FOOD & DRINK

dining & farm to table food

Barboursville Vineyards’ Octagon Named Among Decanter’s Top 20 Merlot Wines Worldwide

Celebrate Barboursville Vineyards’ Octagon, named in Decanter's Top 20 Merlots worldwide, and explore Virginia wine and heritage.

Preserving Collards with Ira Wallace

Celebrate a Southern tradition in December of Preserving Collards with Ira Wallace and learn more about these leafy greens.

A Culinary Experience with Antwon Brinson

Charlottesville chef and founder of Culinary Concepts AB, Antwon Brinson aims to give back to the local community through food [...]

Chef Kwame Onwuachi’s Suya Recipe

Chef Kwame Onwuachi shares the Suya recipe, "the grandfather of American barbecue," from his acclaimed cookbook.

The Inn at Little Washington Debuts New Café

Get a behind-the-scenes look as Patrick O'Connell and The Inn at Little Washington debut the new Patty O's Café & [...]

Meet the Makers at MarieBette

Read about the passion and inspiration of the owners and makers at MarieBette Cafe & Bakery, a staple Charlottesville eatery.

Cooking With Wine

Established in 1988, Horton Vineyards is one the regions most established wineries, producing thousands of cases of wines per year [...]

Wine Country Fine Dining

Discover fresh and innovative dining in Virginia Wine Country. Our local experts take you into the kitchen with leading chefs and artisan farmers who are growing fine produce and meats. Restaurants to love range from barbecue stands to the fabulous triple Michelin-starred Inn at Little Washington. The common factor between these establishments is consistent excellence in food and hospitality. Dining at a winery is an exceptional experience in this beautiful region. Winemakers are intimately connected to the terroir. They have skilled palates and excel at pairing local foods with the most delicious wines, bringing out the best in food and beverage. Take the opportunity to dine in the natural beauty of the vineyards. Virginia Wine Country is an agricultural region, so fresh fruits from orchards, vegetables, pasture-raised meats and artisan foods from honey to handmade breads create a wonderful feast wherever you choose for dining. Go behind the scenes with us to meet chefs, farmers, gardeners, beekeepers, bakers and more. .

Virginia Wine Country Tasting Rooms

Virginia Oysters

The Virginia oyster is a historic traditional dish in the Commonwealth. Rappahannock Oyster Co catches chesapeake oyster fresh out of [...]

Discover the Best Virginia Wines, According to the 2026 Governor’s Cup

Learn about the best wines of Virginia, including the 2026 Virginia Governor's Cup winning wine from Valley Road Vineyards.

Gold Medal Wines of the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup

A comprehensive list of the Virginia Wineries and their wines that won gold medals in the 2026 Governor's Cup Competition.

Barboursville Vineyards’ Octagon Named Among Decanter’s Top 20 Merlot Wines Worldwide

Celebrate Barboursville Vineyards’ Octagon, named in Decanter's Top 20 Merlots worldwide, and explore Virginia wine and heritage.

Winter Port Pairings with Virginia’s Horton Vineyards

Discover expert holiday port wine pairing ideas from Horton Vineyards — from Gorgonzola mousse to biscotti + Boursin. Perfect for [...]

Virginia Women in Wine Awards

Learn about the talented women winemakers and horticulturists putting Virginia Wine on the map.

Best Virginia Wines in 2025

Learn about the best wines of Virginia, including the 2025 Virginia Governor's Cup winning wine, Barboursville Vineyards' 2023 Vermentino.

2025 Governor’s Cup Case

Read all about the top 12 wines from the 2025 Governor's Cup competition, the Virginia wineries that made them and [...]

Gold Medal Wines of the 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup

A comprehensive list of the Virginia Wineries and their wines that won gold medals in the 2025 Governor's Cup Competition.

OUR FABULOUS FOOD & DRINK PARTNERS

Our Fabulous Food & Drink Partners

We are so pleased to have the support of our region’s best locally owned businesses. When it comes to premier Virginia wines, ciders, breweries, and more, we are so proud of the industry leaders included here. We invite you to live locally by supporting our Virginia partners.

VIEW ALL OF OUR FABULOUS PARTNERS HERE

Virginia Wine Country Recipes

Anne Spencer Kitchen & Lightning Cake Recipe

This vintage mint green kitchen from the mid-20th century is filled with antique kitchen tools, a vintage stove and refrigerator, [...]

Discover the Rich Flavor of Virginia Bison Short Ribs

This bison dish from The Local Charlottesville offers tender meat and deep, savory flavor—ideal for a hearty dinner or special [...]

The Holiday Turkey Dinner

Toast to the holiday season with Tips for Pairing Virginia Wine with Holiday Dinners. Discover the best Virginia wines to [...]

Blackberry Chicken Recipe

Spice up your weekly dinner menu with this Blackberry Chicken Recipe from Charlottesville Chef and Entrepreneur Antwon Brinson.

Pappardelle Alla Ragu

Award-winning Italian restaurant Tavola shares their recipe for homemade pappardelle alla ragu from their 10th anniversary cookbook.

Winemaker Recipes for Mulled Winter Wine

Virginia Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in Virginia Wine Country. Virginia Wine & Country Life is a semi-annual luxury [...]

Elegant Vegan Holiday Dinner Recipes

Create a healthy vegan Holiday dinner with wine country elegance and style this season that will please all your guests.

Pairings for Holiday Ham Dinners

Enjoy these tried-and-true pairings for holiday ham dinners, from wine and flowers to side dish ideas and local recipes.

