Savour DC’s Wine Country®

Summer spent on the East Coast is rich in culture and craft. Loudoun County, just 40km west of Washington, DC, is the ideal spot to experience this. Anchored by Washington Dulles International Airport, the region is a gateway for international visitors chasing its wine country reputation, award-winning food scene and plentiful outdoor activities.

DC’s Wine Country® is home to unparalleled winemakers, with the scenery to match. More than 50 wineries and tasting rooms scatter vine-covered hills, complementing each sip with sprawling valley vistas. Family-owned wineries reimagine the region through tasting classes, grape stomping, vineyard yoga and guided winery tours. Beyond wine, Loudoun County’s craft breweries deliver a fresh take on local tipples. Using homegrown grain, fruit and honey, sweet ciders and classic liquors are produced onsite – a delicious and sustainable approach to pre-dinner drinks.

When mealtime arrives, feast on farm-fresh favourites at family-friendly grills and gastropubs like Magnolias at the Mill and West End Wine Bar & Pub. Juicy BBQ joints and seafood restaurants tap flavours from Mexico, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East – reinforcing the region’s rich culinary identity.

Dining isn’t the only thing DC’s Wine Country® takes seriously. Shopping is a must, and a range of malls, boutiques and markets is there for the browsing. Leesburg, Middleburg, Ashburn and Aldie all host weekend farmers markets – a go-to for high-quality beef cuts, poultry and seasonal produce.

When it comes to souvenirs, Leesburg Premium Outlets and Dulles Town Center house all the big-name brands, while independent artisan shops in downtown districts offer more boutique designs. Lucketts in northern Loudoun is known for its antiques and Purcellville is worth digging into for thrifted treasures.

Beyond extensive choice, walkability plays a huge part in each town’s charm. Set aside a day to roam the area, then hop on a local tour bus or in your pre-rented vehicle to tick off each region in turn. Try out self-guided tours, pub crawls and scenic trails, like the paved Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park.

Balance the itinerary with a dash of culture. Loudoun County’s public art scene is second to none – colourful murals and LOVE sign sculptures decorate Lovettsville and Purcellville, while a range of open-air concerts to suit all musical tastes is set to take stage this summer at Tarara Summer Concert Series.

Downtown Leesburg features galleries, while performing art spaces immerse you in live productions, such as the 1931-built Art Deco theatre-turned-live music venue on Market Street, Tally Ho.

Whatever your energy levels, Loudoun County has an activity for all. Its picturesque playground is perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking and paddleboarding.

From the Potomac River to the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s a slate of trails for all abilities, including the world-famous Appalachian Trail. The Blue Ridge Mountains in western Loudoun claim 13 challenging miles of the trail known to hikers the world over as ‘The Rollercoaster’ for its steep ups and downs and rocky terrain. Then there’s the W&OD Trail, a scenic multi-use paved trail that’s 45 miles long and runs from urban areas just across the river from Washington, DC into the Virginia countryside where it ends in western Loudoun.

Loudoun County is a year-round destination, but its mid-year charm cannot be understated. Outdoor events are commonplace in summer, with highlights such as Polo in the Park and Loudoun County Fair, occurring in June and July. Autumn reels in new wines, apple-picking opportunities and much-awaited harvest celebrations like the Waterford Fair, Lovettsville Oktoberfest and Middleburg Film Festival.

How you spend your time in DC’s Wine Country® is one thing – where you spend it is another. The region’s natural scenery lends itself to a laid-back stay, backdropped by vineyard vistas and mountainous landscapes. Salamander Middleburg and Lansdowne Resort are two standout picks. The former offers a refined countryside escape with a Forbes Triple Five-Star hotel, spa and dining service, while the latter promises luxury hospitality, spa and golf services.

If Washington, DC’s on the agenda, DC’s Wine Country® should make the cut. With its luminous artisan treasures, farm-to-table dining and enthralling discoveries, it offers a fresh take on travel.