Virginia Wine Festival 2019: Location, Tickets, Vendors And More

ASHBURN, VA — Wine lovers, rejoice. The Virginia Wine Festival will celebrate its 44th year in our backyard this weekend, bringing gourmet food, live music and unlimited Virginia wine samples right here to Ashburn.

The 2019 event is planned Oct. 19-20 at One Loudoun, 44600 Freetown Blvd. More than 200 wineries will be on hand offering samples and selling bottles and cases of your favorite vintage. In addition to two days of food and entertainment, the festival is debuting the Virginia Oyster Pavilion, featuring Chesapeake Oysters from Virginia producers.

One-day general admission tickets to the Virginia Wine Festival are $39 in advance and include a tasting Glass, unlimited wine tasting, access to VA Oyster Pavilion, and all concessions and musical entertainment. Two-day passes are available for $59. Sunday VIP passes are still available and offer the same perks as general admission plus one-hour early admission, as well as access to a special VIP reserve wine tasting, a private tent and bathrooms.

The festival also offers child and designated driver admission. Purchase tickets online.

Here's a rundown of everything else you need to know if you go:

DIRECTIONS & PARKING

From Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7), turn southbound on Loudoun County Parkway. One Loudoun can be accessed by using Endicott Drive, Exchange Street, Freetown Boulevard or Atwater Drive.

While festival organizers encourage using rideshare or public transportation to reduce congestion, there will be plenty of free parking available at the festival.

HOURS

The festival opens at 11 a.m. both days for VIP pass holders and noon for general admission. Festivities continue until 6 p.m.

WINERIES

Plenty of Virginia wineries will be on hand offering unlimited samples of their best wines and ciders. This year's wineries include AmRhein Wine Cellars, Castle Glen Estates Winery, Cobbler Mountain Cider, Fifty-Third Winery and more. Those planning to purchase bottles or cases should bring a credit or debit card.

Beer from some of Virginia's craft breweries also will be available, but beer tickets are separate from general admission cost.

FOOD & VENDORS

Access to the VA Oyster Pavilion is free, and there will be special prices on freshly-shucked oysters as well as oyster and seafood dishes to purchase and enjoy.

Not an oyster fan? Dozens of other gourmet food vendors will be on hand including Calvert Crabs & Seafood, DC Slices, Korean BBQ Taco Box, Southern Peach BBQ and Soul Food, Fox Trot Chocolates, Honey Bun Cake Factory, Meatcrafters and more.

The price of food tickets is not included in admission cost.

In addition to food, several local goods and services vendors will be in attendance at the festival.

ENTERTAINMENT

The festival offers a full lineup of musical entertainment throughout the event, including performances on Saturday by Ex’s & Oh’s, Practically Einstein and Signature Live. On Sunday, What’s Next, Essential Vybe and Sons of Pirates perform.

WHAT TO BRING

Blankets, chairs, and bags and coolers are welcome. So are reasonably sized shade canopies, provided you don't block the view of the stage from other guests.

WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME

With the exception of service dogs, pets should be left at home. Those with service dogs, must register in advance and arrive onsite with all proper documentation.

Other things to leave at home include outside food or beverages, illegal substances or weapons of any kind. There is also no smoking on the festival grounds.