Autumnal Ambiance & Winter Wines: Tips for Indulging in Virginia Vino
It won't come as a surprise to many that Virginia offers a variety of activities to engage in during the late fall and winter months. As the seasons change and the sweltering summer humidity hibernates, many outdoor enthusiasts take to the trails. For those who still want to indulge in the picturesque landscapes and foliage that the fall season yields, we have the answer: wine.
The peak months of summer and the harvest season are over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t partake in an afternoon or evening at your local winery. Stafford is home to Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery, as well as a handful of other smaller establishments, where you can enjoy all of the cozy vibes the season brings along with an old or new favorite vino.
You just may want to keep the following tips in mind before venturing out to a Virginia winery:
Embrace the Autumn Atmosphere: With the end of the harvest season, late fall and winter bring a cozy atmosphere and unique charm to Virginia wineries. Skip Causey, owner and winemaker at Potomac Point, offered the following advice: “There’s more of a cozy feel [during November] visitors can enjoy,” adding that the harvest and wedding season are both over. He suggests looking for a venue with fire pits and tables, fireplaces, and comfortable seating. Basically, you want to “look for venues with options for your group.” Late fall and winter can also provide a more intimate feel if you’d prefer a fun date night or just an enjoyable evening with friends– especially with a crackling fireplace, rustic decor, and comfortable, cozy furniture.
Try the Seasonal Wines: A new season brings with it new favorites. While many enjoy more fruity or refreshing sangrias in the summer, a frizzante red, citrusy white wine, or a light rosė, winter is the perfect time to try a more tannic or richer, bolder red, a blend of merlots, or even a mulled wine. When asked, Causey said he trades his “Albariño (a double medal winner) for our Bordeaux blend.” Named “Richland Reserve Heritage,” Causey added that it is also a favorite among his patrons and has also won awards, most recently the Gold Medal at the 2021 Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition. Visit a local winery and schedule a tasting to see what suits your palette. You may also find pairing events within the area. For example, Potomac Point offered “Fright Flights,” pairing wines with favorite Halloween candies in October, and they’ve been known to bake small pies you’d find during the holidays to pair alongside their winter favorites. Check out their blog posts for extra pairing tips, too! (LINK at the end of article?)
Do Your Homework & Make Reservations: While you’ll likely enjoy far fewer people, many wineries change hours and open days during the “off-season.” Double-check the hours for your establishment and the days they are operating. Dress in layers if you think you’ll enjoy an indoor and outdoor atmosphere, and check the rules for your furry four-legged friends and any of your two-legged offspring. Kids and dogs are both welcome at Potomac Point, for example, but they must adhere to the Virginia Health code, so dogs can join at the “tasting room, grounds, in our courtyard, and on the patio” and, of course, common sense applies for your children. Making reservations for your tasting or wine experience is also highly encouraged and recommended. Calling your preferred establishment before visiting will help you choose the exact experience that would be best suited for your group. You may want to reserve a wine tent at Potomac Point, for example, or a table inside by the fireplace– depending on your preference and what type of afternoon or evening you desire for your party.
Enjoy The Quieter Moments or Celebrate with Family: While you have family and friends in town, you might opt to get out of the house with everyone and opt for a change of scenery– or you may want to escape yourself and kick your feet up after your company leaves! Wineries are the perfect place to get out and get some fresh air, enjoy the ambiance, and perhaps play a game of cornhole or bocce. Maybe you just want to share stories and create more family memories around the fire pit. One option Potomac Point provides– and “one good thing” inspired by COVID– is the wine tent. An upgrade from the “fishbowl” or clear bubbles from those social distancing days, wine tents can be reserved for both small and large parties. They’re “better than the bubble” Causey laughed, adding that the wine tents at Potomac also offer table service, so you can enjoy charcuterie boards, plates of aged, smoked gouda, and more, brought directly to you.
Give Potomac Point a Try!
With over 23 acres of land, a bistro, outdoor tents, and more, Potomac Point is the perfect venue to enjoy a new seasonal favorite and spend quality time with friends and family this winter. With European influence stemming from its winemakers of Italian, Spanish, and French nationalities, Potomac Point can offer visitors a taste of Tuscany and beyond. Skip and his wife, Cindi, most recently traveled to Cortina, Italy. With each trip to Europe, they return with added inspiration and influence for their plot of paradise for Virginians to enjoy. They even built their own bocce court at Potomac, complete with “crushed oyster shells, just like the Italians do,” which Skip believes to be the only regulation bocce court within Stafford County. Whether it's a Bordeaux or rich, red blend you crave over the colder months, you’ll taste the European influence in their production.
Consider embarking on a wine trail adventure this winter. Just remember these tips to make the most of your experience, and “Cin cin!” to a winter wonderland of wine!
