There are numerous wineries around Virginia Beach.
Billed as the "perfect destination for the classic family beach vacation," Virginia Beach boasts a wide range of accommodations and activities. From its resort beaches to the secluded Sandbridge area, visitors can have their pick from a festival-type atmosphere to tranquility and relaxation. Vacationers and locals alike can certainly add a measure of sophistication to their experience by visiting one of the area's local wineries, further adding to the array of activities and the surrounding area has to offer.
Carafe Winery
Carafe Winery, located in Chesapeake, is a "micro-winery" that offers more than 30 varietals of wine. Using imported grape juice, the winery has produced over 100,000 bottles of wine in small batches. Some of the specialty wines include White Sands Sauvignon Blanc, using grapes from New Zealand, Old Vines Zinfandel, using grapes from California and White Merlot, whose ingredients derive from the state of Washington. The winery also produces dessert and "fruit mist" wines, which use ingredients, such as strawberries and raspberries. Visitors can even bottle their own personalized wine "batch."
Carafe Wine Makers
1036 Volvo Pkwy.
Chesapeake, VA 23320-8601
757-312-9030
carafehr.com
Moonrise Bay Vineyard
The Moonrise Bay Vineyard, located just south of Virgina Beach, is a small winery that began operations in 1997, with the first substantial harvest occurring in 2001. Situated on 22 acres, it produces varietals, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Tasting and tours are available, and the winery can even accommodate private parties. The winery also hosts other events, such as art shows and live music.
Moonrise Bay Vineyard
Moonrise Bay Landing
Knotts Island, NC 27950
252-429-9463
moonrisebaywine.com
Martin Orchard & Vineyards
Also located south of Virginia Beach, and right across the North Carolina state line, is Martin Vineyards, a small winery that began planting grapes in 1987. A family-oriented winery, it offers picnic accommodations and invite families to come and l lunch while the adults taste the many wine offerings, from sweet and dry reds to semi-dry whites. The vineyard also offers seasonal fruit pickings, ranging from pumpkins in October to apples from mid-summer to the fall.
Martin Orchard & Vineyards
213 Martin Farm Lane
Knotts Island, NC 27950
252-429-3564
martinvineyards.com
Tags: Virginia Beach, , Carafe Winery, grapes from, Island 27950, Knotts Island, Knotts Island 27950