Saturday and Sunday, Town Point Park turns into the best-smelling eleven hours on the Norfolk waterfront: the Town Point Fall Wine Festival, 11am to 6pm both days, with more than 25 Virginia wineries pouring 200+ wines.
This is the rare festival that actually delivers on the premise. Virginia wine has quietly gotten very good — the Viogniers and Cab Francs from the Monticello AVA can stand next to anything — and a fall afternoon on the Elizabeth River is the correct venue for finding your new favorite.
How to do it right
- Go early Saturday. The crowds peak mid-afternoon; the first hour is for serious tasting.
- Eat first. There are food vendors, but a base layer is a strategy, not a suggestion.
- The river is the venue. Build in time to just sit on the grass with a glass and watch the boats. That's the whole point.
- Designate. Two hundred wines is not a personal challenge. It's a team sport.
The verdict
October in Hampton Roads gives us about six perfect weekends a year, and this is two of the days. Don't spend it on the couch.
Quick answers
When is the Town Point Wine Festival?
Saturday–Sunday, October 17–18, 11am to 6pm at Town Point Park on the Norfolk waterfront.
How many wineries are at the Town Point Wine Festival?
More than 25 Virginia wineries pouring 200+ wines.
Where is Town Point Park?
Town Point Park is on the downtown Norfolk waterfront along the Elizabeth River.
Town Point Fall Wine Festival · Sat–Sun Oct 17–18, 11am–6pm · Town Point Park, Norfolk waterfront.