A Trip to Williamsburg WineryThe Williamsburg Winery was established back in 1985 by the Duffeler family and it has grown to be the largest of the over 100 Virginia wineries. The land the winery is located on was given to Captain Gabriel Archer as his land grant for being the captain of the Susan Constant. The Susan Constant was the second largest ship that travelled from England to Jamestown as part of the Jamestown Company’s initiative to start a settlement in the New World. Captain Archer wanted the settlers to build their fort on the land that the Williamsburg Winery now stands. He was out ranked by Captain Christopher Newport who picked the location that is now Jamestown Settlement. 2nd California?DID YOU KNOW?...Critics are now claiming that the new Napa Valley is Virginia and Virginia wine is the next hot thing.Why not add the Williamsburg Winery to your itinerary. With over 250 awards in regional, national and international competitions for its wines under its belt it is definitely worth checking out! No matter if you are a wine enthusiast or just an occasional sampler!) There are over 50 acres of vineyards surrounding this winery, restaurant and newly opened European Country Hotel. The Williamsburg Winery bottles over 60,000 cases of wine annually. Many of the wines they bottle are named with historical references and history on the back of each bottle. It certainly ties the wine to the rich local history of the Williamsburg area. I have some tips for increasing your enjoyment while visiting the Williamsburg Winery. The best time to visit the winery is during the week before lunch. Wednesday has the smallest crowds. You never need to make a reservation to take the basic tour. During the busy tourist season they can run as often as every 10 minutes depending on the crowd. This is not a kid friendly day. The tour would not really be of interest to them and the tasting is obviously off limits. When I took my most recent tour the toddler there with his parents was miserable. The restaurant, which is excellent, is willing to "child size" any item on the menu and half the price but unless you have very adventurous eaters I doubt if they will find something they like. What can you do at the winery you ask?Well you have a few options.· BASIC TOUR : You can just show up and take this tour that includes a group tasting. The first tour starts at 10:30am and they run as needed until the last tour at 4pm. This guided tour is conducted by winery employees who are involved everyday in the wine making process. They are both friendly and knowledgeable. It starts with a movie on the wine making process and an introduction to the owner and the director of wine making, a tour of the barrel cellar and the production area and it finishes up with a wine tasting. You will taste seven of the winery's creations and you will receive an etched wine glass to remind you of your visit. The tour starts and ends at the wine shop so if you taste something you really enjoy you can purchase bottles to take home. This tour costs $8.00 and takes about an hour. · RESERVE WINE TASTING: If you are more of a wine enthusiast and you would like to taste the good stuff you can make an appointment to participate in the Reserve Wine Tasting. They take place at 11:00am and 3:00pm by appointment only. (One day in advance should be fine.) You will be escorted into the private wine cellar to sample and compare some of the reserve wines produced at the winery. You will be served a country platter of assorted cheeses and crackers and you will get an over sized etched glass to keep as a gift. The cost of this is $30.
· TOUR AND TASTING WITH LUNCH: Your last and I think your best option is the Tour and Tasting with lunch. You will get to tour the winery on the basic tour and then enjoy lunch at the lovely Gabriel Archer Tavern which overlooks the vineyards. If the weather is nice you can even sit out on the wisteria covered terrace to enjoy your meal. Lunch includes a glass of wine, main course, dessert and coffee or tea. You also get to keep your glass. This offer is available online only and it costs $25.00
If you are going to be in Williamsburg all week make reservations for the Thursday Night Food and Wine Pairing. The Head Chef and the Senior Wine Consultant put together a special menu every Thursday pairing fresh seasonal foods and Williamsburg Winery wines. It is a wonderful evening where you will learn about food and wine all in a relaxing setting. Seating is at 6:30 and reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance. These dinners fill up quickly and seating is limited. If you arrive early you could catch the last tour at 4pm and then have a drink on the terrace before dinner. Willing to give it a try? Participate in the Poll of the Month, and your stay at Williamsburg could be paid for!
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