Wine not take a hike in Virginia's Blue Ridge

Virginia’s Blue Ridge is welcoming energetic oenophiles.

Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge reports its region has wineries that are close to great hiking trails, prompting them to match wineries with some of those trails. “Grab a partner, put on your sturdy shoes, and set off for a day of spectacular views and tasty wine,” they advise.

Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge’s Kathryn Lucas says her jurisdiction can easily cater to those seeking scenic landscapes and wine as well.

“For our destination, hiking and wine go hand in hand,” she states. “Hikers seek out picturesque summits and often enjoy a craft beverage after a jaunt on the trail. The wineries in Virginia’s Blue Ridge all boast stunning scenic views of our mountains, allowing visitors to get the best of both worlds.

“It’s very easy to stop at wineries after hiking in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. We have nine wineries that are all close to a variety of great hiking trails.

Indeed, Kevin Vernon of Stoney Brook Vineyards and Winery says December’s arrival doesn’t mean he and his staff have stopped hosting those eager to hoof it in the Great Outdoors.

“Stoney Brook Vineyards is a rustic family-owned Farm Winery nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Troutville, VA., located near the base of Fulhardt Knob on the iconic Appalachian Trail,” he says. “Botetourt County is well known for its beautiful mountainous scenery, majestic rolling hillsides, and its fantastic hiking trails. Stoney Brook is open year-round to serve delicious wines and hot apple cider to hikers, bikers, and trail enthusiasts of all kinds outdoors or in our indoor tasting room, both offering beautiful views.”

Lucas notes that Virginia’s Blue Ridge is home to part of the iconic Appalachian Trail and its Virginia Triple Crown – a series of three Appalachian Trail hikes (Dragon’s Tooth, Tinker Cliffs, McAfee Knob) that includes the most photographed spot on the trail – McAfee Knob. In addition to the Appalachian Trail, the region has over 700 miles of hiking trails, “meaning there’s a trail for all activity levels. The fertile valleys and fresh air from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains provide ideal growing conditions for our wineries. The scenery alone at our region’s wineries is enough reason to visit!” she adds.

Meanwhile, Lucas says winery visits are a great way to cap a day of backcountry exploration.

“Soaking up lush mountain scenery with a glass of wine in hand is the perfect way to wind (or “wine”) down and relax,” she says. “Visitors can look forward to feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a peaceful outing to a winery in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.”

Those wanting further information can visit VisitVBR.com.