Whether you consider yourself a wine aficionado, a wine enthusiast, or a wine newbie, Blacksburg is the perfect place to immerse yourself in viticulture. With over 230 wineries in Virginia, you can easily find a grape to satisfy your palette. To understand just how amazing this region is for wine tasting, we’ve put together our top three reasons why you should start planning your trip to Blacksburg.
It’s Full of Local Gems
One of the top tier wine capitals in the U.S., Virginia is no stranger to the art of winemaking. Officially the 5th largest wine producing state in the country, there’s no shortage of tasting rooms, and wine lists are robust with options, sourcing both local and international bottles. Start at Beliveau Estate, which boasts picturesque lavender fields and hiking trails. Then head to Whitebarrel Winery for an excellent pairing selection of local food and cheeses. And finally, finish your trip off at Chateau Morrisette for breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It’s Experimental
If you’re keen on learning about the story behind the grapes, check out Virginia Tech’s Geography of Wine class, which due to popular demand is now available online. Those passing through can still get an enriching experience at the Blacksburg Wine Lab, which was founded by the course’s professor, John Boyer and seeks to expose people to lesser-known wines from around the world. The venue also offers a tapas menu and a modern rustic ambiance.
It’s Award Winning
Virginia’s repertoire of wine also seeps into its restaurants in the form of robust wine lists. You may need more than a minute to decide on a bottle to go with your meal, especially if you visit Preston’s at The Inn at Virginia Tech, which Wine Spectator has awarded with having one of the best wine lists in the world for seven years straight. Also, if you’re visiting other nearby wine spots, don’t worry about getting a ride home as the inn offers a free round-trip shuttle within three miles.