Wine Dinner at Veritas Vineyards & Winery

Veritas Vineyards' Supper Series is a delicious way to enjoy a wine dinner in summer. Year round special winery events [...]

The Cheese Nuns

Our Lady of the Angels Monstery in Charlottesville is an integral part of the Farm to Table movement. Their gouda [...]

Dinner and Wine at CrossKeys Vineyards

Enjoy delicious food at CrossKeys Vineyards. International cuisine at a Virginia winery paired with award winning wine makes eating food [...]

A Wine Dinner at Barboursville Vineyards

The Tuscan Dinner at Barboursville Vineyards brought Italian food and wine pairing culture to Virginia Wine Country. Guests enjoyed the [...]

Marigold by Jean-Georges

Virginia Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in Virginia Wine Country. Virginia Wine & Country Life is a semi-annual luxury [...]

Virginia Oysters

The Virginia oyster is a historic traditional dish in the Commonwealth. Rappahannock Oyster Co catches chesapeake oyster fresh out of [...]

Wine Country Recipes

Virginia’s most respected chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, food artisans and winemakers are making it easy for you to prepare gourmet meals in your own home kitchen with paired wines. From fresh ideas for vineyard picnics to elegant dishes for intimate parties with family and friends, we’ve curated a collection of delectable recipes using fresh Virginia foods along with expert suggestions for the perfect Virginia wine, craft beer and local spirits from respected sommeliers and chefs throughout Virginia’s best vineyard AVAs spanning the Blue Ridge foothills from Lynchburg to Leesburg with Charlottesville’s Monticello Wine Trail and Middleburg between.

Virginia Wine Country Craft Beverages

Charlottesville Cideries

Find your next adventure at a Charlottesville cidery. Charlottesville area cideries offer exceptional Virginia ciders, mountain views, food, events, festivals [...]

Catoctin Creek Distillery

Virginia Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in Virginia Wine Country. Virginia Wine & Country Life is a semi-annual luxury [...]

Growing Hops in Virginia

Blue Mountain Brewery's hops master Stan Driver talks through the trials and successes of growing hops in Virginia.

Best Wines of Virginia in 2022

Learn about the best wines of Virginia, including the 2022 Virginia Governor's Cup winning wine, Cana Vineyards' 2019 Unitè Reserve.

Potter’s Craft Cider

Read about how these two friends grew Potter's Craft Cider in Charlottesville into one of Virginia's most popular cideries.

Starr Hill Brews Anew

Find out how Brewmaster Robbie O'Cain of Starr Hill Brews Anew and continues to leave his mark on a growing [...]

A Guide to Beer Tasting: How to Taste and Enjoy Craft Beer

Learn how to taste craft beer like a pro with our step-by-step guide. Discover beer styles, flavor profiles, and the [...]

Best Breweries with Food Near Charlottesville

Explore some of Central Virginia's Best Breweries with Food Near Charlottesville and enjoy all of the other offerings while there.

Catoctin Creek Distillery

Virginia Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in Virginia Wine Country. Virginia Wine & Country Life is a semi-annual luxury [...]

Growing Hops in Virginia

Blue Mountain Brewery's hops master Stan Driver talks through the trials and successes of growing hops in Virginia.

Best Wines of Virginia in 2022

Learn about the best wines of Virginia, including the 2022 Virginia Governor's Cup winning wine, Cana Vineyards' 2019 Unitè Reserve.

Potter’s Craft Cider

Read about how these two friends grew Potter's Craft Cider in Charlottesville into one of Virginia's most popular cideries.

Starr Hill Brews Anew

Find out how Brewmaster Robbie O'Cain of Starr Hill Brews Anew and continues to leave his mark on a growing [...]

A Guide to Beer Tasting: How to Taste and Enjoy Craft Beer

Learn how to taste craft beer like a pro with our step-by-step guide. Discover beer styles, flavor profiles, and the [...]

Best Breweries with Food Near Charlottesville

Explore some of Central Virginia's Best Breweries with Food Near Charlottesville and enjoy all of the other offerings while there.

How Devils Backbone Made It Big

Read the story behind Steve and Heidi Crandall's Nelson County Brewpub and its journey to expanding with Anheuser-Busch.

VIRGINIA WINE COUNTRY Events & Festivals

Explore Virginia’s Many Tasting Events

Looking for something to do this weekend? Virginia is blessed with events and festivals happening all year round. There are celebrations centered around wine, craft beer, arts, maple syrup, horse racing, home and garden tours, barn tours, vineyard experiences and so much more. We have collected many of the areas not-to-be-missed happenings right here to help you explore and celebrate the Wine & Country Life.

EXPLORE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

Meet the Makers

Discover the Rich Flavor of Virginia Bison Short Ribs

This bison dish from The Local Charlottesville offers tender meat and deep, savory flavor—ideal for a hearty dinner or special [...]

Virginia Women in Wine Awards

Learn about the talented women winemakers and horticulturists putting Virginia Wine on the map.

The Chefs of Virginia Wine Country Restaurants

Virginia Wine & Country celebrates elevated living in Virginia Wine Country. Virginia Wine & Country Life is a semi-annual luxury [...]

We are honored to have the support of some of the finest locally owned businesses throughout the area. Our region is home to a rich farm-to-table heritage, from James Beard nominated chefs and the lovely Inn at Little Washington, a 3 Star Michelin-rated restaurant, to award-winning winemakers and beer masters. You can count on our curated collection of partners for the best in all things food and drink. Live locally by supporting our Virginia partners.

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Six images of various Wine & Country life. Polo, wine, food, vineyards, gatherings