I know it’s only Monday and we seem to be procrastinating more than usual, but let’s give it a go. Just heard the early weather predictions, and they seem to be agreeing with me: Time to Get Out and Enjoy the Piedmont.

DC’s Wine Country Food & Wine Festival takes over historic Whitehall Manor for 3 evenings (July 10-12) of, you guessed it, food and wine! With 20 Loudoun wineries pouring, a special summer buffet dinner menu and tours of the property, this is an event you won’t want to miss! If you’ve wanted to visit several of these wineries, here’s your one-stop chance to talk with the people who know wine. If you’ve wanted to meet Mary Watson, Virginia’s wine ambassador, and learn the subtleties of wine tasting, this is your weekend. What about beautiful Whitehall Manor? That in itself is worth the price of general admission, which by the way, is a quite reasonable $30!

See, there’s something for everyone. Check out the website for the adults-only weekend schedule. There’s live entertainment, gourmet chocolates to enjoy with wines, and even a glass blowing demonstration. Remember the wine glass is an important part of the overall tasting experience!

If you’d rather just have someone else do the driving so you can truly taste the distinctions of wines and vintages, no problem. One more enticement, there’s even a lodging and transportation package with nearby Lansdowne Resort.

Enjoy.

You’ll thank me next Monday.