Tasting Tour of Alexandria: Sipping and Sampling Local Beer and Wine
If you are a lover of craft beer and wine, Alexandria, VA is a perfect destination for you. This Virginia city is home to various unique breweries and wineries that offer quality drinks and exceptional tasting experiences. Here are some of the top places to visit for a tasting tour of Alexandria.
Port City Brewing Company
Crafting award-winning beers since 2011, Port City Brewing is the perfect place to kick off your tasting tour of Alexandria. They have a tasting room that is open 7 days a week and features an exciting selection of handcrafted beers.
Their core lineup includes the classic Optimal Wit, a refreshing and crisp Belgian-style white ale bursting with flavors of orange, lemon, and coriander. The Monumental IPA, considered the mother of all IPAs, is another flagship beer that offers a well-balanced hop bitterness and a smooth finish.
Aside from their core lineup, Port City Brewing offers seasonal and limited release beers that you can sample in their tasting room. They also offer guided tours, where you can learn about the brewing process, the history of the brewery, and how they create exceptional beer.
The Alexandria Wineries
The city of Alexandria is home to several wineries, each with its unique story and tastings. Here are some of the best wineries you can visit on your tasting tour of Alexandria.
Paradise Springs Winery
Established in 2007, Paradise Springs Winery is a family-owned and operated winery situated in Clifton, Virginia. This winery features award-winning wines that include Chardonnay, Viognier, and Cabernet Franc.
Their tasting room, located in Old Town Alexandria, offers visitors the opportunity to sample their excellent Virginia wines and enjoy a genuine tasting experience. Paradise Springs Winery’s knowledgeable and friendly staff will take you through the nuances of wine tasting, including wine pairing and aroma identification.
Slater Run Vineyards
Slater Run Vineyards is a boutique winery situated in the heart of Virginia’s Hunt Country. Their wines are crafted from estate-grown grapes that reflect the terroir of the Piedmont region.
Their vineyard boasts a stunning landscape with magnificent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the tasting room, you get to enjoy wines that include Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Slater Run Vineyards also offers an educational wine tasting that is informative and fun.
Delaplane Cellars
If you are looking for an exceptional wine tasting experience, then Delaplane Cellars should be on your list. This winery is situated in the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country and offers a serene atmosphere and luxurious wines.
Their wines are made from grapes grown on their estate, and you can enjoy a tasting of their carefully crafted wines, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. You can also savor the delicious cheese platter paired with your wine.
Craft Cocktail Bars
For those seeking a unique cocktail experience, Alexandria offers several craft cocktail bars serving locally sourced spirits and unique concoctions.
The People’s Drug
Inspired by the historic People’s Drug store, The People’s Drug is a cocktail bar located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria. They offer an extensive list of prohibition-era cocktails and a menu of delicious bites.
Their cocktail menu includes classic favorites like the Moscow Mule and the Old Fashioned, along with their unique creations like the Green and Gold Margarita made with green chartreuse and gold flake salt.
The Majestic
Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, The Majestic is a classic American bistro that also boasts an excellent craft cocktail menu.
Their cocktail list features classics like the Sazerac and Manhattan, and their signature creation, the King Street Swizzle, a refreshing blend of rum, lime, and mint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit these breweries and wineries?
The best time to visit the breweries and wineries in Alexandria is during the off-season, which is from December to February. This period offers a less crowded experience, and you get to enjoy the tasting rooms without the tourist rush.
Are children allowed in the tasting rooms?
Most of the tasting rooms in Alexandria are family-friendly, but it is recommended that you check with individual tasting rooms to confirm their policy on children.
Do I need to make reservations for tours and tastings?
While walk-ins are welcome, it is advisable to make reservations, especially during peak seasons, to avoid waiting in line. Some of the tasting rooms offer guided tours that require advance booking.
In conclusion, Alexandria offers a unique tasting experience that will satisfy your love for craft beer and wine. The above-listed places are some of the best stops on your tasting tour of Alexandria. Whether it is enjoying the refreshing handcrafted beers at Port City Brewing Company or indulging in the luxurious wines of Delaplane Cellars, Alexandria has something for everyone.