Add Us As A Trusted Google Source Tucked into the mountains above Waynesboro, Virginia, the Iris Inn makes an ideal home base for a long weekend devoted to Shenandoah Valley wine. The property sits just minutes from some of the best wineries near Waynesboro, and it’s also close enough to the Nelson 151 and Monticello Wine Trails to build an entire three-day getaway around tasting rooms, scenic hikes, and relaxed farm-to-table meals. Whether you’re arriving Friday afternoon or squeezing in one last tasting before heading home Sunday, this itinerary lays out a full weekend of exploring the region’s vineyards without feeling rushed.
Key takeaways from this three-day wine weekend:
- The Iris Inn is centrally located near many of the wineries of the Nelson 151 and Monticello Wine Trails.
- Breakfast at the Iris Inn runs 8–10 am, which conveniently lines up with the later 10–11 am opening times at most wineries.
- Saturday is built for a full day of tasting, with both lunch and dinner options that pair well with wine touring.
- Sunday’s checkout doesn’t have to end the trip. Crozet’s wineries and the rest of the Nelson 151 trail are an easy add-on for the drive home.
- Pace yourself while tasting, especially if you’re driving, and consider buying a bottle to enjoy later rather than finishing every pour on-site.
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Friday: Settling In
If you’re able to arrive in the Waynesboro area in the early afternoon, take the opportunity to slow down and ease into your weekend getaway before checking in. A few good options for the first afternoon include exploring your first winery of the trip at Afton Mountain Vineyards, a sister property to the Iris Inn just 20 minutes away. It’s a great stop year-round since the glass pavilion is climate controlled. Sit down for a tasting or pick up a bottle to sip while you take in the scenery.
If you’d rather stretch your legs after traveling, head to the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail. This 4.5-mile round-trip hike passes through a 4,273-foot tunnel that was once part of the historic Virginia Central Railroad, and most people complete it in 1.5 to 2.5 hours. There are other trails nearby too, if you’re looking for something more challenging. For a more restful start to the weekend, book a facial, massage, or body treatment at the Iris Inn Spa, or spend the afternoon visiting a local museum.
Check in to the Iris Inn at 4 pm. The resort offers cabins, cottages, and rooms in the main inn, so there’s a style to suit any traveler. Take some time to freshen up before heading out for dinner. For a hearty meal, Main Street Grill in Staunton is set inside a converted flour mill and specializes in comfort food, especially their barbecue baby back ribs. If you’ve had a long travel day and want something quick and easy, grab a few slices from Benny’s Pizzaria in Waynesboro instead.
Saturday: A Full Day of Wine Tasting
Saturday is the heart of the weekend. Start with the complimentary breakfast at the Iris Inn, served from 8 am to 10 am in the great room overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. Since many wineries don’t open until 10 or 11 am, there’s no reason to rush; take your time and enjoy the view.
If you didn’t make it to Afton Mountain Vineyards on Friday, make that your first stop of the day. Already visited? Head instead to Flying Fox Vineyard and Winery, also in Afton, where you can sample both wine and vermouth. The property has a lovely patio for warm days and a crackling fireplace for cooler ones.
For lunch, The River Burger Bar is a solid choice with plenty of options, including for vegetarians. In the afternoon, make your way to Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery, where a family’s passion for German Rieslings turned into a full-fledged winery; the tasting room is open daily until 5:30 pm. Alternatively, visit Hazy Mountain Vineyards and Brewery, which lets you sample both wine and beer and stays open until 9 pm on Saturdays if you’d rather save your tasting for later in the day.
When it comes to dinner, you have three great options. If the Virginia Scenic Railway is running its Sip & Savor Express during your visit, it’s worth booking. The 2.5-hour scenic train ride includes a guided wine tasting paired with a charcuterie board. You could also stay close to home and enjoy dinner back at the Iris Inn, which offers limited dining service with advance reservation; it’s a nice way to make the most of the boutique inn, especially if you can head back to a private hot tub afterward in one of the luxury cabins. For something more elevated, The Farmhouse at Veritas Vineyard and Winery serves a four-course, prix fixe, wine-paired dinner at 6:30 pm, with seating available in one of three indoor dining rooms or out among the vines in the Garden House.
Sunday: One Last Taste
Enjoy one more breakfast at the Iris Inn before checking out. Consider leaving the day loosely planned so you can pick up recommendations from fellow guests along the way.
Head toward Crozet for the morning, where King Family Vineyards is an award-winning stop that often hosts visiting food trucks on weekends from April through November, making it easy to stay for lunch. If you’re looking for something smaller and more intimate, try Stinson Vineyards, housed in a converted three-car garage.
If the food trucks at King Family don’t catch your eye, the Crozet Crepe Company serves breakfast, savory, and sweet crepes for every craving, and Restoration offers brunch until 3 pm. From there, you can start heading home or extend the day by exploring more of the Nelson 151 trail, which connects many of the wineries you’ve already visited with several others worth a stop.
A few final tips: pace yourself while tasting, especially if you’re the one driving. You can always buy a bottle of your favorite to enjoy back at the Iris Inn that evening or once you’re home. And don’t be shy about asking questions at each vineyard; the staff are always glad to share the story behind their wines.
