The phrase journey normally doesn’t come to thoughts once you consider wine tasting. You know the way you normally simply drive as much as a vineyard in a automotive? So boring. What for those who may kayak as much as a vineyard whereas taking in some beautiful views? Properly, on Virginia’s lovely and quaint Japanese Shore you possibly can.
So what is that this kayak and wine journey all about?
“Paddle Your Glass Off” is a guided kayak and wine tour hosted by an organization referred to as Southeast Expeditions in partnership with Chatham vineyards. You’ll spend an attractive day paddling on the Chesapeake Bay after which cease alongside the way in which for a glass (or two) of award-winning Church Creek wine at Chatham Vineyards and Vineyard. How superior does that sound?
The tour begins on the banks of Nassawadox Creek within the distant village of Bayford, VA. After a mini paddling lesson, you’ll journey south in direction of Church Creek taking within the pure surrounding magnificence, recognizing Japanese Shore wildlife and listening to some attention-grabbing tales in regards to the space.
Once you arrive on the shores of Chatham Vineyards, you’ll pull your kayak on land after which head over to Chatham’s tasting room for some scrumptious Church Creek wine and a behind-the-scenes tour of the ability.
After the wine tasting, you possibly can calm down for a bit at one of many tables overlooking the winery whereas having fun with your wine. Native cheese and bread plates are additionally accessible. In any case that paddling you deserve it. After you’ve completed your wine you’ll get again in your kayak and paddle your approach again to the place you began your journey.
The tour is $89 per paddler which incorporates the information, boat, gear and Chatham vineyard expertise. Plus you get a complimentary bottle of wine for each two paddlers! First-time kayakers are welcome and inspired.
Wine and kayak excursions run day by day from March by means of December. Superior reservations by means of Southeast Expeditions are required. To guide a “Paddle Your Glass Off” kayak and wine tour or to only be taught a bit extra go to their web site SoutheastExpeditions.com
How Did Chatham Vineyards and Vineyard Begin?
Owned and operated by Jon Wehner and his spouse, Mills, Chatham has been a working farm for over 4 centuries. A second-generation winegrower Jon discovered in regards to the artwork of rising grapes from his mother and father who operated Nice Falls Winery in Nice Falls, Virginia for over thirty years. Since 1999, greater than twenty acres of French vinifera varietals have been planted together with Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. The vineyard was constructed in 2005 and at present produces between 3,000 to five,000 instances yearly.
What’s The Historical past Behind Chatham?
The land at Chatham Vineyards lies alongside Church Creek which was patented again in 1640 and has been a working farm for over 4 centuries. Driving into Chatham vineyard you’re taken down a protracted filth street surrounded by beautiful grape vines. On the finish of that street, you possibly can’t assist however discover an attractive Federal-period brick home referred to as Chatham that was inbuilt 1818 by a person named Main Scarborough Pitts. It was named for William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham and pal of the American Revolution. The property additionally comprises historic outbuildings, barns and two early 1900s houses on the property which have been lately renovated. One of many houses, a 1915 farmhouse is a 3 bed room 2 baths accessible for friends to lease. It will make the right retreat for a calming and romantic Japanese Shore getaway.
If want to skip the journey and head straight to the wine tasting go to….
Chatham Vineyards & Vineyard
chathamvineyards.com
9232 Chatham Rd, Machipongo, VA 23405
(757) 678-5588
Hours
Open Day by day from 10 am to five pm (April – December)
Closed on Tuesday & Wednesdays (January – March)
Tasting Charge: $5/particular person