The Virginia Oyster Trail provides visitors with a linkage to nearly every aspect of oyster production and consumption within the Old Dominion State. Followers of the Trail learn about the watermen who harvest the oysters, the local restaurants that serve them in a variety of styles, and the Virginia-made wines, spirits, beers and ciders that pair with them — as well as information on lodging and other historic and cultural attractions found along the way.
“The Virginia Oyster Trail is a great new way to leverage all of the benefits Virginia oysters bring to local communities and our efforts to build a new Virginia economy,” noted Governor McAuliffe during the Oyster Trail ribbon cutting event. “Virginia oysters help foster tourism, community development, agriculture, environmental stewardship, entrepreneurial growth and cultural integration of Virginia’s distinctive coastal way of life. Virginia produces the best oysters in the world, and as the oyster industry continues to grow, we want it to be known that Virginia is the Oyster Capital of the East Coast.”
Virginia is the leading east coast seafood producer and the third largest in the nation. Virginia’s oyster harvest increased by 31 percent during the 2014 season, with more than 658,000 bushels, with a dockside value of more than $33.8 million, the most in nearly a generation.
The official opening of the Virginia Oyster Trail coincides with Virginia Oyster month, and there are a number of special “Wine and Brine” activities scheduled through the end of November in celebration.
November officially celebrates the Eastern Shore’s distinct viticulture and aquaculture offerings and tout the hyper-local benefits of growing grapes within steps of some of the best aqua farming in the country. A full calendar of events includes traditional Shore oyster roasts, wine & oyster festivals, wine dinners, raw bar tastings, and even a documentary film viewing of Watermen.
Restaurants and retailers will offer a signature Eastern Shore oyster dish, or product, paired with an Eastern Shore wine for the entire month. But tasting this place is not limited to the Shore! Restaurants all along the East Coast are participating.
Wine and Brine Month Events
Machipongo – Nov. 14 – Merroir & Terroir – Oyster Extravaganza – Please join us for our annual Oyster Extravaganza! Partake in a tasting of Chardonnay from Chatham … read more…
Machipongo – Nov. 21 – Ducks Unlimited Oyster Roast – The annual Ducks Unlimited Oyster Roast helps to preserve the very waters that provide the oysters … read more…
Cape Charles – Nov. 28 – Cape Charles Historical Society Oyster Roast – Oysters are the star of this show and will be served both roasted and raw. Spicy bacon and potato … read more…
Special Wine and Brine Travel Packages
Cape Charles – Terroir, Merroir & Boudoir Package – The Inn at Onancock and the Cape Charles House B&B are teaming up to bring you Oyster and Wine … read more…
Cape Charles – Art Studio Wine Tour and Oyster Roast – This is a full weekend (2-night minimum) with a special offer of 50% off on a third night. In … read more…
Chincoteague Island – Holidays on the Halfshell – Nestle into the holiday season in style this November, as you sample Chincoteague Island oysters … read more…
Onancock – Ducks Unlimited Oyster & Wine Lovers’ Weekend – This is a full weekend (2-night minimum) with a special offer of 50% off on a third night. In … read more…
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