There is something special about October in Nelson County.
The mornings are crisp, the Blue Ridge begins to glow with autumn color, and the landscape takes on that unmistakable feeling that the seasons are changing. Across the vineyards, orchards and farms, another year of hard work is coming to fruition.
And there may be no better time to experience the Nelson 151 Craft Beverage Trail.
October is Virginia Wine Month, a statewide celebration of Virginia’s wine industry that dates back to 1988. It is a time to raise a glass to the farmers, vineyard workers, winemakers and communities that bring Virginia wine from the vineyard to the table.
Here on Nelson 151, you don’t have to go far to find a reason to celebrate.
Where the Mountains Meet the Vineyards
Nelson 151 winds through some of the most beautiful countryside in Virginia, with vineyards tucked among the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Our trail is home to seven wineries, each with its own setting, story and style.
From a leisurely afternoon tasting wine with mountain views to a stop for a glass after a day on the trail, October invites you to slow down and enjoy the landscape.
The fall season is particularly beautiful in Virginia wine country. The changing leaves provide a spectacular backdrop, while the vineyards themselves tell the story of the year’s growing season.
And harvest isn’t just something happening in the background. It is the heart of what Virginia Wine Month is all about.
A Toast to the People Behind the Bottle
A bottle of Virginia wine represents much more than what is in the glass.
It begins with the land, the weather, the vines and the people who care for them throughout the year. Harvest brings that work into sharp focus as grapes make their way from vineyard to winery and another vintage begins its journey.
That’s one of the best things about visiting wine country in October: you get to experience the place where the wine begins.
Take your time. Ask questions. Try something new. Talk with the people who make the wine. And don’t be afraid to discover a Virginia grape or wine style you haven’t tried before.
Virginia Wine Month is an invitation to explore.
Spend Some Time on Nelson 151
Of course, a Nelson 151 adventure doesn’t have to stop with wine.
Our trail brings together wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries, along with local food, artisans, lodging and the natural beauty of Nelson County.
Build your own fall itinerary:
Start with a scenic drive.
Take in the mountains and the changing leaves as you make your way along Route 151.
Visit a craft beverage destination business.
Spend an afternoon tasting and enjoying the views.
Add a local bite.
Pair your beverages with seasonal food and ingredients from the farms and producers of our region.
Explore the trail.
Add another winery, brewery, cidery or distillery to your adventure and experience another side of Nelson’s craft beverage community.
Stay awhile.
With unique lodging throughout the area, there is no reason to rush home when the mountains are calling.
Celebrate the Harvest
Virginia Wine Month is ultimately about more than wine. It’s about place.
It’s about the farms and vineyards that shape our landscape. It’s about the small businesses that welcome visitors. It’s about gathering around a table, sharing a meal, discovering something new and raising a glass to another year.
So this October, come experience the harvest for yourself.
Follow the winding roads. Watch the mountains change color. Taste something made here. Meet the people who make Nelson 151 special.
Come for the wine. Stay for the mountains. And celebrate the harvest on Nelson 151.
Plan your fall adventure at Nelson151.com.