Each spring, the Virginia Wine Festival at Wintergreen unfolds across the rolling hills of Lovingston like a call to those who seek both adventure and taste. This event offers a practical, hands-on way to engage with Virginia’s renowned wine country, where vineyard rows grow rugged yet inviting alongside forested paths that dare your curiosity. Festival goers experience more than just tasting; they navigate an environment where nature is fiercely itself, with breezes that carry hints of ripe grapes and the nearby mountain air pushing forward the excitement. The festival sits at Wintergreen Resort, a year-round outdoor destination tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains with easy access from Lovingston, 30 miles east.

Covering roughly 150 acres, the festival grounds balance activity and leisure with a blend of wines from over 30 Virginia wineries lined along trails and open fields. The terrain is gentle, friendly for casual explorers and adults looking for a manageable stroll with a practical 2-3 mile walking loop. Elevation changes are minimal—about 150 feet of gentle incline—but still enough for visitors to feel the land’s pulse. A forested perimeter shades parts of the path, offering pockets of cool refuge where birds and the rustle of leaves provide a natural soundtrack. Outdoors enthusiasts will appreciate that this is not just a wine festival but an occasion to engage with a living landscape that is changing with the seasons.

Planning your trip for mid-April to early May will catch the festival in full swing, when spring wildflowers edge the vineyard rows and the temperature typically hovers in the comfortable 60s to 70s (°F). To make the most of your visit, practical advice includes wearing supportive footwear with good grip—festival terrain includes some packed earth and occasional gravel paths—and staying hydrated to match the moderate physical activity combined with the temptations of wine sampling. Arriving mid-morning gives you a calm start before crowds build, making it easier to engage with winemakers and enjoy each sip fully. The festival often features food trucks and live music, enhancing the vibrant yet grounded atmosphere.

Whether you're here to explore varietals like Viognier and Cabernet Franc or stroll beneath the stretched arms of ancient oaks lining the resort’s scenic routes, the Virginia Wine Festival invites you to a day where flavor and fresh air intersect gracefully. Embrace the opportunity for light adventure paired with the calming effect of the countryside. Respect the environment, plan for moderate walking, and enjoy the firm handshake of Virginia’s terroir on your palate.