About Perfect Saturdays
Looking for something to do this weekend? These great day trips are within a two-hour drive of DC.
Sunnier days are approaching, and a winery excursion is a lovely way to enjoy blue skies and green hills with a glass of red or white. Here’s where to go.
Bluemont, Virginia
Drive time from DC: One hour and 15 minutes.
The lynchpin of this day trip is a visit to Bluemont Vineyard, which has beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy the setting, along with a tasting flight and some charcuterie. Currently, the vineyard also offers an opportunity to try your hand—sorry, foot—at grape stomping. Reserve some time in the barrel on weekends; it’s bound to be a cathartic activity.
You could spend a day at the winery, but the area has options for additional things to do. It’s nearly strawberry season at Great Country Farms, less than five minutes from the vineyard. Soak up the sun during a pick-your-own session, and then head to Bluemont to toast a fruitful harvest under an umbrella. Other summer picking seasons on the horizon include cherries and peaches.
Another alternative is a mini winery crawl. Once you’ve sampled the varietals at Bluemont, hop over to Good Spirit Farm, seven minutes away. The family-owned winery has a relaxed vibe and often live music on Saturdays. Other nearby destinations include Twin Oaks Tavern Winery and Williams Gap Vineyard.
Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out our Perfect Saturdays series.
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Takoma.
