Fly-Outs: Wings over the vines

Prepare to be transported. Land at the friendliest little airport in Virginia—Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport (JGG)—travel just one mile to Wedmore Place at the Williamsburg Winery and take a step back in time.

Getting there

Williamsburg-Jamestown Airport (JGG)

• Runway 13/31—3,240-feet by 60 feet, paved
• Charley’s Restaurant on field (great food!)
• Founded in 1970 by Larry and Jean Waltrip
• Enterprise car rental, limousine and taxi service
• Open 7 a.m. to dusk; fuel available
• 757-229-9256

Of course, Colonial Williamsburg is famous for its authentic eighteenth-century reproductions, but nestled just three miles from the famous town is a hidden gem, and one that a GA pilot can easily access. Wedmore Place bills itself as a “European Country Hotel” and, from the air, it truly appears to be a home fit for Robin of Locksley and his Maid Marian. It’s a traditionally styled manor home, four sides surrounding an inner courtyard and encircled by 300 acres of woodland, field, and vineyards. Here, you, too, can be to the manor born.

There are 28 guest rooms, all with different European-inspired décor. You can stay in Provence, Tuscany, Burgundy, Cotswold, and Aquitaine. Each room has 10-foot-high ceilings, a fireplace, and king-size beds. It’s luxury at its finest. There’s a spa, swimming pool, two miles of walking trails, a seven-mile bike trail, a British-inspired library, two restaurants, a wine bar, and, of course, the winery.

Established in 1985 by the Patrick Duffeler family, the Williamsburg Winery produces some of the “best wines in the world,” according to Decanter World Wine Awards of London. It is Virginia’s largest winery, producing 55,000 to 60,000 cases annually. Guests can take tours of the winery, including the amazing barrel cellar; see production; and partake in wine tastings. Governor’s White, the first wine produced by the Williamsburg Winery, is still the most popular.

Food served at the Café Provençal is innovative, and many of the ingredients are from the farm garden. Gabriel Archer Tavern and the Wiley Minstrel wine bar are also on the property.

April 29 through May 1 the winery hosts “Ferraris on the Vine.” Some 50 classic Ferraris will be on display with food, music, and entertainment.  

Wedmore Place, 5810 Wessex Hundred, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185; 575-941-0310; http://www.wedmoreplace.com