A Flavor-Fueled Experience
Discover why Virginia is one of the country’s most exciting, emerging wine and food destinations. Charlottesville, Virginia, and its surrounding Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) was named Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year. Together with neighboring Shenandoah Valley AVA, the foothills and peaks of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains are bursting with innovative wineries and exceptional food.
Over five immersive days, you’ll explore world-class wines and indulge in reimagined Southern cuisine from contemporary chefs who are elevating local flavors to new heights. This is an unforgettable blend of a progressive wine culture, an exceptional culinary scene, and inspiring connections.
As we wind through the breathtaking fall landscapes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll dive deep into the region’s unique terroir. Get ready for private wine tastings at award-winning wineries, and prepare for an unforgettable experience as you venture into a private cave, where you'll discover how the ancient rock and soil layers shape the extraordinary flavors of the grapes. We’ll indulge in farm-to-table dining, savoring the freshest, most vibrant dishes sourced straight from the land.
This tour offers an intimate, community-driven experience, where every pour and every plate sparks meaningful connections, celebrating the rich and evolving story of Virginia’s wine and food culture.
Pricing
$3,545 per person (Double Occupancy)
$3,725 per person (Single Occupancy)
Activity Level
Light-Moderate
Hotel Grade
Premium Services
🍷 Be guided by a renowned sommelier and taste Virginia wines that beautifully marry tradition with innovation
🍇 Delve into the science of winemaking (enology) and learn how Virginia viticulturalists are adapting to climate change
👩🏽🍳 Enjoy reimagined Virginian dishes that blend modern techniques with historically-honored flavors, crafted by acclaimed chefs, both well-recognized and rising stars
✨ Connect with Black change-makers and influential women in Virginia's wine industry
🌱 Meet those who tend the vines, the winemakers themselves, and visionary industry leaders shaping the future of Virginia’s wine and food scene
Along the way, you’ll:
Trip Host
Meet Erin Scala, a Virginia-based sommelier, owner of Market Street Wine in Charlottesville, VA, celebrated for her deep expertise in wines, from their science and history to their global influence. With her passion and knowledge, she’ll guide you through an unforgettable journey into the flavors, history, and culture that make Virginia’s wine and food scene truly one-of-a-kind.
Erin Scala: Sommelier
A Special Dinner with
Dr. Leni Sorenson: Food Scholar, Speaker, and Culinary Historian
Dr. Leni Sorenson is a renowned culinary historian, food educator, and passionate advocate for African American culinary traditions. With decades of experience preserving the rich history of food in the African diaspora, she continues to study and teach historical recipes, regional culinary practices, and the cultural significance of food. Focusing on farm-to-table practices, Dr. Sorenson grows fresh ingredients on her personal farm and hosts private dinner parties with the delicious harvest. A sought-after culinary historian, she’s appeared on prestigious shows like High on the Hog (Netflix) and Finding Edna Lewis (PBS), the latter recently winning an Emmy. Join her for an unforgettable history dinner on the Roots & Renaissance tour, where you’ll laugh, learn, and savor a culinary journey that connects Virginia’s past with its vibrant present.
- All activities and sightseeing listed
- 4Stars + accommodations
- Coach bus transportation
- All group meals and wine tastings
- Gratuities for meals only (please tip guides, bus drivers, and staff as you feel is deserved. It’s very appreciated!)
- Expert guides and local hosts at stop
- Small group experience for personalized attention
- Personal activities, transportation sightseeing not listed in the itinerary
- Flights and transportation to and from the begining and end of trip
- All non-group meals, tastings, and beverages
- Expenses of a personal nature (e.g., cabs, laundry, room service, etc.)
- Travel insurance (encouraged but optional)
- Medical expenses
- Costs related to trip interruptions or changes due to weather, travel conditions, civil unrest, medical emergencies, or other factors beyond our control
Go Beneath the Surface
A Private Wine Tasting in a Cave
Step underground into a world where history drips from ancient stone and every sip tells a story. Our exclusive cave wine tasting is a one-of-a-kind experience set deep within Shenandoah’s hidden chambers. Your private guide will uncover how different minerals and layers of earth shape the very grapes that make your wine. From bold reds to crisp whites. Surrounded by glowing rock formations and softly lit caverns, you'll enjoy a curated tasting of flavorful Virginia wines, in a setting that feels nothing short of magical. It's quiet. It’s cool. It’s unforgettable. Let the natural acoustics and rich notes of each pour transport you to a place where time slows down and the senses take over.
A Spotlight
We'll visit bustling incubators for wine and culinary entrepreneurs. These shared-use spaces are dedicated to nurturing small businesses by offering commercial-grade equipment, mentorship, and business consulting. Focused on fostering equity, they provide the resources and opportunities needed to turn dreams into reality, opening doors for a new generation of innovative food and wine makers.
A Peek Inside the Trip
Award Winning Wineries
Along the way, we'll stop at a couple of award-winning wineries that are part of the Monticello Wine Trail, including Early Mountain Vineyard.
Nestled in the heart of Virginia's wine country, Early Mountain is celebrated for its exceptional wines, elevated cuisine, and stunning views. This special evening blends a vineyard tour, an in-depth private wine tasting, and a special Halloween dinner celebration! We'll have seasonal dishes, and festive Halloween vibes for a truly memorable experience.
It’s a perfect way to toast the harvest season, while immersing yourself in the rich culture and flavors of Virginia’s vineyards.
Highlights
Highlights
On Black and women-owned
organizations
Including: Early Mountain Vineyards
More Details
