Spring is (almost) here! Time to relax and enjoy some tastings at these fun and fresh vineyards, distilleries, and breweries in the DMV area.
Looking for something fun to do after work or during the weekend? Take a trip to some of these beautiful and relaxing spots to get your drink or sip on. Vineyards, breweries, and distilleries are the perfect places to hang out with friends, meet up with co-workers or have some couple time. Here is a quick snapshot of some of the best in the area. All you have to supply is the designated driver.The Winery at Bull Run
The Winery at Bull Run and its scenic view is a great place to check out. For only $15, you can get a flight of Bull Run wines and a souvenir glass. Other services include tours, live music on the weekends, and even painting courses. Their sangria is heavenly. Bull Run is also known for having a ton of weddings, so you are bound to catch one when you come. 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA 20120 [caption id="attachment_6796" align="aligncenter" width="450"]
CrossKeys Vineyards
Take a day trip to this beautiful winery. Just about two or so hours outside of D.C., CrossKeys has a beautiful selection of wines and cheese plates to devour. The family-owned business has been in operation since 2001 and has been a staple of the Shenandoah Valley, with 125 acres. Tastings can include a variety of wines, or participants can stick to a fruity, red, or white flight. 6011 E Timber Ridge Rd., Mt. Crawford, VA 22841Silverback Distillery
Welcome to the Jungle. Silverback Distillery produces premium vodka, gin, and whiskeys with the purest Virginia grains. Due to Virginia law, they can only serve three ounces of alcohol to an individual per day. While that doesn’t seem like a lot, folks can take it straight or try an alcohol of their choosing in a variety of mixed drinks. Don’t forget to buy some merch as well. Who doesn’t want a shirt with a huge gorilla on the back? 9374 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Afton, VA 22920 [caption id="attachment_6797" align="aligncenter" width="500"]
Cotton & Reed
This stylish tasting room is right in the heart of Union Market in D.C. Founded by former NASA strategists, Cotton & Reed is the first rum distillery in the district. Try some of their crafted drinks with their fresh spice rum. The distillery is open for tastings and tours. 1330 5th St. NE, Washington, D.C., 20002Port City Brewing Company
Port City has been around for a little over seven years. Tours of the brewery are available as well as tastings for $12. If you just want a tasting, you get a flight of six beers on tap. Be sure to check out the Porter, which tastes just like a freshly brewed pot of coffee. Growlers and kegs to take home are also available. 3950 Wheeler Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304 [caption id="attachment_6800" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
New Columbia Distillers (Green Hat Gin)
New Columbia Distillers is a family-owned business that specializes in the art of gin. Hand-made from grain to glass, the gin takes about a month for perfection. The type of gin varies season to season, but each one can be made into a freshly crafted, innovative specialty cocktail. 1832 Fenwick St. NE, Washington, D.C., 200022 Silos Brewing Company
2 Silos Brewery is located right in the heart of Farm Brew Live. Enjoy some live music and amazing food while sipping on some of their curated beers. Try something sweet like their Virginia Cream Ale or something light like their yummy White Belgian. You can even bring your dog! 9925 Discovery Blvd., Manassas, VA 20109 [caption id="attachment_6798" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Quattro Goomba's Winery
About an hour from D.C., Quattro Goombas Winery prides itself on celebrating family and tradition. Tastings are about $10 a person for six wines. The winery also has signature wine slushy and freshly made pizzas. 22860 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105Lyon Distilling Co.
On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Lyon Distilling Co. has a selection of splendid rum and whiskey. Tours are available every day with complimentary tastings. Don’t forget to bring a bottle to-go. 605 S. Talbot St. #6, St Michaels, MD 21663 [caption id="attachment_6799" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery
Hill Top is the perfect place to check out this spring. If you’re a fan of fruity wines, this is your heaven. Fruit wines and meads are available for tastings and less than $10 for a glass. 2800 Berry Hill Rd., Nellysford, VA 22958Did we miss your favorite winery, brewery or distillery in the area? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!