Divine Wine Through Time

DAY 1

Fairfax County serves as the gateway to Virginia's amazing wine country. If you only have one day, but you'd like to try some divine Virginia wine, visit our two lovely wineries, which just happen to be the closest ones to Washington, DC.

Start your day in the quaint and unassuming town of Clifton at Fairfax County's very first winery, Paradise Springs. Built on land that traces back to Lord Fairfax (the county's namesake), Paradise Springs has a rich and inspiring history. An historic log cabin sits on the property from the early 1800s, which was renovated in 1955 by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. Grab a spot on one of the wineries signature tours, cozy up to the tasting bar to try the award-winning wines (perhaps paired with a holiday treat during certain times of the year), or listen to live music on the back porch as you overlook the scenic vista. From their big win at the 2010 Virginia Governor's Cup (for the 2009 Chardonnay) to present day, Paradise Springs serves up a delectable array of true Virginia varietals.

Travel a bit northwest to Centreville to end your day at Fairfax County's latest winery - The Winery at Bull Run. Situated adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park, this historic property allows you to experience the rich Civil War history of our region while enjoying Virginia wine and scenic views. Grab a rocking chair on the deck of the preserved Hillwood house, or see if you can spot the bite marks on the bullets encased in a small museum inside the tasting room. Learn from the wine educators as you taste the award-winning wines, or a glass of summer sangria, or bring the kids to play cornhole on the back lawn as you overlook the property's horse farm.

DAY 2

Start your day with a visit to Manassas National Battlefield Park, which preserves the site of two major American Civil War battles - the First Battle of Bull Run/Manassas on July 21, 1861 and the Second Battle of Bull Run/Manassas on August 28-30, 1862. There are more than 5,000 acres to explore as you walk in the footsteps of the Union and Confederate soldiers who fought and died here. It was at this site that Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson acquired his nickname "Stonewall."

Once you've discovered the history at the Battlefield, reflect on what it all means while you relax at the nearby Winery at Bull Run. Situated adjacent to the Battlefield Park, this historic property allows you to experience the rich Civil War history of our region while enjoying Virginia wine and scenic views. Grab a rocking chair on the deck of the preserved Hillwood house, or see if you can spot the bite marks on the bullets encased in a small museum inside the tasting room. Learn from the wine educators as you taste the award-winning wines, or a glass of summer sangria, or bring the kids to play cornhole on the back lawn as you overlook the property's horse farm.

Next, on your way to Chantilly, make a pit stop to fuel your bellies at Willard's Real Pit BBQ. Feeding the whole family? They even have "Feedbags for 4" with everything from ribs to brisket to cornbread and sides.

For your last stop, you'll visit the home of Richard Bland Lee, Northern Virginia's first congressman and the uncle of General Robert E. Lee. Sully Historic Site is an oasis of the past, but reflects the history of Fairfax County. The main house, built in 1794, combines aspects of both Georgian and Federal architecture and is furnished with antiques of the period. Check the calendar to register for the array of educational programs, guided tours, living history events, and craft demonstrations throughout the year.