Cycle and sip your way from New Kent to Williamsburg.
All photos courtesy of Brett Stonecipher
Wessex Hundred in Williamsburg is home to Wedmore Place, Williamsburg Winery, Café Provençal, and the Gabriel Archer Tavern.
The Brandenburg room at Wedford Place.
The Brandenburg room at Wedford Place.
Just east of Richmond, nestled in between the Chickahominy and York rivers, New Kent County stretches towards Williamsburg and the coast. It is home to an impressive network of bike routes that wind along rolling hills and into shaded glens, dappled light spreading across the road. And with wineries to stop at along the route, what better way could there be to spend a fall afternoon?
Established in 2010, New Kent County includes bike trails that range from 15 miles to more than 100 miles in length, all beginning and ending at the New Kent Visitors Center on Vineyards Parkway at exit 214 off I-64. Find maps of all six routes at VisitNewKent.com
About six miles from the Visitors Center, up a tree-lined gravel lane, Saudé Creek Winery in Lanexa perches atop a hill overlooking the Pamunkey River. Its wide porch invites friends to gather and taste wines, which run the gamut from light, summery whites to deeper, tart reds. Not to miss are Saudé’s crisp, floral Traminette white and a slightly peppery Cabernet Franc. SaudeCreek.com
A 30-mile ride from Saudé Creek to Williamsburg along Route 30 ends at Williamsburg Winery. Vines stretch for acres at Wessex Hundred, as the grounds and the farm are known. In the cellar, barrels lay in neat rows and classical music plays softly. “Most people think that the music is for the tours,” says Lori Miller, who manages the tasting room, “but it’s for the wine. Baby Mozart for the vintage.” Enjoy the deeper reds, particularly the Virginia Trianon, as well as the Petit Manseng—sweet, slightly botanical and perfect for a warmish day. WilliamsburgWinery.com
Visit the tasting room at Williamsburg Winery.
Photo courtesy of Brett Stonecipher
The Williamsburg Winery vineyard.
Photo courtesy of Brett Stonecipher
Then, take a short walk up the lane to
Café Provençal—Williamsburg Winery’s French-inspired restaurant for a cozy candlelit end to the journey. Executive Chef Ian Robbins presents a menu focused on locally-sourced foods. Begin with light, flavorful sweetbreads and a sparkling white, then try the iron roast pork, or the Wessex Hundred pasta, with flavors of truffle oil and lemon powder. Café-Provencal.com
Lamb chops at Café Provençal.
Photo courtesy of Brett Stonecipher
The dining room at Café Provençal.
Photo courtesy of Brett Stonecipher
