Gas prices got you rethinking about that road trip to the Grand Canyon? If so, consider vacation ideas closer to home. Of course, we recommend visits to Virginia wineries. They’re close to home and offer great wines with great views, and most Virginia wineries are located along historic routes and landmarks. Some wineries offer summer events; for example, Tarara winery will kick off its summer concert series this weekend. In fact, we make it a point to catch at least one concert every summer!

An extra incentive is the award-winning wines that are offered for tasting and sale at the summer concerts. Concert goers in search of a versatile pour may want to consider the dry 2007 Rose or the sweeter blush-style 2006 Cameo. White wine drinkers looking for a more complex sipper might appreciate the 2007 Viognier; however, sweet wine sippers like my friend and guest blogger Michael Tyler opt for the 2006 Charval. Picnickers who bring along steak salads or grilled meats may want to splurge on the 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon or Tarara’s heralded 2005 Meritage. Bringing along a bigger group of friends with varied preferences and palates? Sounds like an opportunity to sample lots of different foods and wines while bopping to the beat!

The Tarara Winery concert series begins this Saturday, July 12 and continues through September 27. First up on Saturday is the Third Stream Giants.

So don’t stay home this summer—pack a picnic and enjoy music and wine at Tarara Winery, and be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!