Celebrate Pride in the vineyards of Loudoun County, Virginia, where visitors can win spectacular prizes as part of the Pride in the Vines Wine Trail.
Looking for a unique escape from the city this summer? Situated within an hour of Washington, D.C., and about four hours from NYC, Loudoun County, Virginia is the premier wine-growing region on the East Coast, producing award-winning wines and offering a uniquely rural and historic experience amid one of the largest urban areas in the world.
In the US, June is regularly celebrated as Pride Month, dedicated to celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender pride. Unique among rural areas, Loudoun County celebrates Pride in a big way, having just hosted its second-annual Pride Festival last week and offers other planned events later this month, such as a drag brunch at Forever Farm on June 25th.
Forever Farm and Vineyards co-owner Teri Riggs, left, and Williams Gap Vineyard tasting room manager Bridgette Smith are the organizers of Pride in the Vines campaign that will run throughout June at 15 Loudoun wineries.
Norman K. Styer/Loudoun Now
It felt great to see pride flags dotting the vineyards and symbols of solidarity in the towns all over the county. Loudoun County recognizes that LGBTQ+ individual are integral to the community. For example, Chrysalis Vineyards, located near Middleburg, is the largest grower of Norton Grapes in the world and the only transgender-owned vineyard in America.
Presented by the LWWA (Loudoun Wineries Association) and sponsored by Visit Loudoun, Pride in the Vines is welcoming wine enthusiasts and supporters of LGBTQ+ rights alike along its scenic byways and into the vineyards to sample fantastic wines with a special passport program.
The Pride in the Vines Wine Trail invites wine-lovers to visit fifteen participating wineries over the month. Guests will have the opportunity to collect stamps in their specially issued passports. As an added incentive, every visitor who completes their passport with stamps from ten wineries will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win incredible prizes.
The prizes up for grabs include private wine tastings, bottles of wine, exclusive winery tours, event tickets, and winery merchandise. To add to the excitement visitors will earn double stamps for each winery visited during the Taste of Rosé weekend which is June 10th-11th.
Loudoun County Pride in the Vines Wine Trail map
The Pride in the Vines Wine Trail showcases some of Loudoun County’s finest wineries, including 8 Chains North Winery, Fabbioli Cellars, Walsh Family Wine, and many more. Participants can follow the provided map and keep an eye out for Pride in the Vines flags displayed at each participating winery throughout the entire month of June.
To take part in the event, participants must be 21 years of age or older. Passports can be obtained at the first winery visited starting from June 1, 2023. It is important to fill out the passport upon receipt and use it exclusively for personal use. Each winery visited will provide a stamp, with the exception of the Taste of Rosé weekend, where participants will receive two stamps.
Once the 10th stamp is obtained, participants can turn in their completed passport at the winery of their choice. The drawing for the prizes will take place at the end of the month, and winners will be contacted using the contact information provided on the passport.
Even if you cannot complete your passport, each winery has a truly unique feel, and many offer live music, flights of wine, food, and great views. Some offer personalized tours and experiences in the county, making a weekend in Loudoun worth your time.
Pride in the Vines Wine Trail is not only a celebration of Loudoun County’s vibrant wine culture but also a testament to the county’s commitment to inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. So grab your passport, raise a glass, and embark on a wine-filled journey that celebrates love, diversity, and the spirit of Pride.
Please drink responsibly. For more information, visit loudounwine.org.
