3 Ways to Visit Northern Virginia This Spring: Wine, Food and Horses

Just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC, Northern Virginia is legendary for its Civil War battlefields, Mount Vernon, and other historic sites.

What is less known to those who are not residents or regular visitors is the fact that the North is also Virginia’s horse and wine country and, by extension, a great place to dine.

The region is bounded by the Potomac River to the north and east, the Rapidan River to the south, and the Blue Ridge Mountains of Shenandoah National Park to the west.

Middleburg, the unofficial capital of Northern Virginia’s horse and wine country, is about a 45-minute drive from Dulles International Airport via US Highway 50. Interstate-66, US Highway 15 and State Route 28 provide access to other parts of the region from the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Although Northern Virginia is easy to visit on a day trip from the big city, a wide range of moderately priced country hotels, bed and breakfasts, and motor inns provide plenty of options for the night.

400 year old bottle shock

Virginie and the wine leave path back.

In one of the strangest laws in American history, the colonial government of Virginia mandated the planting of grapevines by settlers by passing “Act 12” in 1619.

Thomas Jefferson fell head over heels in love with wine while serving as U.S. Ambassador to France. Returning to Virginia, his attempts to grow European wine grapes failed, but his oenophilia laid the foundation for the vineyard’s future success.

Virginia now has more than 300 wineries across 10 regions and eight official American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), including the Middleburg AVA in Northern Virginia.

The Middleburg AVA’s two dozen vineyards produce a wide variety of grapes and wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Riesling.

One of the best known is Vineyards meeting near Marshall, which is creating the award-winning Lost Mountain project. Described as “smoky and bloody notes frame flavors of plum and blackcurrant” by Wine spectator magazine, it’s a classic Cabernet Sauvignon that fulfills Jefferson’s dream of an American wine that matches and even surpasses its European cousins.

Other top-notch wine experiences in the Marshall area along Interstate-66 include Arterra Wines on 75 wooded acres and Delaplane Cellars with its dreamy views of the Virginia countryside and its artisanal charcuterie platter featuring local cheeses, meats and fruits.

Virginia wine and food pairings

As local wines won awards and gained fans across the country, it was inevitable that great restaurants would also spring up in the area, several of which have earned prestigious Michelin stars.

The only three Michelin star restaurant near the Washington DC metropolitan area, The Inn at Little Washington excels in modern American cuisine with French accents, dishes imbued with an artistic touch that delights the eyes and the palate. It is located about a half hour drive from Warrenton and Front Royal.

Founded in 1728, Middleburg’s Red Fox Inn is renowned for its intimate American colonial ambiance and sumptuous four-course menus. Game and seafood dishes are complemented by craft cocktails and premium local wines, with walls decorated with vintage equine art and artifacts.

Field and main in Marshall is the new kid on the food block, founded in 2016 by the culinary team of Neal and Star Wavra and already earning kudos for dishes like Vietnamese Pho Noodles with Prime Rib, Char-Roasted Trout with Turnips miso and homemade mussels. chorizo ​​sausage and Oloroso sherry from Chile.

For something totally different, Faang Thai in Warrenton serves flavorful and innovative Asian dishes that run the gamut from Japanese shrimp tempura and teriyaki steak to Chinese sweet and sour chicken and Thai dishes like green curry, papaya salad and soup. chicken tom ka.

Four-legged adventures

The motto “Virginia Is For Lovers” also means horse lovers.

The first horses arrived in 1610 alongside the first English settlers, and the colony was instrumental in the evolution of the American quarter horse and thoroughbred long before they ate Kentucky bluegrass.

Today, the state is home to more than 200,000 horses and hosts approximately 1,200 equestrian events each year, from dressage competitions to steeplechase races.

THE Spring races in Middleburg are part of local legend. Held at Glenwood Park, on the northern outskirts of the town of Middleburg, the Thoroughbred Obstacle Races were held on the third Sunday in April (20^th this year) since 1911. Aside from the grassy track, the event revolves around tailgating and picnicking.

The region’s other iconic equestrian event is the Virginia Gold Cup Steeplechase, which takes place on the first Saturday in May (4^th this year) to Great meadowwhich also hosts polo, dressage and show jumping competitions.

The area’s family-owned stables offer a variety of hands-on equestrian experiences. Royal Horseshoe Farm in Front Royal saddles up for guided pony rides and trails year-round in the lush countryside near Shenandoah National Park. Picturesque farm near Warrenton hosts five-day equine summer camps for children ages 6 to 14 that include riding lessons, trail rides, scavenger hunts, swimming, arts and crafts and even mounted games.

Need to spend the night?

The most chic cabin in the land of horses and wine, Salamander Resort offers five-star accommodations and mid-Atlantic gourmet dining at Harrimans Grill. Among the many extracurricular activities are horseback riding, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, pickleball and tennis courts, kids’ club and daily family activities, and up-close encounters with Cupcake, the school’s miniature horse mascot. complex.

THE Inn at Fairfield Farm On the sprawling Marriott Ranch property is a cozy 12-room B&B spread across three buildings, including an 1814 red-brick mansion, a two-story whitewashed farmhouse, and a modern carriage house. Guests can take a dip in an outdoor pool or take guided hikes on the 4,200-acre working cattle ranch.

There is no shortage of mid-range accommodation throughout the region. Among the best bets are Hampton Inn Warrenton. With roots dating back to 1810, the Fauquier County town has been home to many famous names, including Andrew Jackson, James Monroe, Teddy Roosevelt and the Marquis de Lafayette.

Located on the western edge of the region, TownePlace Suites in Front Royal is ideally located for experiencing the area’s horse and wine culture, as well as Shenandoah National Park. The hotel is within walking distance of restaurants and shops at Riverton Commons and Crooked Run.