Although many of our state's wineries are located around central and Northern Virginia, we do have a handful within comfortable, round-trip driving distance. The Virginia Wine Marketing Program produces an excellent guide to Virginia wineries that is available through most wine shops and the Roanoke Visitors Center. The 1996 Virginia Wineries Tour Guide provides clear maps of the wine regions and directions to each winery. Festival schedules for each winery also are listed month by month, so you can plan around special events. If you use the guide, make sure to take advantage of the passport program, getting a stamp from at least 10 Virginia wineries to receive Virginia wine prizes from the Wine Marketing Office.
Details are in the brochure.
In warmer months we also take lots of cold water and other drinks, since wine is not exactly a thirst quencher. Many of the wineries have ideal locations for a relaxing picnic, so you may also want to pack a lunch to enjoy. Consider assigning a designated driver for the tour if you plan to stop at several wineries, or plan to taste and spit the samples instead of swallowing. This sounds gross, but it is perfectly acceptable. The wineries see it all the time and have separate bowls to handle it - just ask.