Spring is here, which means everyone is itching to get outside, enjoy nature with friends and family, and celebrate. The best way to do all of the above, of course, is in wine country. Simply getting out and toasting to spring is reason enough to venture into wine country, but if you’ve never witnessed bud break for yourself, the time is now. Spring is the season when all of us, including vines, wake up from a long winter rest, ready to party. Bud break (also known as bud burst) is the first step in a grape’s journey to your wine glass, and it is a wonder to see and smell. The vines perk up, small tender green shoots and green tips emerge on vines, and the first visible sign of what will become a cluster of grapes pops out. Meanwhile, all around, a symphony of birdsong and a gorgeous palette of spring flowers create an idyllic backdrop. Spring is one of the most exciting times to spend at wineries, and traditionally marks the beginning of the busy season inside and outside the vineyard. If you’re ready to see the first signs of spring life for yourself, you’ll find action in the vineyards and beyond. So set your GPS for wine country and grab your friends and family. No matter what your priority is (food, activities, wine), there is plenty for people of all ages to do in wine country. Hop Into Family Fest SeasonWhite Horse Winery is pulling all the rabbits out of its hat for its 2025 Easter Market. The free event on April 19 will run from 10 am to 3 pm, with an egg hunt, pictures with the easter bunny ($5), face painting, food trucks, music, and a local artisan market. Dig Into BrunchTomasello Winery is offering an epic Easter Brunch on April 20 from 10 am to 4:30 pm. There will be plenty to choose from, even for the pickiest eaters, from assorted danishes and scones, to a carving station, waffles, bananas foster French toast, build your own omelettes, and a selection of specialty desserts. Reservations are required, $49.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids.Get Into the GrooveLive music in the vines with great food and company is a tried and true way to welcome and celebrate spring.Sharrott Winery offers a live music series on Sundays, with food from the Wine Bar Kitchen and wines. This show kicks off April 20 from 2 pm to 5 pm and features Jimmy Dunn. Derby at the LakeCelebrate the Kentucky Derby in style atAutumn Lake Winery. The party kicks off on May 3 from 2 to 7 pm, with live music from Poor Mouth Henry, local food trucks, and great wine. The Kentucky Derby will be broadcast at Autumn Lake, with views of the lake and options to upgrade the experience to VIP. Tickets are $20 to $60. Dig the Pig Unionville Vineyards is kicking off the sunny season with an epic pig roast on May 3 at 6:30 pm. Brick Farm Tavern is handling roasting duties and serving up plenty of sides. Free Soil Drifters will be performing live bluegrass, and the wine will flow. $85.Give Them Something To Taco-boutBellview Winery is ready to throw a fan-taco Cinco de Mayo celebration May 3-4 from 12 pm to 5 pm. Go for the tacos, stay for the live music, sangria, food trucks, gorgeous vistas and vino! Outside snacks, but not outside alcoholic beverages, are also allowed. No ticket or admission. Rev Your EnginesCruise into fun over at Valenzano Winery on May 9 from 5 pm to 8 pm, where an impressive lineup of cars awaits at Cars on Tap. When you’re not gawking at killer wheels, you can savor a special limited menu for eating in or taking out, plus 15% off wine bottle purchases. Give Back + Great WineA Wine & Charity Auto Show is zooming into Summit City Farms and Winery on May 18 from 8 am to 5 pm. Pre-registration is $20, tickets day of are $25. Come for the benefit, stay for the great food and wine + a fantastic auction that will benefit Type 1 Diabetic children and their families.
