Sip Shenandoah – A Shenandoah Spirits Trail Itinerary
The Shenandoah Spirits Trail connects wineries, craft breweries, cideries and distilleries from Harrisonburg to Winchester. Trail maps can be picked up at any trail location or at the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center.
Friday, April 28
MID-DAY
As you arrive to Winchester, make sure to book your hotel stay with one of the many hospitable hotels that our area has to offer! Many are partners with the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival and can help you get where you need to go.
AFTERNOON
A two-day event, the first half the Apple Blossom Festival’s Bloomin’ Wine Fest begins at 3:00 p.m. on the Old Town Winchester walking mall. Enjoy tasting wines from 20 Virginia wineries and craft breweries too. The day will be full of live musical entertainment and displays by local artisans.
EVENING
Inspired by one of the wineries or vineyards you tried at the Bloomin’ Wine Fest? Have dinner at Alesatian Brewing restaurant on the walking mall, before heading over to a winery! Valerie Hill Vineyard and Winery is located on an 18-acre farm with a fascinating history. Guests can explore the lovingly restored manor house, which dates back to 1807. Or, try James Charles Winery and Vineyard, with its sophisticated and modern vibe, and mountain views. If you have the time and energy, check out both! They are located less than five miles apart and offer special events, live music, and tastings.
Friday, April 28
MID-DAY
As you arrive to Winchester, make sure to book your hotel stay with one of the many hospitable hotels that our area has to offer! Many are partners with the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival and can help you get where you need to go.
AFTERNOON
A two-day event, the first half the Apple Blossom Festival’s Bloomin’ Wine Fest begins at 3:00 p.m. on the Old Town Winchester walking mall. Enjoy tasting wines from 20 Virginia wineries and craft breweries too. The day will be full of live musical entertainment and displays by local artisans.
EVENING
Inspired by one of the wineries or vineyards you tried at the Bloomin’ Wine Fest? Have dinner at Alesatian Brewing restaurant on the walking mall, before heading over to a winery! Valerie Hill Vineyard and Winery is located on an 18-acre farm with a fascinating history. Guests can explore the lovingly restored manor house, which dates back to 1807. Or, try James Charles Winery and Vineyard, with its sophisticated and modern vibe, and mountain views. If you have the time and energy, check out both! They are located less than five miles apart and offer special events, live music, and tastings.
Saturday, April 29
MORNING
Have a hearty, homemade breakfast to get the day started off right! Check out our blog post, “12 Tempting Homemade Breakfast Spots Around Winchester” to find a great restaurant.
MID-DAY
Explore the historic district on your own. A self-guided walking tour brochure detailing the history and architecture of Old Town is available from the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center. Next, enjoy the second half of the Bloomin’ Wine Fest, which begins at 11:00 a.m.
AFTERNOON/EVENING
Use your Shenandoah Spirits Trail pocket guide and map to explore four breweries, all located within a mile radius, or test your skills at our escape room or axe throwing lounge. Reserve your time in advance for a thrilling experience at Chasin’ Axe or World’s Away Escape Room.
MORNING
Have a hearty, homemade breakfast to get the day started off right! Check out our blog post, “12 Tempting Homemade Breakfast Spots Around Winchester” to find a great restaurant.
MID-DAY
Explore the historic district on your own. A self-guided walking tour brochure detailing the history and architecture of Old Town is available from the Winchester-Frederick County Visitors Center. Next, enjoy the second half of the Bloomin’ Wine Fest, which begins at 11:00 a.m.
AFTERNOON/EVENING
Use your Shenandoah Spirits Trail pocket guide and map to explore four breweries, all located within a mile radius, or test your skills at our escape room or axe throwing lounge. Reserve your time in advance for a thrilling experience at Chasin’ Axe or World’s Away Escape Room.
Sunday, April 30
MORNING/AFTERNOON
Spend your final day in the Winchester area experiencing spring in the Shenandoah Valley. Richard’s Fruit Market will host Apple Blossom Festival’s walking tours of the apple orchards at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. If you’re really lucky, the trees will be in bloom! Following the tour, participants will enjoy a tasting of Winchester Ciderworks hard cider. An alternate option would be to have a tour and tasting at Briedé Family Vineyards, a sustainable winery focusing on sparkling wines and champagnes. Say cheers and have a toast to spring!
Before departing for home, consider ending your visit with a local tradition at Apple Blossom time - a leisurely country drive among the apple orchards. (Your route could include: Cedar Creek Grade, Marlboro Road, Middle Road, and Barley Lane). View the rows and rows of pink and white blossoms set among the backdrop of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in the distance.
MORNING/AFTERNOON
Spend your final day in the Winchester area experiencing spring in the Shenandoah Valley. Richard’s Fruit Market will host Apple Blossom Festival’s walking tours of the apple orchards at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm. If you’re really lucky, the trees will be in bloom! Following the tour, participants will enjoy a tasting of Winchester Ciderworks hard cider. An alternate option would be to have a tour and tasting at Briedé Family Vineyards, a sustainable winery focusing on sparkling wines and champagnes. Say cheers and have a toast to spring!
Before departing for home, consider ending your visit with a local tradition at Apple Blossom time - a leisurely country drive among the apple orchards. (Your route could include: Cedar Creek Grade, Marlboro Road, Middle Road, and Barley Lane). View the rows and rows of pink and white blossoms set among the backdrop of the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in the distance.
