"What does the fox say?" The drinks were great and the Original Rye was our favorite. We were too…read morelate today, and they were all booked for tours through the New Year, but the staff let us down easy and were super kind and helpful. The space is quite wooden and quaint. The sho has great finds as well. Loved the socks! Cheers!

Stars are subjective. And what I mean is that context is everything. There is a level of love and…read morepassion for the process here that was palpable. You tasted it in the drinks. The people who worked there, served you as an expression of their love for their brand. And if you judged the rustic & relaxed space by appearances only, you'd be missing the things that matter most: passion for the art, for the process, for the end product. There's nothing overly fancy at Copper Fox - just a lot of love. And love wins, every time.

My first-ever winery visit was to Summer Wind Winery, and it was everything I hoped it would be…read more I've always wanted to do something like this, and when my relatives came to town looking for something chill but vibey, my Uncle Daryl found the perfect spot. Even the ride there set the tone it was scenic & peaceful, and full of wide-open fields that felt like a refreshing change. It was the kind of drive that makes you slow down and just enjoy the moment. Once we arrived, the winery itself was stunning bold, beautiful. The wine selection was impressive, and I loved getting to explore different flavors. I figured out which wines I enjoy most, which ones aren't for me, and felt like I had a truly immersive first-time tasting experience. The staff at Summer Wind were amazing knowledgeable, friendly, and patient in answering my questions. Although I didn't get to order food this time, I saw plates coming out of the kitchen that looked absolutely delicious, so that's definitely on my list for next visit. I enjoyed myself so much that I'd love to make this a yearly tradition around this time of year. Summer Wind Winery gave me not just great wine, but a great memory, and I'll absolutely be back.

We visited SWV on a Saturday afternoon. The vineyard has beautiful views. Upon arrival, we were…read morecheerfully welcomed by the staff and presented with flight options. The pear sangria was refreshing. SWV offers a variety of food options which SWV freshly prepares upon ordering. SWV has indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor patio is adorned with colorful umbrellas, tables and chairs with spectacular nature views. The indoor seating is adjacent to the tasting room and well air conditioned. We enjoyed the wine & food at SWV and recommend that you visit SWV for an enjoyable wine tasting experience.

We went to the winery on a chilly and rainy Sunday. The winery is beautiful and picturesque. We…read morewent in for a "sweet" tasting. However, there was nothing sweet about the wines. The young lady assisting us was very sweet and pleasant. She acknowledged sweet wines are really not in their wheel house. We planned to enjoy lunch and a few bottles at the winery. But we had to adjust and make other plans. If you are lover of dry wines, you will love this winery. For sweet wine lovers, enjoy the scenery.

First time visiting and loved it! Came in on a Sunday and it was fairly busy but the line went…read morefast. There was open indoor and outdoor seating. The winery definitely had that colonial ambiance which was fitting for the merchant square area. Me and my friend split the semi sweet wine flight and thought it was a great way to try the different wine selections. They also have military discount which I appreciated!

Came here for a girls wine tasting. Jolene Family Winery is located in Kent County, VA, about a 40…read moreminute drive from Richmond. The winery is situated by a river. There was parking available, but if you come late, you may have difficulty finding a spot. We entered the building and proceeded to the counter to check out what they offered. The staff were pleasant and patient in explaining the various wines and other beverages they offered. The ambiance was chill, as we had visited on a Saturday which also included a food truck onsite and live music. We settled on the nine-sample tasting which was only $20, a great deal in our opinion. It consisted of 3 whites, 1 rose, 4 reds, and one tasting at the end that we could choose the flavor: raspberry or peach; some chose raspberry some peach. There was plenty of seating inside and outside. There was an outdoor covering, in the event of inclement weather, which also housed a fire hearth, good for a fire roaring chilly night of wine tasting. There were also outside open seating with tables. We also noted that folks were bringing their own chairs, which was a good move given that the crowd grew the longer we were there. Our tasting was nice: we were given a metal tray that held our tastings with a paper under that identified each wine and also given a paper with a description of the notes of each wine. It was mix of dry and sweet red and white blends, which was good. We all had a favorite with one clear winner: the last peach wine of the tasting! You could also purchase wine by the glass, bottle, or to go, in addition to wine slushes. They also had snacks such as cheese, crackers, dried meats, perfect for making your own charcuterie board to nibble on with your wine. There were also folks who brought their own snacks. The food truck on site was Cousin's Main Lobster specializing in all things lobster. They had the traditional lobster roll, lobster grilled cheese, lobster quesadilla , lobster tacos, lobster bisque, etc. We ordered the traditional lobster roll with mayo (they also had one with garlic butter and one with Parmesan), lobster quesadilla, lobster tacos, and shrimp tacos. The food was ok, nothing stood out overall. The seafood was fresh and did lack seasoning, but overall, good. The winery also had local artisan items for sale such as jewelry, t-shirts, wine glasses, throw pillows, etc. We also saw that this was a family and dog-friendly winery as there were plenty of both there. The winery overlooked a lake, which was picture perfect. There was a duo playing music under an outside pavilion stage. All in all, a great afternoon sipping wine with friends and family.

