A little over an hour’s drive from Alexandria is the town of Delaplane – a wonderful destination for a day trip. The drive alone is beautiful. Once you head west on I-66, passing through Manassas, green rolling hills in the distance happily assure that you’ve left the city far behind.

What lies ahead is even better – an abundance of vineyards heralding your arrival with great wine, food and breathtaking views.

My husband and I recently made the short trip twice, both times eating and drinking our way through the many wineries in Delaplane. As hoped, we stumbled upon a few real gems along the way. Here are my recommendations should you find yourself driving west with a bit of time on your hands (a bonus, all three are within 10 miles of each other!).

Vintage Ridge: I’ve never been to Napa Valley, but my husband has, and he likened this boutique winery to one you would find in America's wine citadel. Vintage Ridge offers a collection of complex wines and presents food and wine pairings on the first Saturday and Sunday of every month. My favorite was the Summer Night, a Vidal Blanc that really hit the spot as we whiled away the afternoon on the winery’s outdoor patio.

Delaplane Cellars: This vineyard has a strict no bus or limousine rule, which, to be honest, is kind of nice when you just want a quiet, relaxing evening. The tasting room is very light and open, with beautiful floor-to-ceiling views of the Crooked Run Valley. And the live music offered every weekend is a nice touch.

Three Fox Vineyards: This is a charming vineyard that offers a long list of Italian varietals. There are numerous areas on the property to enjoy your feast, including a scattering of tables atop a nicely manicured lawn (some are even in the actual vines!), a “Table in the Sky” and a picnic area complete with a creek and several “personal” hammocks.