My creative offering for the day is a day date with Hubby and dog to the Northern Neck of Virginia to follow the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail – this weekend was wine and oysters.

Because of Hubby’s work schedule, we didn’t get going until noon so didn’t actually catch the early opening of Oakcrest, which opened at 11 am.  We got there around 1 and proceeded to do three more.  The Northern Neck is very spread out.  I didn’t even plan to try to reach the 4 that were farthest down.  If you want to do that, it’s definitely a 2 day plan.

We wound up skipping Ingleside because we know and love it already and wanted to try some wine and see other wineries.  While we did buy wine along the way, I have to say Ingleside remains our favorite.  We are members and get special wines quarterly.  They have a wonderful outdoor space, and can accommodate LOTs of people which is good because when they have their monthly music and food days, the place is packed.

Every one of the places we went were small and dog friendly which made it way easier on Gracies who was none too happy to have to ride in the car all day.  That said, she would have hated being home alone more so she came along for a full day out and did very well.

Oakcrest Vineyard and Winery.  Small – not really good places to sit – we were outside with yellow jackets and wasps (that time of year) but the people running the place were absolutely delightful and gave me treats for Gracie.  Best fried oysters.

General’s Ridge Vineyard:  they appear to support local artists, with lots of art hung around an open room with plenty of tables.  Delicious dip!

Gracie in my lap at General’s Ridge

Vault Field Winery – we bought the most wine here:  reds from 2008, 2009 and 2010.  No place to sit – just a tasting bar.

Belle Mount Vineyard:  shabby around the edges, fruit flies layered in the throw away pitcher, on 4 wines to taste but if you bought oysters they waived the tasting fee (good thing).  Fried oysters were okay.  Hubby enjoyed his broiled oysters.  Table was not wiped down.  Fire was really nice.  It was not busy so there really was no excuse for the table.  Or the fruit flies.  That was not a one day infestation.

Of course they all closed at 5pm because it’s dark by then.  Thank goodness for GPS because these wineries are all out in the boonies down long winding roads I’ve never been on before.  I wonder how anyone found them before GPS.

Lovely day.  Creative in the adventure of find and trying new wineries.  Hope you enjoy vicariously.