Couples enjoy a romantic evening at Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro. — Photo courtesy of www.viniferabistro.com
Getaway with that special someone for a romantic weekend full of food, wine and fun in northern Virginia. Enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment in Reston, just a quick drive or metro ride on the Silver line from Washington, DC. Make Reston your homebase for exploring DC's wine country by staying at The Westin Reston Heights. The hotel provides shuttle services between the metro station, Reston Town Center and wineries.
Come for the Wineries
Start your winery tour by visiting the Potomac Cluster wineries, the closet cluster to Reston. Take advantage of the Westin shuttle or book a ride through Reston Limousine so that you and your sweetheart can enjoy the wineries responsibly.
Visit Fabbioli Cellars first. Tastings are a little different here. Instead of just sampling the wine, you'll taste a selection of Italian-style wines paired with small bites of locally-sourced food. It's a palate-pleasing experience that changes monthly. Pair a glass of your favorite wine with cheese or chocolate and enjoy it fireside on the patio.
Enjoy your wine fireside at Fabbioli Cellars — Photo courtesy of Shannon Morgan
Next, visit Winery 32 to sample their peach wines, which aren't as sweet as you'd expect. Then, head to Hidden Brook and Lost Creek wineries, located next door to each other. Hidden Brook pours American-style wines in an Early American-style log cabin. Lost Creek pours French Bordeaux-style vintages in a Tuscan-style atmosphere. The Tasting Room is warm and inviting with a fireplace and tasting bars. Plan a week ahead and order a gourmet box lunch to enjoy during your visit.
Enjoy a Romantic Dinner
After a leisurely afternoon of tasting wine, return to the Westin for a romantic dinner for two at Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro. Chef John-Michael Hamlet serves seasonal mouthwatering dishes paired with the perfect wine, like lobster and Chardonnay, and lamb and Merlot. In warmer months, you can dine al fresco in Chef's adjoining garden.
Baby lettuce salad at Vinifera. — Photo courtesy of www.viniferabistro.com
Lovely Night, Exciting Morning
End the evening with a glass of wine at the bar or take in a movie at Bowtie Cinemas in the Reston Town Center. The 11-screen theater features stadium-style leather seats and a rooftop bar on top of the marquee. Perfect for date night!
In the morning, return to Reston Town Center for breakfast at Ted's Bulletin. A bustling diner with an old-fashioned feel, this restaurant is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Order a homemade pop tart instead of toast and wash it down with an adult milkshake, just for fun. Skate off the calories hand-in-hand on the ice rink (open daily November-March). Then, shop for something to commemorate your romantic weekend.