April 29, 2020 —The state of Virginia houses more than 400 wineries and breweries, so the taste testing enthusiast will always be able to discover new favorites. While Kendal at Lexington is located just a short drive from the famous Monticello Wine Trail, you don’t need to travel far to enjoy some of the best wine and beer in the state. That’s right: Lexington and Rockbridge County have a booming winery and brewery scene all their own.
Lots of Local Winery Options
Of the Lexington winery and brewery options, longtime Lexington resident Fred Massey says three of the main perks are, “It’s varied, it’s interesting and it’s very accessible.” Together with his wife Susan, Fred frequently visits two of the most popular wineries in town: Rockbridge Vineyards and Lexington Valley Vineyards.
“They have regular music and wine tasting events on weekends,” he says. “It’s an easy way to gather a group of folks together to enjoy an afternoon.” In fact, it’s Fred and Susan’s love of Lexington and all there is to do in the area that influenced their decision to join the Kendal at Lexington Priority Waitlist. “Honestly, our biggest problem is that there’s too much going on that we want to do and we can’t do it all,” he says.
In addition to Lexington Valley and Rockbridge Vineyards, there’s also the nearby Jump Mountain Vineyards. And despite not having the name recognition of some larger Virginia wineries, these three vineyards offer picturesque views, pleasant atmospheres and, most importantly, really delicious wine.
For instance, with 26 years in business, Rockbridge Vineyards utilizes professional wine making techniques, combined with classic, old-world style. “Our standards are very high and our consistency is very high from year to year,” says Jean Millott-Rouse, owner and wife to the vineyard’s wine maker. “We are a family business and a relaxed atmosphere, but it’s professional winemaking,“ she says.
Plus, as Jean points out, visiting the northern end of Rockbridge county is a worthy day trip for more than just taste testing their 22 different types of wines. “There’s a wonderful lavender shop, a couple different antique shops, a marvelous quilt shop and one of the oldest actively grinding grist mills in the state,” she says. “Come visit to shop, then sit and have some local cheese and crackers with a glass of wine.”
Breweries:
However, if wineries aren’t your taste, there are also plenty of options for the craft beer enthusiasts. There’s the Devil’s Backbone Outpost Tap Room and Kitchen, Great Valley Farm Brewery and Shenandoah Beerworks Trail, which serves some of the best craft beer from around the state. Plus, coming this fall, Lexington residents will have a new brewery to add to the list: Heliotrope Brewery, opening right in the heart of downtown. Owners Jenefer Davies and Erik Jones were awarded a grant from the Launch Lex program through Main Street Lexington. In addition to brewing beer, the new brewery also plans to serve a seasonal menu inspired by local produce.
Not a drinker?
Don’t worry: all of these locations — wineries and breweries alike — are first and foremost offering a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you gather together a group or simply meet up with a friend, you can spend a lovely afternoon just enjoying the scenery, occasional live entertainment and local food fare.
To learn more about life at Kendal at Lexington, contact us to plan a visit.