Lakeside Wine Tasting with Chef Martines on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Perched on the edge of a quiet mountain lake off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford, Virginia, Wine Tasting, September 11th offers an evening that pairs regional vintages with shoreline views and seasonal plates. The event gathers small groups for a focused tasting of five hand-selected wines sourced from nearby vineyards, each matched to Chef Martines’s savory and seasonal dishes prepared lakeside. Over roughly two hours you move through varietals that emphasize the region’s cool-climate acidity and Appalachian terroir while watching late-afternoon light flood the water. The setting is as much a draw as the pours: the event address sits along Blue Ridge Parkway and overlooks a broad, reflective reservoir edged by oak and maple, with low granite outcrops framing long sightlines across the water. Expect the quiet chirp of songbirds, occasional raptor thermals overhead, and the muted sound of water lapping a pebbled shore. These natural elements give the tasting a low-key, outdoor wine-room feel that’s hard to replicate in town tasting rooms. Chef Martines builds plates to clarify each wine’s character—think bright, herb-forward small plates for crisper whites and richer, roasted components for fuller reds. The focus on five curated wines keeps the pace conversational and educational rather than overwhelming, making this a good pick for both curious beginners and seasoned tasters who want to contrast local expressions in a scenic setting. Logistics are straightforward: the tasting lasts about two to two-and-a-half hours, and gratuity is not included. Because seating is lakeside and semi-outdoor, dress for the weather and bring layers; wind off the lake can be brisk even in late summer. The experience also serves as an easy add-on to a Blue Ridge Parkway drive or a weekend stay in Bedford, where local inns and country B&Bs make practical bases for morning hikes or waterfall runs. Plan to arrive at 85554 Blue Rdg Pkwy, Bedford, VA 24523 at least 15 minutes early to find parking and claim lakeside seating. The venue’s semi-open layout means limited shelter—bring a light rain layer if forecast calls for showers. Cell service can be spotty along the Parkway, so download any reservation confirmation or the FareHarbor booking page to your phone beforehand. If you have dietary restrictions, contact the organizers ahead of time with questions. This event stands out because it blends culinary craft, regional wine storytelling, and careful attention to place: vineyards, lake, and a chef’s small-plate choreography. It’s an evening that reads like an outdoor tasting room—intentional pours, thoughtful pairings, and a view that encourages a slower pace. Whether you’re celebrating a special date, scouting regional wines, or simply looking for a refined outdoor evening, the September 11th tasting is a neatly composed way to experience Virginia’s growing wine culture.