Say ‘bye bye’ to Dry January and ‘hello’ to Loudoun County’s wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries

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Loudoun County’s Greenhill Winery & Vineyards has ten stone fire pits and sixteen propane-fueled fire pits and heaters. (Photo by Jed Gray/Greenhill Winery & Vineyards)

Filled with award-winning wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries, as well as historic towns and outstanding dining options, Loudoun County is a perfect place to visit if you are looking to forget the doldrums (no judgment) of “Dry January” or simply in need of a pandemic escape—all while staying safe and socially distanced.

Among Loudoun County’s more than 40 wineries and tasting rooms is 868 Estate & Vineyards, winner of the Virginia Wineries Association’s 2020 Governor’s Cup for its 2017 Vidal Blanc Passito. and Greenhill Winery and Vineyards, which produces a Seyval Blanc that is a personal favorite of former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Loudoun County is also home to over thirty breweries that make up the LoCo AleTrail. This guide links them all, from those located down in urban eastern Loudoun to the beer halls perched up in the mountains. Wheatland Spring Farm and Twinpanzee Brewing are two great examples of producers using local ingredients to make outstanding brews.

Beyond the grapes and hops, Loudoun County rich agricultural origins helps supply two local distilleries, including Catoctin Creek, producing Virginia’s most awarded whisky, Roundstone Rye; and a growing number of cideries anchored by producers such as Henway and Bold Rock.

Salamander Resort and Spa

For visitors looking to stay overnight in Loudoun County, there are a variety of options–ranging from the Salamander Resort and Spa, which offers 168 rooms and suites along with a new monthly wine tasting program, to the Goodstone Inn, which has 18 guest rooms and suites spread across six historic guest cottages and houses.

More information on visiting Loudoun County including a calendar of events is available at www.visitloudoun.org.

Troy Petenbrink

Troy, also known as The Gay Traveler, is a well known travel and food writer. His has been a regular contributor to a variety of outlets including National Geographic, Travel Channel, DCRefined, CBS Local, and Metro Weekly. He also appears on local Washington news outlets as a travel expert.

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