Virginia Wine Festivals To Experience In 2012

Virginia is a "Commonwealth of Wine" - with more than 200 wineries that stretch across every region of the state, from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Virginia is a wine destination unlike any other, with wineries surrounded by lavish scenery, breathtaking views, quaint small towns and monumental historic sites.

Virginia is one of the only wine destinations in the country where visitors can kayak to a winery, enjoy bluegrass music while sipping local wines, sample regional wines at a National Park, or enjoy wine at a National Historic Landmark.

The state's annual wine festivals vary just as the wineries do, offering wine lovers the chance to savor the flavors of Virginia's vintages at events big and small. Below is a sampling of some of Virginia's most popular annual wine festivals of 2012, with many more found on www.Virginia.org.

Bacchus Wine and Food Festival at the Virginia Living Museum - Newport News, February 3, 2012
Taste excellent wines from around the world and fabulous samples from local restaurants. Enjoy a smokin' variety of live entertainment and a huge silent auction, all in one night, for a great cause. With the eclectic mix of great music, delicious food samples and varied wine tastings this event appeals to all ages - over 21 of course.

7th Annual Virginia Wine Showcase - Arlington, February 18 - 19, 2012
The Virginia Wine Showcase is the region's premier winter wine show, featuring over 300 world class wines from the boutique farm wineries of Virginia. Shoppers will delight in the ultimate collection of fancy foods, fine arts and crafts, lifestyle and culinary products in the nation.

The 5th Annual Virginia Wine Expo - Richmond, February 24-26, 2012
The Virginia Wine Expo is Virginia's premier, upscale wine and food event of the year. More than 55 Virginia wineries will be present, sampling and selling wine for on- and off-premise consumption. The VWE will feature celebrity chef demonstrations, specialty food, the Governor's Cup Grand Tasting, wine and food pairings and wine seminars.

Wintergreen Winery's 19th Anniversary Celebration - Wintergreen, April 28, 2012
Toast the winery's 19th anniversary with wine, live music, riverside picnics and fun for all in a family-friendly, scenic setting. Light picnic fare including artisanal cheeses will be available.

Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon - Alexandria, May 18-20, 2012
Join Mount Vernon in its spring celebration of the history of the Virginia wine industry on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River. Guests sample wines from 16 award-winning Virginia wineries, learn about the successes and failures of our Founding Father's wine endeavors, enjoy live jazz music, and meet "George Washington" on the Mansion's piazza. Guests experience an evening tour of George Washington's home and are invited to visit the rarely-open basement cellar vaults where he stored his wine.

Great Grapes Wine Arts and Food Festival - Reston, April 29, 2012
You are invited to celebrate the taste of over 100 unique, diverse and flavorful wines! The Virginia Wineries want you to sample the essences of their best grapes while expanding your tongue's tastes. A full palette awaits your arrival to Great Grapes! While mastering the art of wine tasting, be sure to attend our wine seminars, Gourmet Live! cooking demonstrations & shop amongst the unique artists!

Montpelier Wine Festival - Montpelier Station, May 5-6, 2012
Montpelier Wine Festival showcases 24 premier Virginia wineries on the historic grounds of 4th President James Madison. Live music, cooking with wine demonstrations and wine tasting classes all add to the experience. Specialty foods will be available