Took a random trip to Jolene's while trying to figure out how to spend a day with nice weather and…read moreit definitely didn't disappoint. Ended up trying different wine flights and they had a lot of options that I definitely enjoyed. They occasionally have live music, and it sits right on the lake, which is definitely a nice way to spend the day. Ended up coming back with my mother and she loved the place Everyone was so nice and knowledgeable and I definitely felt right at home. Definitely think this is a good spot if you're looking for something chill to do on a nice day.

A fun stop! Lots of seating areas which made it nice to spread out. Live music some weekends…read morewhich was really nice. The wines are good and the food selection is plentiful. The baked Brie was our favorite! It wasn't crowded so it wasn't bad going inside to order but when crowded it might be a pain. The staff were very friendly and welcoming!

Review for New Kent Winery - Where Vines Meet Vibes…read more We popped into New Kent Winery one sunny afternoon while cruising down to Virginia Beach -- because what's a road trip without a little wine country detour, am I right? This place? Massive. Immaculate. It's giving modern farmhouse chic meets Napa-lite. Think soaring ceilings, airy spaces, and a patio that overlooks the vineyards like it was built for sipping and Instagramming. If your aesthetic is "refined with a hint of rosé," you'll be right at home. They've got a monster wine list -- obviously -- but plot twist: they also brew their own beer(Talleysville Brewery). So, if you're rolling in with someone who's more hops than grapes, they're covered too. The food menu is small but mighty -- just enough to keep your buzz from turning into a dizzy spell. We ordered the spinach dip with tortilla chips (creamy, garlicky, devourable) and paired it with a flight of four beers: * Cerveza con Limón y Sal - A crisp Mexican lager with zesty citrus vibes. Summer in a glass. * Old Church Vienna Lager - Malty, slightly sweet, with a bit of a bitter bite. A polite handshake of a beer. * Double Cut IPA (Galaxy & El Dorado) - Hoppy, punchy, and packing that metallic aftertaste my wife adores (I'm still working on liking it). * Black Knight Stout - A dark and brooding Irish stout with Bugle Call coffee. Basically, an espresso martini's beer cousin who rides a motorcycle. Service? Smooth, friendly, and on top of it. No complaints there. Overall, New Kent is the kind of place that makes you say, "Wait, why don't we stop here more often?" Whether you're in it for the views, the vibes, or a good pour, it delivers.

My friend invited me out to Crystal Palate for a wine tasting on a Wednesday and I couldn't wait to…read morestop in. As a wine lover, I love trying new places where I can indulge in a variety of different wines. I was pleasantly greeted as soon as I walked in and I couldn't help but notice how beautiful this place was. They not only offer an assortment of wine, but also a variety of crackers, cheeses, olives, honey and other treats as well. We were offered a sample of the Sage Derby Cheese and it was so good, I bought two lol. Once everyone arrived, we went into the Wine Tasting Room to learn about the wines of the Pacific Northwest and to sample wines from that region. The class was very educational and I learned quite a few things. For example, Cabernet Franc is the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, which is my favorite wine. Once the tasting wrapped up, we were able to socialize with the group and the staff. We inquired about the membership and they even shared that they offer opportunities to wine school as well. Overall, I had the best time at Crystal Palate! The staff were extremely personable and the wines were great! Wine Wednesday EDUtastings are a great way to learn about different wines from specific regions so definitely stop in if you are a wine lover like myself! You will not be disappointed!!!

Okay... I officially have a new favorite spot, and it's Crystal Palate…read more At this point, my Wednesdays might as well be reserved because their wine tastings are THAT good. Each week they feature a different region and really take you on a full deep dive -- this week was the Pacific Northwest, and between the four wine samples and the education behind each one, I left feeling like I actually learned something (while still having a great time, of course). I brought a friend with me this time -- the same one who originally introduced me to Cooper's Hawk -- so it felt a little full circle being able to put her onto a place for once. And let me just say... she was impressed. Like, immediately texting people about it impressed. Now let's talk about that in-house herb cheddar. I don't even remember exactly what herbs were in it, but I DO know it was so good I had to buy some to take home... and my friend liked it so much she bought two. That should tell you everything you need to know. What really sets Crystal Palate apart though is that it's not just a tasting -- it's an experience. They offer classes, events, and even certification programs if you want to really get into wine and learn how to educate others. You can tell they genuinely love what they do, and it shows in every part of the experience. Honestly, I loved it so much I even asked if they were hiring -- that's how you know it's real. Great wine, great atmosphere, great energy... this place is a whole vibe. So if you're wondering where I'll be on Wednesday nights... you can find me and Lexi right here at Crystal Palate

