Spending five weeks together driving across America is a great test of a marriage. We have always done everything together – just not four hundred miles a day for so many days. The results were a stronger relationship, so many more memories together, shared delight in the God moments we witnessed, and a greater appreciation for the beauty of and freedoms enjoyed in America. This was our 2023 journey. We hope you will plan your own…
In Blue Ridge, Georgia, friends and longtime Messina Hof VIP members Diane and Jeff Griffin introduced us to Chateau Meichty, 1862 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, GA 30175. www.chateaumeichty.com. Good wine, beautiful outdoor seating area, live music, and attractive grounds. The owners were restauranteurs and run the winery as meticulously as a restaurant. What a great social environment in the Blue Ridge mountains.
In Virginia we happened upon Spinning Jenny Vineyard, 2664 Old Route 100 Rd., Draper, VA 24324 504-922-9829, www.spinningjennyvineyard.com, Right off highway 81.
It is a husband and wife retirement operation. They live on the property and do everything together. We could relate! We tasted Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc. The wine industry there is bustling and there are many small wineries.
The highlight for us was an unexpected restaurant. If you like German food, Edelweiss serves authentic German food and even has an accordion player serenading the dining guests. 19 Edelweiss Lane, Staunton, VA 24401
Beautiful scenery, pines, woods, mountain roads took us through small towns with interesting histories and Nascar tracks. Who knew that the Moonshiners were the ones that stimulated fast cars that led to Nascar. It reminded us of an employment application we had early in our business. A young man interviewed for a delivery driver’s position. The work experience he shared was driving a pickup truck in the mountains of Virginia. The truck had two tanks – one for gas and one that was copper.
We stayed in Saunton, Virginia. Across highway 81 is Waynsboro which is an entry way to the Monticello Wine trail. There are many good wineries on this trail. We particularly like Veritas Vineyard and Winery, 151 Veritas Lne., Afton, VA 22920, 540-456-8000, www.veritaswines.com. It is a beautiful property with tasting room, overnight accommodation, and restaurant.