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As we gradually begin to reopen, our family was looking for something to do on a beautiful late spring Sunday.  Since we have only recently moved into a phase where anything is open, that means you have to plan ahead and make reservations virtually everywhere.  Fortunately for us, Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg is one of the few places that does not require a reservation.  So, off we went to give it a try.

Located just west of the Village of Aldie on Route 50 in Loudoun County, Virginia is Cana Vineyards and Winery (and also a few other wineries).  This winery is family friendly and also allows dogs.  Many wineries in Virginia do not allow children or dogs, so obviously for TripsWithKevin this is important.

We turned off of Route 50 onto the dirt road that leads past the vineyard and to the building and parking area at the top of the hill.  As we drove up the small road through the green of the vines and trees you could feel a sense of calm in the car.  When we arrived at exactly opening time there were, to our surprise, only four other cars.  It wasn’t long before everyone else arrived though.

We checked in and found a seat in the open field.  All of the tables have been spaced REALLY far apart allowing you a lot of space for your party.  Our children immediately wanted to lay our blanket down and begin eating their lunch.

The outdoor pavilion at Cana Vineyards and Winery

The children enjoying their lunch next to our picnic table

Wineries have become a favorite our ours late in life.  The children (8 & 11) enjoy the space and freedom that they provide (although that is curtailed due to COVID 19 at present), and Sarah and I enjoy being able to sit peacefully and enjoy the scenery and the outdoors.

Wineries typically offer wine tastings with the hope that you will then purchase some of their wine.  For the time being however, this is not being done (also, wineries are using plastic cups so we brought wine glasses from home).  To replace tastings many wineries are offering flights, with printed notes on the wines in your flight.  Sarah and I each chose a different flight and the descriptions were spot on!  After our tasting flights, we bought a bottle of Rkatsiteli and settled in for the afternoon.

Tasting Flight B

Tasting Flight A

Our bottle waiting to be opened

Cana did a wonderful job reopening.  Despite the obvious changes that have to made due to the virus, the team at Cana made everything feel relaxed and enjoyable.  The property was beautiful and well maintained as well.  We also enjoyed that some of the workers were working in the vineyard, something that we have not seen on other vineyard visits.  Even using the (very clean) restroom was simple and not stressful.

Covered tables next to the vineyard

The view from our picnic table

The vines

I suspect that we will visit more wineries this summer as travel is largely curtailed.  I am pleased to say that Cana left a good impression on everyone in the TripsWithKevin family and I expect we will return in the near future.  We recommend this place to anyone looking for a peaceful place, in a beautiful setting to drink a few glasses of wine.  A prefect way to spend an afternoon with the family.

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