Photo by Chris Militzer
Quattro Goomas Winery in Aldie, Virginia.
Gone – at least for now – are the days when you could spontaneously pack up a picnic and go winery hopping in Northern Virginia, deciding on a whim where to go and when.
This spring and summer, as the region starts to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, local wineries have set up policies regarding children, pets, reservations and more. Fewer wineries are offering tastings, and very few are allowing indoor seating.
Wineries, like other food and drink venues, were forced to close or remain open only for take-out and delivery this spring due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. A number of wineries significantly increased their wine delivery services. Virtual tastings became popular through companies like Grape Intentions.
Some wineries started to reopen in late May, but with new rules for safety and health of their employees and visitors.
Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run, known for being an especially dog- and kid-friendly winery, is (for now) not allowing children or anyone under the age of 21 on the premises. Dogs are still ok, outside only. Reservations are recommended for the winery’s limited outdoor seating (though you can bring your own chairs and blankets). Wines are available by the flight, glass or bottle, but tastings are off the menu for now.
Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton is not offering tastings, but bottles, glasses and flights are available. Outdoor seating is on a first come, first served basis. Children and pets are allowed, but the winery is not accommodating party buses or limos right now.
At The Winery at Bull Run in Centreville, reservations are required for outside seating.
Because rules vary from one winery to the next, it’s a good idea to plan your day before you get in the car, make reservations in advance and be sure you’re aware of each winery’s individual policies.
VirginiaWine.org has information on each winery’s guidelines, plus phone numbers, websites and more information.
