Sometimes guests ask what they can do once they feel they have seen all there is to see in Appomattox. If they’re not in the mood for the bigger city of Lynchburg or furniture shopping in Farmville, Mama will get this faraway look in her eye and tell them about the Nelson 151 Corridor. “Just an hour north of here lies this magical land of flowing amber and ruby”, she’ll say, “have a glass for me.” Apparently what they serve up there is not good for growing babies….or for four year olds, which is why you’ll have to take her word on this one.

Whether your beverage of choice is wine, beer or something stronger, this is absolutely the day trip for you. With seven wineries, four breweries, two cideries and two distilleries from which to choose, you will find more than enough to fill your day with boozy delights. Coupled with gorgeous vistas, wonderful lunch spots and various events throughout the year, Nelson 151 is a must-see on your central Virginia itinerary.

Rebec Vineyards and Lazy Days Winery are located in Amherst County between the Inn and Nelson County. Rebec is well-known for it’s annual Wine & Garlic Festival, held mid-October at the Vineyard. They carry many familiar varietals, including the state grape of Virginia Viogner, as well as fruit wines and a particularly interesting herb-infused wine called Sweet Sofia, an old Bulgarian recipe. Lazy Days carries a wide variety as well, including two that we just added to our Virginia Wine List, the Petit Manseng and Cabernet Sauvignon. Look for Sangria Saturday two times a month and enjoy live music with local musicians.

Once you reach Nelson County, a bountiful terrior rolls out before you. Stop by Afton Mountain Vineyards for a small selection of award-winning old world varietals. Open year-round and offering light fare, their tasting room is nestled in some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery has been family-owned and -operated since 1985. Their winemaker enjoys being creative with blends like Cabernet Franc and Viogner or Chardonnay and hops, as well as letting quality grapes speak for themselves in more traditional wines.

Flying Fox Vineyard is open all year long and is pet-friendly! With two separate vineyards to grow the best red and white grapes Virginia can produce, they offer a series of eight premium wines every year, a mix of varietals and blends. As you might imagine, Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery specializes in fruit wines, not including grapes. You can also taste several different varieties of mead here as well. Boasting a stunning tasting room, Veritas Vineyards believes “In wine, there is truth” and a truly spectacular selection is what they offer to you. Stop in any day of the week to experience the views, the wine, the hospitality.

Two of the breweries along the Nelson 151 Corridor have also recently joined our growing list of Virginia offerings, Blue Mountain Kolsch and Devil’s Backbone Vienna Lager. Blue Mountain was the first brewery to open its doors in Nelson County in 2007 and anticipates production to reach 10,000 barrels this year. Devil’s Backbone has a wide variety of beers including several imperial stouts. They are constantly adding amenities to their grounds in order to serve you better during your visit. Wild Wolf Brewing Company, Virginia’s Green Brewery of the Year, has a variety of settings on-site where their beer selections can be enjoyed. Have a Blonde Hunny on the patio or a Primal Instinct IPA in the bar, whatever suits your fancy. The experience at Woodridge Farm Brewery is unlike any other. They farm everything they use, from grains and hops to cattle for the burgers they sell.  Their wide beer selection and gorgeous tasting room is definitely worth a stop. All of the breweries have great food offerings as well.

If you think you enjoy Bold Rock cider out of a bottle, you are in for a treat at their tasting room. Fresh cider off the tap including seasonal varieties is one of the most refreshing things to be had. Their India Pressed Apple is one of our local favorites and was just recently added to our menu. Another nearby cidery is Blue Toad. With a second location in Rochester, NY, they use only New York or Virginia apples, blending unique styles and flavors.

Silverback Distillery is open five days a week and eager to share their spirits with you! Currently offering multiple award-winning vodka, gin and rye whiskeys, they are pioneers in green distillation technology and 100% “grain to glass”. The Virginia Distillery Company started in 2011 and combines old world techniques with the environment and resources of Virginia to produce a superior American Single Malt Whisky. They offer tastings seven days a week with either cocktails or straight pours.

I do believe I may have left out a few, but I think this should be enough to keep you busy for a day. I hope that you will take advantage of this treasure the next time you come to visit us. Until then!