Kayak to a Winery on the Eastern Shore of Virginia

One of the more popular kayak tours we've been doing this season is the Kayak Winery tour. SouthEast Expeditions calls it “Paddle your glass off.”

I've been really touched by the number of people choosing to celebrate their special occasions: birthday surprises, family reunions, and wedding anniversaries.

One afternoon around the tasting bar at Chatham Vineyards, all three couples on my tour revealed it was their anniversary week, ranging from 1 year to 21. Coincidentally, it was also mine and Bill’s 15^th in a few days. (Seems a lot of people get married around Memorial Day!)

Paddling to a winery is something we believe is unique in Virginia, if not the country. This time of year, the tour includes a peak at a great blue heron rookery where we’ve been sighting new nests weekly.

We land at the historic brick Chatham mansion, walk through 400-year-old farm fields (often accompanied by Wilbur, the terrier mascot) to the winery and tasting room. There Jon Wehner greets us and explains the nuances and creation of his award-winning European varietals. The Steel Chardonnay is very popular and the Vintner's Blend always sells out. My summer favorite is the Rose, a refreshingly not-to-sweet wine for porch-sitting.

After tasting about 5 wines, each couple gets a bottle of their choice courtesy of SouthEast Expeditions, which they can take home or uncork and enjoy on the patio. Cheese platters are also available, and of course, you can purchase wine by the bottle or the case for your home collection. (It’s a little-known fact that kayaks actually perform better when loaded with some ‘ballast!’)

To book a trip, call the shop at 757-331-2680 or Bill & I at 757-787-2933.

For more on visiting the Eastern Shore:

Notes from the Marsh

There's no denying summer heat is settling up on us. Thankfully, there's always a breeze on the water. Great Blue Heron rookeries on Onancock Creek and Church Creek are in high gear, the clucking and cooing as we pass silently in our kayaks is a window into one of nature's marvels.

Meanwhile, osprey chicks are poking their heads above their fortress-like nests wondering when it's their turn to fly. Every day i s anew day on the water and we're lucky to share a piece of it.

If you'd like to share it with us, here's a sampling of the kayak trips Mary and I lead for SouthEast Expeditions on the Eastern Shore of Virginia:

Kayak Historic Onancock Creek: Tour every Saturday at 10 am, or other times by appointment. This is the best way to see our circa-1680 Colonial port town: from the water. Appropriate for all skill levels, especially beginners. Two hours, $45 per person. Reservations: 757-787-2933

Paddle Your Glass Off: How can you improve a day of kayaking? With a tasting of award-winning Virginia wine, that's how! We'll meet either Jon Wehner of Chatham Vineyards or Jonathan Bess of Holly Grove Vineyards for a tour and tasting. $85 per person (includes a bottle of wine per couple to take home). There's nearly always a Saturday or Sunday afternoon winery trip; other times by appointment.

Chesapeake Bay Eco-Tour: We launch from Schooner Bay, a few miles north of Onancock, to get eye-to-eye with saltmarsh sparrow nests and muskrat houses. Follow the tracks of small animals on lot-tide beaches. Watch blue crab scamper sideways in clear shallow water. The Bay is a national treasure and our eco-tours give you a first-hand look why. 2 or 4 hour trips available.

SouthEast also does seaside barrier island and wildlife refuge trips, rentals and private instruction. To book a trip or for more information, just call Bill in Onancock at 757-787-2933, or SouthEasts' main number at Sunset Beach: 757-331-2680.
Paddle on!