Virginia is where American history begins—from the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown in 1607 to the birth of the Constitution and eight US presidents born within its borders. The Commonwealth stretches from Atlantic barrier islands and the Chesapeake Bay in the east to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Plateau in the west, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of Colonial history, Civil War battlefields, mountain wilderness, wine country, and vibrant coastal cities.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you Virginia through its food.
Richmond Food Tour by YOLO RVA
Includes: Six to eight tastings at independently owned Richmond restaurants in historic Shockoe Slip and Shockoe Bottom · Southern and eclectic American flavors: BBQ, pimento cheese, charcuterie, and regional specialties · Knowledgeable guide narrates Richmond's culinary and colonial-era commercial history throughout the route · Small-group format (typically 8–15 guests) keeps the pace leisurely and stops personal · Vegetarian and gluten-free options available with advance notice at booking
Charlottesville Wine & Food Trail
Includes: Visits to 4–5 Monticello Wine Trail estates in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills near Charlottesville · Artisan cheese and charcuterie pairings at each winery stop, sourced from Virginia producers · Option to self-drive using the Monticello Wine Trail map or hire a licensed chauffeur · Barboursville Vineyards — founded 1976, one of Virginia's oldest and most storied estates · Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot are the region's signature varietals
Oyster Heritage Tour — Rappahannock River Oysters
Includes: Guided farm walk through working oyster beds on the Rappahannock River in Topping, Virginia · Hands-on shucking demonstration and lesson led by Rappahannock Oyster Co. farm staff · Tasting of 12 oysters on the half shell paired with Virginia beer or wine · September–April timing aligns with peak oyster flavor; cooler water concentrates briny, mineral character · Small groups of 8–20 ensure personal interaction with the Croxton family's farming team
Old Town Alexandria Culinary Walking Tour
Includes: 2.5-hour walking tour through Old Town Alexandria's 18th-century historic district near the Potomac waterfront · Five to six tastings spanning artisan chocolate, Virginia cheeses, pastries, and Mid-Atlantic fusion bites · One included alcoholic beverage — local craft beer, Virginia wine, or cocktail — at a neighborhood stop · Guide narrates Alexandria's colonial-era grain port history alongside each food stop · Flat, compact route of roughly 0.8 miles through pedestrian-friendly brick streetscapes
Shenandoah Valley Artisan Trail (Self-Drive)
Includes: Self-drive route linking artisan creameries, orchards, cideries, and heritage bakeries across the Shenandoah Valley · Virginia cider tastings at farm-based cider rooms — one of the Mid-Atlantic's fastest-growing cider regions · Aged cheddar, goat cheese, and artisan butter from grass-fed herds at valley creameries · Heirloom grain mills and heritage-wheat bakeries along the U.S. Route 11 corridor between Staunton and Front Royal · Fully self-paced; trail map with GPS coordinates available at shenandoahvalleyartisantrail.com
Cooking classes
Take a piece of Virginia home with you.
Cook & Create at The Jefferson Hotel
Hands-on cooking classes led by The Jefferson Hotel's culinary team; focus on seasonal Virginia ingredients. Classes held in the hotel kitchen. Book at jefferson-hotel.com or call 804-649-4750.
Salamander Resort Cooking Studio
Culinary studio at Salamander Resort; classes pair with adjacent vineyard and herb garden. Reservations at salamanderresort.com or call 540-326-4070.
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Book tours and cooking classes at least a few days in advance — small-group experiences sell out quickly.
Come hungry — most food tours include 5-8 tastings.
Bring cash for unscheduled stops the guide may recommend.