This past November was my third annual girls trip weekend. I gather up my girlfriends and we head out to Nelson 151 the first weekend of November. This is the perfect time to go because the leaves are beautiful, the weather is crisp and it’s the weekend before my birthday 🙂 This trip has evolved the last couple years and I am even more excited for this November because I plan on inviting my mom! Each year we hit up a couple of our favorites but we usually add a new winery or brewery depending on the year.
Planning
When planning weekends, I suggest planning to arrive as soon as the winery opens; this way you can enjoy your tastings without the busy crowd. This leaves more time for questions and quality time with your tasting attendant and girlfriends. I typically make wine trails that start on one end of an area and end in the opposite.
Accommodations
The first two years when there were six of us going, we stayed in Wintergreen; we used VRBO to rent a beautiful cabin. This was perfect since it held so many of us and we had a full kitchen so we could cook one night. This past year, when it was just Stacey and I we decided to stay at a B&B. I recommended Le Blu Ridge. Zach and I have stayed at this B&B and were blown away by the hospitality of Danielle and Marcel. I knew this would be the perfect spot since its right in the middle of Nelson 151. It is close to all the wineries, distilleries, and breweries.
Day 1
Since we leave on a Friday evening, we really only have time for dinner Friday night. I suggest hitting up one of the breweries. I highly recommend Blue Mountain Brewery and Devils Backbone. Blue Mountain has amazing pizza and Devils Backbone has delicious BBQ!
Day 2 ~ The Fun!
Pollak Vineyards – I have been coming to this winery for years. My girlfriend Ashby loves their Merlot and I have to say… it is amazing. Anytime I go to Pollak, I am impressed with their reds. I also love their Durant White, which is a blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris, and Petit Manseng. It is fermented in stainless steel so it is nice and crisp. The view at Pollak is also pretty remarkable. They have a beautiful, clean tasting room that overlooks a pond with plenty of outdoor seating.
Valley Road Vineyards – This place is probably my favorite off 151. Their tasting room and facilities are AMAZING. We had the pleasure of taking a tour of their wedding barn and lets just say… it makes me want to get married again. The wine is amazing; my favorites are their Torn Curtain and Sparkling Rose – Joie. I highly suggest you visit, you will not be sorry!
Flying Fox Vineyard – Flying Fox was such a treat! They just recently moved to their new tasting room and I am in love. They have a beautiful mural outside their building… it makes a great photo 😉 The decor of the tasting room is so fun and I am obsessed with their labels, they are funky and fit their name. Not only do they produce wine but they are also known for their Vermouth.
Silverback Distillery – Now I’m not big into liquor but I do love this place! This is a fun stop where you can get a few “mini” cocktails. If you like coffee, do yourself a favor and get a “Shock the Monkey” – vodka, cold brew, chocolate milk, and cream. It is amazinggggg! You can taste the liquor straight up or mixed in cocktails. They are so fun and cute!
Cardinal Point Winery – This is another stop that I have been visiting for years. During my last visit, I tasted their Hopped Chardonnay which was super different. It is estate grown Chardonnay infused with hops. It has lemon grass notes and a nice long finish. I am not a fan of IPAs or hops but this wine was so different I enjoyed it!
Hilltop Berry Farm – If you like fruit wine you will be obsessed. This place is also a meadery. Their slogan is “true to the fruit,” so their strawberry wine is made with 100% strawberries, no grapes! They produce about 16 wines and about 13 meads. I am OBSESSED with their Cranberry wine. It is nice and tart and slightly sweet. I always stock up and drink this on Thanksgiving!
Bold Rock – Who doesn’t like Bold Rock? If your on Nelson 151, you have to stop! First off, their facilities have grown so much since when I first started visiting. They have their Cider Barn as well as their Timber Framed Barn. I love grabbing a flight and sitting outside near their fire pits. I am a fan of their seasonal flavors as well as their new Rose.
There you have it, Girls Weekend! I love being able to research and form trails for my friends too! It has become one of my favorite hobbies. Hope you get to head out to Nelson 151 and enjoy all that is has to offer!
Cheers, Paige
Sips and Trips with Paige 