Wine Tours Offer History and Culture at the Williamsburg Winery

Colonial Williamsburg

Restored City

With a trip to Williamsburg, you immediately feel as if you've stepped into another time and place. With a visit to the award-winning Williamsburg Winery, this feeling is enhanced by the grace and elegance of the 320-acre farm known as Wessex Hundred. The winery is located just minutes from Colonial Williamsburg and produces more than 70,000 cases of wine each year. The structures, modeled after 17th and 18th century architecture, create an alluring accent to the old-world charm of this plantation.

History...

The history of Wessex Hundred stretches back to the early 1600's when it was believed to have been a part of the Twelfth Acte of the Actes of 1619, which specified that a portion of each plot of land must be planted with at least 10 vines for the purpose of making wine. Throughout the 1700's the property was owned by the Reverend William Bland and then sold in 1785 to Dr. James Carter who turned it into an active agricultural farm. In 1985, current owners Patrick and Peggy Duffeler began planting the vineyards which have now expanded into a full winery. The property currently features 13 acres of Chardonnay Vineyards, 4 acres of Seyval, 12 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 4 acres of Vidal and 11 acres of Merlot. Williamsburg Winery products can be found at merchants in Washington, D.C., Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Tours...

Several different tours are available on the grounds and will give you an in-depth look at the Winery and its inner workings:

• The Tour and Tasting includes a 10 minute video, guided tour, brief history of the property and a walk through a small wine museum. Tasting includes 7 different wines and a monogrammed tasting glass to take home as a souvenir.
• The Reserve Tour and Tasting includes a tour of the winery and tasting of 12 reserve wines held in the Reserve Cellar and is available by appointment/reservation only. Guests will receive an oversized Schott-Zwiesel German tasting glass as a souvenir.
• The Tour and Lunch includes a tour of the winery followed by a light lunch in the Gabriel Archer Tavern and is available by reservation only. Each guest is given an engraved tasting glass to take home.
• The Williamsburg Winery offers two halls and the tavern for private functions and outdoor functions can also be scheduled on the grounds. Whether a wine aficionado or simply a lover of good wines you'll find your visit an unforgettable experience.