Brix and Columns Winery
Located in McGaheysville, in the eastern part of the mid-Shenandoah Valley (take route 33 from Interstate 81 exit 247). Recently opened in 2017, Brix is on the Six Penny Farm owned by Shenandoah Valley natives Stephanie and Steve Pence. Like a number of other Virginia wineries, Brix produces its wines in association with rising star Michael Shaps Wineworks.
Wine. One of the top 100 wineries in Virginia. The winery’s 2021 Petit Manseng was awarded a gold medal at the 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup state-wide wine competition, while ten wines, including their Petit Verdot, White Brix blend, and McGahey red blend, were awarded silver medals. The 2020 vintage White Brix was awarded a gold medal at the 2022 Governor’s Cup, while another eleven Brix wines were awarded silver medals. “Wine with Structure” is Brix’ proclaimed philosophy. For now grapes are partly sourced from elsewhere in Virginia.
Setting. One star. A beautiful setting, with great views, and the estate’s Palladian architecture (hence the columns in the winery’s name) helps make it popular as a wedding venue. The Great Dane, Winston, is an essential part of the scenery (as can be seen on the Winery’s website). One of the few wineries to feature yoga and Zumba sessions.
Stories. One star. Shenandoah National Park is one of Virginia’s best known and most popular outdoor destinations, especially with its easy access from the metropolitan DC area. This long and narrow park encompasses 80,000 acres, much of it along the park’s main artery, Skyline Drive. One of the first National Parks established in the Eastern United States (After Acadia National Park in Maine), Shenandoah opened in 1935. Many day-trippers just come for the drive and stop in one or more of Skyline Drive’s many overlooks. Nearby wineries like Brix are also a great complement. The Park also features many hiking trails, campgrounds, horseback riding, and muscle-building bicycle routes. Hikes range from short nature trails from overlooks or campgrounds to more strenuous mountain climbs. While deer are the most common wildlife, Black bears can often be seen in the hills, and campers must suspend their food in bags to avoid being joined in their tents at night by the bears. Over 200 species of birds live in the Park, depending on seasons, including several pairs of Peregrine Falcons that were re-introduced to the area in the 1990s. Waterfalls are plentiful in Shenandoah, the tallest (Overall Run) being 90 feet high; Dark Hollow Falls is the closest (a 2-kilometer round trip on foot) to Skyline Drive. The Park has three lodges and five main campgrounds.