a hearty breakfast served at the hotel, check out and head toward Charlottesville, VA. Along the way we will visit a local family-owned vineyard for lunch. The main house on the farm was built in the mid 1800’s and was known for welcoming the community to their home and property, to make use of the dance pavilion, the first public pool and first movie theater in the region! Sit back, relax, and take in all that is enchanting about the beautiful state of Virginia.

Now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of Mother Nature’s labor by visiting a local orchard overlooking the dramatic vistas and acres of fruit trees and grapevines. Take a stroll through the orchard and nurseries, pick some fresh fruits and local veggies to take home, or just take in the gorgeous backdrop and unwind with a glass of wine.  

Arrive at The Hyatt Place, Charlottesville, VA, our lodging for the next 2 nights.  Following time to refresh, dinner is on your own in downtown Charlottesville where you will find some of the best restaurants, cafes, and casual eateries in the area.

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DAY 3 (TUESDAY)

Discover the Must-See Local Sights

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, board the motorcoach and travel to your first destination of the day - Ash Lawn Highland, the home of President James Monroe. On arrival you will be led for the next thirty minutes by an expert guide on an outdoor history walk, which includes the site of the recently discovered 1799 Main House. Learn the significance of Highland and its enslaved and free occupants, as well as how recent archaeological discoveries have upturned the understanding of this plantation. Proceeding this, venture inside for a self-guided tour of the 1818 Guesthouse and interior exhibit spaces. There will be time for independent exploration of the grounds and original outbuildings.

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Following this morning tour, it will be time for your included lunch at the Historic Michie Tavern. This Virginia landmark captures 18th-century life, enjoy your hearty midday fare in a rustic tavern setting by servers dressed in period attire. While there you will have time to explore the general store and the 1784 Pub which is located in the oldest section of the Tavern. Experience the sights and sounds of what it may have been like as a traveler looking for a bit of refreshment and nourishment.

Board the motorcoach and travel the short distance to. Monticello “Little Mountain”, the home of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, third president of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia. Built on the mountain top where he played as a boy, this classic architectural masterpiece and modern innovation was rebuilt and revised throughout his long life on the estate. Jefferson dreamed of surrounding vineyards that would produce high quality wine that could rival the best Old-World wines. Today the Monticello Wine Trail, all within 25 miles of Charlottesville are producing wines of national and international acclaim. Each winery owes homage to Thomas Jefferson’s vision of winemaking and are honored to help fulfill his dream.

Your visit will begin with a powerful 15-minute introductory film located at the visitor’s center, built around a fountained courtyard.  Take a short ride to the top of the hill for a fully guided house and ground tours to include Mulberry Row, the tree-lined road running alongside the main house.

Return to the hotel for some time to refresh before departing for your included dinner.

Following dinner “let the creativity begin”!  Unleash your talents in your exclusive craft workshop! Choose from over 40 different projects to create while sipping on your favorite wine, listening to the festive music all in this party atmosphere. After this two-hour fun activity, you will get to take home your masterpiece and impress those loved ones that didn’t think you had it in you! Anything from painting, wood burning, doormats, wreaths and so much more!  

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DAY 4 (WEDNESDAY) 

Rise and shine to the sun’s rays and enjoy a relaxing breakfast served at the hotel.

A late morning hotel check-out enables us to take in the stunning scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley as we drive north for the next hour.

Arrive at the family-owned, Lavender Farm and Winery for your gourmet bagged luncheon and wine tasting nestled in the Valley. They grow over 8,000 lavender plants and approximately 3,000 grape vines in many interesting varieties. The harvesting of the plants is in summer, then they begin the process of drying the flowers for buds, and to extract the essential oil and hydrosol or floral water through steam distillation. Harvesting the grapes is during Fall to make their 12 delicious wines.

Depart by motorcoach for the next few hours and proceed with your wine trail north through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia before arriving to the area they call the East Coast’s Napa Valley Region.  With more than 40 wineries and tasting rooms on rolling hills and cliff edged slopes it isn’t a wonder why so many visit Loudoun County year after year.

Arrive for check-in at your overnight accommodation, Hampton Inn & Suites, Leesburg, VA and after you have settled into your rooms it will be time to gather for the evening’s farewell festivities!

Depart by motorcoach and travel for the next thirty minutes to the heart of Loudoun County where you will be welcomed with wine, music, and small bites fireside.

Next, board your wagon for a 45-minute tour of the farm where they’ll share their story, talk about farm and farming practices, and showcase all the benefits of grass-based livestock production!

Your ride will conclude at the historic family barn where bluegrass is playing and a multi-course meal with wine, served by a local chef using locally sourced farm to table produce. Wine is provided by a local award-winning family vineyard.

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DAY 5 (THURSDAY) 

Head home

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and wine down the road for your journey home, take with you all the memories of your stay in this beautiful state of Virginia known for romance and of course, lovers of wine!