Travel to the heart of Virginia wine country to visit James Madison’s Montpelier and some of the area's best wineries.
The excursion begins at Montpelier the home of President James Madison, Father of the Constitution and Architect of the Bill of Rights, and Dolley Madison, America’s beloved “First Lady.” Tour the House and The Mere Distinction of Colour exhibition and learn about the lives of James and Dolley as well as the generations of enslaved individuals who lived, labored, and loved at Montpelier.
Make a reservation for Montpelier’s 90-minute in-depth tour Meet the Madisons to explore life at Montpelier after Madison’s retirement from Washington in 1817. Learn details about the Madisons’ style, taste, friendships, and accomplishments. Stroll the grounds and picnic on the beautiful property - bring your own or enjoy a gourmet sandwich and salad from Montpelier’s Exchange Café. Check www.montpelier.org for seasonal hours and up to date information.
Montpelier co-hosts, with the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, The Montpelier Wine Festival, held the first weekend in May. The two-day event is replete with Virginia wine and cider, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment. Looking to spend the weekend? Stay at one of the Inns at Montpelier. Choose from several lovely bed and breakfasts in Orange and Madison counties. The Inns at Montpelier are your concierge to the countryside, available to help you experience the best of the Piedmont.
Several wineries are within a short drive of Montpelier. Barboursville Vineyards is considered one of the best in the region; you’ll know why when you have a chance to sample their award-winning Octagon. Don’t miss the self-guided tour of the Historic Ruins of Governor Barbour's Mansion. The 1804 Inn at Barboursville Vineyard makes for an elegant and romantic weekend getaway; make dinner reservations at Palladio for a delicious meal that is Virginian in resources and Northern Italian in perspective. Also in Barboursville is Reynard Florence Vineyard, a family-owned and operated vineyard that boasts an impressive number of Governor's Cup and Monticello Wine Trail medals. Early Mountain, located close by in Madison County, was voted the #1 Tasting Room in America, and also serves a full restaurant menu. Keswick Vineyards was part of the original 1727 Nicholas Meriwether Crown Grant that comprised nearly 18,000 acres on the east side of the Southwest Mountains, and it has garnered over 50 gold, double gold, and platinum awards. Finir son verre!
Amenities
- LGBT Friendly
Region
Last Updated: 06/27/2017
What's Nearby
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11350 Constitution Hwy
Montpelier Station, VA 229570 MI -
11350 Constitution Highway
Montpelier Station, VA 229570.02 MI -
11407 Constitution Hwy
Montpelier Station, VA 229570.19 MI
