As the leaves begin to don their vibrant autumn hues, October ushers in a season of celebration. In the heart of Virginia’s enchanting wine country, Leesburg stands as a welcoming gateway to Loudoun County’s picturesque vineyards. With October officially designated as Virginia Wine Month, there’s no better time to explore the exquisite wines and charming downtown of Leesburg.
Nestled in the midst of Loudoun County’s rolling hills and vineyard-draped landscapes, Leesburg offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and, of course, world-class wine. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just dipping your toes into the world of wine, Leesburg is your go-to destination to celebrate Virginia Wine Month in style.
Echelon Wine Bar: A Toast to Wine Education
Your journey begins at Echelon Wine Bar, the sister property of the renowned Lost Creek Winery located just a short ten-minute drive from Leesburg. Echelon Wine Bar is a wine education center, private event space, tasting room, and restaurant all rolled into one. Here, you can embark on a wine adventure like no other.
The wine bar takes its name from Lost Creek Winery’s top label, “Echelon,” which represents the cream of the crop from each vintage. At Echelon Wine Bar, you can savor a delicious dinner cozied up with a bottle from their Lost Creek wine list, or try something new from their extensive collection. However, the true gem here is the opportunity to explore domestic and international wines and dive deep into the world of wine through region-specific classes and monthly wine dinners.
October One Vineyard and Tasting Shop: A Taste of Virginia’s Best
Venturing further into Leesburg’s charming downtown, you’ll stumble upon October One Vineyard and Tasting Shop. October One Vineyard (O1V) prides itself on crafting wines of the highest quality, made with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to the art of winemaking.
While O1V doesn’t have a tasting room at its 30-acre vineyard in Bluemont, you’re in luck in Leesburg! Their Downtown Leesburg Tasting Shop welcomes visitors to sip and savor their estate-grown wines alongside a selection of outstanding small-batch Virginia wines carefully curated by their team. This October, new visitors can indulge in an exclusive tasting experience with a member-only mini tasting of three 2022 Viogniers or a Cabernet Sauvignon vertical tasting of the 2017, 2019, and 2020 vintages. Plus, new wine share members receive a complimentary monogrammed O1V corkscrew—quite the souvenir of your Virginia Wine Month journey.
The Wine Kitchen: A Culinary Symphony
For those seeking a harmonious fusion of wine and food, The Wine Kitchen beckons with open arms. This cozy establishment, set in an 1840s-era building, embraces the ethos of celebrating wine and cuisine in their purest forms.
The seasonal, Italian-inspired menu showcases the best of local, seasonal ingredients through the lens of Italian culinary traditions. To honor Virginia Wine Month, they’re offering a special flight, “Local Flavor,” featuring Lightwell Survey’s “Goodbye Horses” white blend, October One Vineyard’s Albariño, and Walsh Family Wine’s “What Will the Women Drink” red blend throughout October. And if you find yourself in Leesburg on a Wednesday, don’t miss their All Night Happy Hour—a perfect opportunity to explore new flavors and savor local wines.
Leesburg Gourmet: A Gastronomic Delight
If your wine adventures have already taken you to Loudoun County’s vineyards and you’re looking to expand your palate, Leesburg Gourmet awaits. This charming boutique offers an impressive array of international wines, including a carefully curated selection of Virginia wines from acclaimed wineries like Barboursville Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, and Thibaut-Janisson Winery. While you’re there, don’t forget to indulge in Neuhaus Belgian Chocolates, a delightful complement to your wine discoveries.
This October, Leesburg invites you to celebrate Virginia Wine Month in style. From wine education at Echelon Wine Bar to exclusive tastings at October One Vineyard, and the culinary delights of The Wine Kitchen to the curated selection at Leesburg Gourmet, there’s something for every wine lover in this charming town. So, raise your glass to Virginia Wine Month and make Leesburg your next destination to savor the best of Virginia’s wine culture. Cheers!