Happy (wine) Wednesday! How is everyone’s week going?

Mine has been busy at work, but my social calendar has been pretty fun. I really try to workout every Monday night after work because it sets me up for a successful week and helps me clear my mind after what usually is a hectic day. This week, I went to spin class and it was so needed. When I walked in, I was so stressed and anxious, but by the time I had walked out, my perspective completely shifted for the better. Exercise has helped me manage my stress levels so much because you have something productive to focus your energies on, you can’t check your phone, and you don’t have to make any decisions—you just do what the instructor tells you to do. If you’re not in a normal exercise routine or haven’t found something you love—keep working on it because it is so worth it!

Last night, Monica and I had a great weekday friend date and went to the Italian Store. If you’re unfamiliar, it’s a super cute Italian specialty shop here in Arlington, and they sell all sorts of Italian grocery items and delicious hot sandwiches, pizzas, calzones, and the like. We brought our food back to my place it enjoyed a bottle of wine and a girly movie. It was the perfect Tuesday night!

Today, I thought I’d pop in mid-week with a quick post on one of my favorite Northern Virginia wineries: The Winery at Bull Run. (I’ve also written about it here!)

I love Winery at Bull Run for several reasons. For one, it’s pretty much right off I-66, which makes it a lot easier to get to than some other wineries that are off the beaten path. I’m all for driving an hour or so to a vineyard, but sometimes you just want to get there and enjoy the wine! It only takes me about half an hour to get there from my apartment in Arlington when there isn’t traffic.

You’re also allowed to bring in outside food, which I think is becoming more rare among vineyards in the area. I love a good picnic spread of cheese, crackers, and fruit for any winery day, and, of course, it’s always cheaper to buy those things at a grocery store than on-site. Though, if you don’t have time to grab them before, The Winery at Bull Run has a great selection on-hand.

I think one of the main reasons I enjoy it so much is that they have a beautiful backyard that’s just the most convivial atmosphere. It’s littered with picnic tables and rocking chairs, so it’s easy to find a seat, and on weekends, they usually have a live band playing. The main portion of the backyard is adults-only, which I really appreciate, but there is a large fenced-in area with a playground for those with kids.

I like the wine at The Winery at Bull Run, but this time of year, I’m really in it for their sangria, which they only sell outside. On Saturday, they literally had a whole tent dedicated to sangria sales—heaven! Right now they’re making red sangria with their strawberry wine, but come June, they expect to also be making white sangria with their peach wine.

We spent a solid five hours at The Winery at Bull Run on Saturday celebrating my sister’s 25th birthday and had the best time. I can’t wait to get back again soon! If you’re looking for a great vineyard near DC, I’d definitely recommend it!