TAILGATING

Tailgating  |   Shop  |   Partners  |   Events & Festivals  |  Sporting Life

Virginia Tailgating & Steeplechases

Every spring and fall Virginians flock to the fields and tracks to celebrate our many equestrian traditions of polo matches, horse shows, fox hunts and steeplechase race events—all of which also offer great opportunities for tailgating. 

Below we’ve curated expert tips and advice from professional event planners and lifelong equestrians to help you tailgate like a winner. No matter if you are a host or a guest, prepare to cheer in style.

The Montpelier Races

Tips from locals on how to enjoy a day at the Montpelier Races. What to wear to what to pack! [...]

A Vineyard Polo Picnic

Enjoy a summer day picnicking in style field-side at a polo match in the heart of Virginia wine and horse [...]

The Upperville Colt & Horse Show

The Upperville Colt & Horse Show (UCHS) in Upperville, Virginia is officially the oldest horse show in the United States. [...]

A Guide to the Foxfield Races in Charlottesville

This Guide to the Foxfield Races in Charlottesville shares tips on what to bring and wear to the fall and [...]

Virginia Gold Cup Horse Race

Explore the exciting world of the Virginia Gold Cup Horse Races at Great Meadows. Discover the history and what to [...]

Decorating Your Steeplechase Tailgate

Get inspired to start Decorating Your Steeplechase Tailgate with these tips and inspiration on equestrian themes, fox motifs and more! [...]

Easy Tailgate Dish Ideas

Our Easy Tailgate Dish Ideas will inspire your next spread for an equestrian event. Find Virginia wine suggestions and more [...]

Virginia Steeplechase & Tailgate Bar Ideas

Be inspired with these Virginia Steeplechase & Tailgating Bar Ideas as you plan your next equestrian event. [...]

A Vineyard Polo Picnic

Enjoy a summer day picnicking in style field-side at a polo match in the heart of Virginia wine and horse [...]

The Upperville Colt & Horse Show

The Upperville Colt & Horse Show (UCHS) in Upperville, Virginia is officially the oldest horse show in the United States. [...]

A Guide to the Foxfield Races in Charlottesville

This Guide to the Foxfield Races in Charlottesville shares tips on what to bring and wear to the fall and [...]

Virginia Gold Cup Horse Race

Explore the exciting world of the Virginia Gold Cup Horse Races at Great Meadows. Discover the history and what to [...]

Decorating Your Steeplechase Tailgate

Get inspired to start Decorating Your Steeplechase Tailgate with these tips and inspiration on equestrian themes, fox motifs and more! [...]

Easy Tailgate Dish Ideas

Our Easy Tailgate Dish Ideas will inspire your next spread for an equestrian event. Find Virginia wine suggestions and more [...]

Virginia Steeplechase & Tailgate Bar Ideas

Be inspired with these Virginia Steeplechase & Tailgating Bar Ideas as you plan your next equestrian event. [...]

How to Style the Ultimate Steeplechase Tailgate

Learn How to Style the Ultimate Steeplechase Tailgate with these tips on styling, recipes, decor and fashionable dress. [...]

Delicious Tailgate Recipes

These favorite Delicious Tailgate Dishes are perfect for serving at your next Virginia steeplechase event. [...]

What to Wear to the Steeplechase

With horserace season upon us, we're sharing a guide of What to Wear to the Steeplechase, equestrian accessories ideas, hat [...]

Starry Nights Winery Concert at Veritas

Veritas Vineyards & Winery brings its Starry Nights winery concert series back. This outdoor concert and optional meal are unmissable [...]

Pack the Perfect Wine Picnic

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

Montpelier Tailgate Contest 2021

The 2021 theme Montpelier Tailgate Contest theme was "Our Bond from Across the Pond." See the winning tailgate spreads at [...]

The International Gold Cup Races

Explore the exciting world of the International Gold Cup Horse Races while learning about the sport's history. [...]

Dessert Ideas for A Steeplechase Tailgate

Be inspired by these delicious Dessert Ideas for a Steeplechase Tailgate. These recipe ideas are perfect for every equestrian event. [...]

Northern Virginia Polo

The Virginia United Polo League and professional player Nacho Figueras bring the prestigious sport of polo to Northern Virginia. [...]

A Weekend Guide to Visiting Gordonsville VA

From eateries and wineries to shops and attractions, discover a weekend guide to visiting Gordonsville any time of the year. [...]

