Nine wineries in one day!

Yesterday I spent the day visiting Northern Virginia wineries. Nine of them. Yep. You read that right. Nine!  Of course, you'd think after spending time at that many wineries, I'd be in bed this morning working off a hang-over. Nope, I'm good. Because I was the designated driver.

You see, my mother-in-law and her friends, from Pennsylvania, planned a weekend to Loudon County to visit the vineyards. They got a hotel and were even going to hire a limo to take them around. But, it was crazy expensive, so I offered to help. And it was a ton of fun!

Here's some pics from along the way!

This is Deb, Linda (my MIL), Linda and me at the Loudon Valley Vineyards.

 One of the things I like best about wineries is their beautiful landscaping and flowers!

 And so many of them are pet-friendly! Many had bowls of water and food outside for the visiting furry-friends! Although I think this guy lives at Village Vineyards!

Village Vineyards had a great-tasting nonalcoholic  drink for me - made from Elderberries and Aronia tea. Yummy!

The two above are the views outside Loudon Valley Vineyards - beautiful! I was told that the farm is a place for special needs children. This grand white house once belonged to the vineyard property, but now its been made into apartments.

The above three are views from Crushed Cellars. 

 Here's a cool use for an old window - picture frame! This is hung inside the door to The Barns.

 More ideas for crafting with corks! I do have a rather large collection waiting for something to be done with them.

 I fell in love with this chandelier!

This is a great shirt for a book club with wine-drinking ladies. Not that I would know anything about that.  

The next dozen shots are from 8 Chains North. I loved their interiors!!

 Vibrant wall colors, and amazing light fixtures!

 LOVED this gallery wall of art that was for sale! They are by artist in residence, Linda Hendrickson.

 Drooling over their mercury-glass pendants!

 If I ever have the opportunity to design a bar again, I am so going to do this!! Love the bar top over the barrels!

 This room was stunning! it's hard to see it in these photos, but their were so many of these breath-taking chandeliers! The floor had just been mopped, but it was a beautiful wood, very grey in color. I can only imagine how spectacular this must be when its decorated for a wedding!

Even their bathrooms were cool! Check them out below!

 Look at that mirror!

Reclaimed barn wood and a chandi - yes please!

 Outside was like a dog park - there were 5 pups running around!

A view of the grapes!

The next several pics are from Hunter's Run Wine Tasting Barn..

 By this point, we were working on winery #6. You can see things were starting to get a little crazy! Here Deb posed for a grape-eating shot!  

The two Linda's below opted to just hold the grapes. But I do recall my MIL telling me to sniff the the grapes!

 I had to take a photo of this huge, gorgeous bird house!

They had a cowboy theme going on!

The next several photos are from Hillsborough Vineyards. This was by far the most beautiful and scenic of them all! It sits way up on a hill and the views down into the valley were breathtaking! I could sit out there all day!

Beautiful hammered copper bowl on the wall! This is my kind of artwork!

The next set of photos are from Zephaniah Farm Vineyard. Of all the wineries we visited, this one was certainly the most interesting!! It sits on a big farm and the tastings are held in a c.1830 home, in which the owners, Bonnie and William, live. 

We were seated in the parlor - filled with amazing antiques and original woodwork. 

 Double pocket doors.

 There were historic documents, books, antique accessories and black and white photos everywhere. It truly was a feast for the eyes, and anyone interested in history would devour this place. 

 The owner, Bonnie (on the right posing with my mother-in-law, Linda) spent a good hour with us, talking about the history of this manor house. I was riveted! Especially because I had asked if the house had ghosts…low and behold…they do! Bonnie told us a story about the first family that had owned the home…and she believes it is the lady of the house, Madeline, who still walks the halls and oversees the happenings. I had goosebumps!

 Here's an article about the current owner of the home, Bonnie's husband, William Hatch. Here's a blog that gives you the history on their family. That too was fascinating.

 They had a big library, and inside was a beautiful card catalog!

 Five generations of the Hatch men.

Outside in a gorgeous stone courtyard.

Seeing and learning about Zephania was a great way to end our day. Everyone was sufficiently filled with wine, and tired from our tour. I'd love to do this again someday. Next time, I'll do a little tasting myself!

(We did also briefly stop into 868 Estate Vineyards, but they were crazy busy, and we didn't wait. Sorry no pics from that stop.)