“Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music played out of doors by somebody I do not know.”
John Keats
The magic of a summer night with good company, food, music, and wine, is a pleasure that many poets and authors have attempted to capture in words. Politicians and presidents, the poets and potters, they all know the wonder of these simple pleasures. The best part of this luxury is that anyone can enjoy it and Williamsburg, Virginia has much to offer in the way of good company, food, music, and, of course, wine.
There are quite a few wine events taking place in Williamsburg this June! We’ve compiled a list of the best events taking place at The Williamsburg Winery, Busch Gardens, and Colonial Williamsburg.
The Williamsburg Winery
Uncorked & Unplugged June 12th, 2016 (1:00-5:00pm)
An afternoon of relaxing, sipping wine with friends, and listening to some great acoustic music in an intimate setting. The concert will be set in the middle of 320 acres of the beautiful Williamsburg Winery property, a unique find in the Williamsburg area. Each ticket comes with a complimentary wine glass. The artists set to perform are Rachel Platten, Simple Plan, Marianna’s Trench, Ben Rector, and Lost Element. Tickets required.
Last year, this event was packed! Don’t miss out on this fun afternoon!
Summer Solstice Celebration – June 17th, 2016 (6:30-9:30pm)
If you’re looking for an evening party a la “The Great Gatsby”, look no further than the Summer Solstice Celebration at the Williamsburg Winery! All the elegance and charm of a 1920s lawn dinner party in the heart of the Wessex Hundred Estate. Enjoy incredible local and responsible seafood prepared by the executive chef of Wessex Hundred. The winery will be releasing a new vintage, “A Midsummer’s Night Wine”, as well as raising awareness for ocean conservation. Tickets required.
This is a great excuse to break out your white and gold cocktail attire and enjoy an evening of elegant luxury.
Spirit of Norfolk presents “Wine Down Wednesdays” June 22nd, 2016 (6:30-930pm)
A coastal town, such as Williamsburg, Virginia, has some wonderful romantic boat tours, but this cruise is a real treat! A progressive dinner cruise with wine pairings done by the Williamsburg Winery all aboard the Spirit of Norfolk cruise boat, need we say more? The meal includes five-courses and 6 different complimentary wines. In addition to the meal, wine commentary will be provided by award winning winemaker of the Williamsburg Winery, Matthew G. R. Meyer. Reservations required.
This is definitely a special evening not to be missed!
For more information, menu and wine selections, or to purchase tickets,
click here.
Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival
May 27th – June 26th, 2016 (Friday, Saturday, Sundays ONLY)
Break out your Instagram and release your inner foodie! Take a tasty tour, sampling food and wine from all over the globe, without leaving the comfort of Busch Gardens! Country themed booths are set up throughout the park and offer special menus as well as recipe ideas to take home. Every evening, live musicians perform. All of this takes place in the park itself, giving you access to all the great attractions included with your admission tickets. A great value! Admission tickets required.
Two additional attractions held during the Food & Wine festival are Wine on the Rhine and Date Night on the Rhine. These are two river cruises offered inside the park. Wine on the Rhine is a daytime cruise, friendly for the whole family. Date Night on the Rhine is an evening cruise for 21+, including wine, cheese sampling, and chocolate truffles! Additional tickets required.
Food & Wine festival dates are limited to the weekends.
For more event information, allergen information, and ticket purchase, click here.
Colonial Williamsburg presents…Wine, Wit, & Wisdom
Offered Every Saturday at 2:00pm
Who said summer school had to be a bad thing? The Wine, Wit, and Wisdom class at the Williamsburg Lodge is taught by beloved wine and food connoisseurs, sommelier Charles Birr and executive chef Rhys Lewis. The class is supposed to run 90 minutes, but leave at least 2 hours. This class often goes long, as the experts show their passion for food and wine. All dishes are crafted on the spot and the pairings of the wine are complemented by the witty banter of the two chefs. An absolute gem in the heart of historic Colonial Williamsburg.
The Williamsburg Lodge boasts a hefty 4 stars and has seen many celebrities walk through her doors (yes, even Queen Elizabeth herself!). The class takes place at 2 p.m. on Saturdays in the dining room of the Williamsburg Lodge. Reservations are required.