Could You Use a Glass of Wine?

Virginia grapes thrive in conditions that are similar to conditions in the Bordeaux region of France.

(Kate Barrett/ABC)

Wine Harvest Festival

Ingleside Vineyards
5872 Leedstown Rd., Oak Grove, Va., 22443, 804-224-8687
Tasting: Starting at $3

Ingleside is preparing for the winery's 29th annual harvest celebration on Oct. 18. For $15, the celebration includes a tour of the vineyard, winemaking demonstrations, crafts, music and wine tasting. Reservations recommended.

Last year, the bash brought about 800 to 1,000 people to the winery, according to Flemer, and the vineyard expects a similar turnout this year. Ingleside is also opening a one-bedroom house available for weekend rentals along the Rappahanock River. A two-night minimum stay will run you $350.

Belle Mount Vineyards
2570 Newland Rd, Warsaw, Va., 22572, 804-333-4700
Tasting: Complimentary

Ray and Catherine Petrie had lived on their property for nearly a decade before they decided to go into the wine business. Today, their vines are eight years old and the Petries run a business that Catherine, director of operations, calls "quite arduous but rewarding." About two hours from D.C., Petrie said the property also has five two-bedroom cottages for rent for nights away from home, available for $95 per night.

Vault Field Vineyards
2953 Kings Mill Rd., P.O. Box 128, Kinsale, Va., 22488, 804-472-4430
Tasting: $3

Vault Fields opened in Sept. 2007, and to Meenan's delight, it has already won several awards for its wine. The vineyard has six wines available for tasting, with the tasting fee waived for visitors who buy four bottles or more.

Athena Vineyards and Winery
3138 Jesse Dupont Memorial Hwy, Heathsville, Va., 22473, 804-580-4944
Tastings: Complimentary

Established in 2002 by three friends who worked in health care, Athena Vineyards is situated on the Great Wicomico River. Not much farther south in the town of Kilmarnock, travelers can also visit the town's Scottish Days festival, scheduled for Oct. 18.