We had been on the road and thought it might be good to have a leisurely lunch - Ashton Creek for…read morethe bill! We enjoyed a lovely rose' with our food - benefit of lunch @ a winery. I had fried chicken & frites - the chicken was crispy & flavorful outside and moist on the inside. I didn't really depict the honey - but didn't miss it till almost done. Wayne had the burger - made with lamb & topped with cheddar cheese & bacon. Service is always at the bar, but quick & efficient. We sat by a window and took our time with lunch. So nice.

Living in Richmond, it was a treat to make a short drive to the southside to Chester to visit…read moreAshton Creek! The grounds were well maintained and the outdoor seating was nice, pretty views of the vineyards. The inside was rather plain, but nice, it would be better with some wine themed decor, a bit industrial for my taste. The restrooms were clean and had unique fixtures. Our service was super quick and the folks there were friendly and informative! We all ordered various flights of wine to try. I ordered the Lady May Rosé, the Ta Ta Tannat Rosé and the Lori Ann Cab Franc, which were all lovely. I do prefer the rosé blends. We also ordered the charcuterie board and it was huge and full of meats, cheeses, crostini, fruits, and various chutneys. It was marvelous. We also devoured the massive Bavarian pretzel with cheese and mustard dips. The menu also offered salads, tacos, sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts. The food was excellent and went well with our wine flights! I'd like to go back and try some of their whites and more reds!! The prices were very reasonable and we went home with several bottles of wine!!

Went out here to support the VHS band and it was a great reminder to why we enjoy this place. First…read moreoff, the band - always amazing :) Second, what a venue. Coming out here and I loved the fact that they were sooo supportive of our daughter coming with us. It was a full house and they were still able to be accommodating. With our daughter, it gets tough b/c they couldn't sit us at the bar. They talked with a couple at the sofa area and they were super cool with us being close by. Between the super awesome old fashioned and wine they gave us, I loved how creative and unique they are with their menu. Overall, this place is such a win. We look forward to our next visit! Food Taste: 5 Overall Service: 5 Value of food to cost: 4 Facility: 5 Ambiance: Small facility that is simple, yet tasteful. Repeat customer: yes Dog Friendly: no

Great experience here - I happened to be in town visiting and this was across the street from my…read morehotel - from the time I walked in I felt very welcomed - I was handed a menu and given the low down on how the tastings work - I decided to go with a glass of wine - I ended up meeting some folks and the bar and just hung out - it's really a cute set up - huge bar - plenty of tables a sitting area with couches - it's also really clean - they also offer a small food menu but I didn't eat anything this visit

We were on a Filipino food crawl and needed a break and decided to stop in at the Winery. We love…read morewineries and look for opportunities to visit new ones. We were the only patrons for much of our visit. My birthday daughter and I ordered wine sample flights and chatted up the owner. Wife shopped the gift area and picked out a nice bauble. The good: the owner was very engaging and told us about the wines (and wine slushies) they offer. We asked where the grapes came from and she explained that some came from Chile, some from California (I believe) and other places, and that she blends them here. (This would be expected with no attached vineyard.) The place was very clean, and the restrooms were easily accessible and spacious. The price of the flights was a mere $5 for six communion cup sized samples -- you choose 6 of I guess 12 - 15. Mulled wine is a welcome option on a winter day. The disappointing: While there is a good assortment of wines, and many were on the good side of okay, none stood out and said BUY A BOTTLE OF ME. The fruity sweet wines were VERY sweet, not really good for dessert wine or sipping. (Sorry.) But again, the reds especially were drinkable and pleasant. Verdict: a good stop if you need a break and a glass or two to go with your conversation. Just don't set expectations too high and you'll be fine.

Virginia Beach Winery is not my typical winery as I'm use to visiting but definitely worth the…read morevisit. The winery had a vintage style. Maria the owner was such a doll. Wine is made on site in the distillery and she has been in business for 8 years. We visited on a Saturday and there was a couple of vendors on site selling merchandise. 5 bucks for 6 samples is definitely reasonable. We indulged in the fruit infused wines, draft wines and slushies. I must say the draft wines were delicious and I wished those were bottled so I could have brought them home. All in all great places and would definitely stop in again.