10 Autumn Outing Ideas

We may be biased, but fall in Virginia is pretty magical. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, [...]

A Day at the Montpelier Races

Find out who won the 84th Montpelier Hunt Races Cup, as well as who won the Montpelier Races tailgating contest, [...]

Shop Experiences

OUR FABULOUS PARTNERS

Our Fabulous Partners

We are so pleased to have the support of our region’s best locally owned businesses. When it comes to personalized service and warm hospitality, these professionals deliver exceptional experiences. Live locally by supporting our Virginia partners.

VIEW ALL OF OUR FABULOUS PARTNERS HERE

Top Picnic & Tailgating Tips

The Montpelier Races

Tips from locals on how to enjoy a day at the Montpelier Races. What to wear to what to pack! [...]

A Vineyard Polo Picnic

Enjoy a summer day picnicking in style field-side at a polo match in the heart of Virginia wine and horse [...]

The Upperville Colt & Horse Show

The Upperville Colt & Horse Show (UCHS) in Upperville, Virginia is officially the oldest horse show in the United States. [...]

Top Tailgating Tips

Take your tailgate to the next level, as you combine a love of the outdoors with entertaining. Whether planning a vineyard picnic or hosting family and friends at one of the local steeplechase races, you’ll find inspiration on recipes, drink pairings, themed décor, barware, games and more to help you create a luxury experience.

VIRGINIA WINE COUNTRY Events & Festivals

In our curated calendar, discover exquisite food and wine festivals, art exhibits, theatre performances, wine dinners, historical tours, cooking classes, concerts, book talks, equestrian events and more.

EXPLORE ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

VIRGINIA EQUESTRIAN & SPORTING LIFE

Our region is well known for its equestrian traditions of polo matches, horse shows, foxhunts and steeplechase race events—all of which also offer great opportunities for tailgating. In addition to riding horseback through vineyards, outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking the Blue Ridge Mountain trails, fishing the beautiful rivers and lakes, and biking the scenic roadways, along with many other sporting adventures.

The Montpelier Races

Tips from locals on how to enjoy a day at the Montpelier Races. What to wear to what to pack! [...]

Equestrian Artist Martha Strawther

Meet equestrian artist Martha Strawther. In addition to her love of horses and talent for painting, Strawther is the Executive [...]

Elena Wittman, Milliner

Go behind the scenes of steeplechase hats with Virginia hatmaker Elena Wittman. Wittman, a Virginia milliner, makes gorgeous hats to [...]

Sunday Polo at King Family Vineyards

A guide to the game of polo and polo etiquette for a match day. Visit King Family Vineyards' Roseland Polo [...]

Biking the “Tour de Vine”

Professional cyclist Ben King shares his favorite routes in Virginia's wine country and what to consider when Biking the "Tour [...]

Design Tips for a Luxury Horse Barn

B&D Builders shares professional tips and advice on Things to Consider When Building a Horse Barn in Virginia horse country. [...]

The International Gold Cup Races

Explore the exciting world of the International Gold Cup Horse Races while learning about the sport's history. [...]

Northern Virginia Polo

The Virginia United Polo League and professional player Nacho Figueras bring the prestigious sport of polo to Northern Virginia. [...]

Equestrian Artist Martha Strawther

Meet equestrian artist Martha Strawther. In addition to her love of horses and talent for painting, Strawther is the Executive [...]

Elena Wittman, Milliner

Go behind the scenes of steeplechase hats with Virginia hatmaker Elena Wittman. Wittman, a Virginia milliner, makes gorgeous hats to [...]

Sunday Polo at King Family Vineyards

A guide to the game of polo and polo etiquette for a match day. Visit King Family Vineyards' Roseland Polo [...]

Biking the “Tour de Vine”

Professional cyclist Ben King shares his favorite routes in Virginia's wine country and what to consider when Biking the "Tour [...]

Design Tips for a Luxury Horse Barn

B&D Builders shares professional tips and advice on Things to Consider When Building a Horse Barn in Virginia horse country. [...]

The International Gold Cup Races

Explore the exciting world of the International Gold Cup Horse Races while learning about the sport's history. [...]

Northern Virginia Polo

The Virginia United Polo League and professional player Nacho Figueras bring the prestigious sport of polo to Northern Virginia. [...]

On Virginia Waters

No matter the season, there are always fish to be had while fishing on Virginia waters. Learn how this avid [...]

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

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