Shenandoah Valley

3 Best Day Trips from Washington, D.C. | Condé Nast Traveler

"There are 22 wineries along the Shenandoah Valley trail, with many quite spaced out—this is not like zipping up and down the Silverado Trail in Napa. So plan to hit three or four in a day so you can spend adequate time at each. Thanks to higher elevation, cooler temps, and limestone soil, the AVA (the oldest and largest wine region in the Commonwealth) is said to have some of the best growing conditions. Be on the lookout for Viognier, Cabernet Franc and Traminette. We're particularly partial to Muse Vineyards and its Cab Franc. The winery in Woodstock is a lovely place to settle into an Adirondack chair on the grass overlooking the vines for a relaxing afternoon." - Laura Ratliff, Kristen Schott