The phrase journey often doesn’t come to thoughts whenever you consider wine tasting. You know the way you often simply drive as much as a vineyard in a automobile? So boring. What if you happen to may kayak as much as a vineyard whereas taking in some beautiful views? Nicely, on Virginia’s stunning 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 a stupendous day paddling on the Chesapeake Bay after which cease alongside the best way 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 the direction of Church Creek taking within the pure surrounding magnificence, recognizing Japanese Shore wildlife and listening to some attention-grabbing tales concerning the space.
Whenever 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 power.
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 spite of everything that paddling you deserve it. After you’ve completed your wine you’ll get again in your kayak and paddle your manner 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 December. Superior reservations by Southeast Expeditions are required. To e-book a “Paddle Your Glass Off” kayak and wine tour or to only study a little 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 concerning 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 circumstances 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 highway surrounded by beautiful grape vines. On the finish of that highway, you possibly can’t assist however discover a stupendous 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 good friend of the American Revolution. The property additionally comprises historic outbuildings, barns and two early 1900s properties on the property which were lately renovated. One of many properties, a 1915 farmhouse is a 3 bed room 2 baths accessible for visitors to hire. 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 Each day from 10 am to five pm (April – December)
Closed on Tuesday & Wednesdays (January – March)
Tasting Charge: $5/particular person
