On September 19 & 20, the famous Stratford Hall Wine & Oyster Festival will return for another memorable weekend in the Northern Neck of Virginia! Just before the leaves start to turn each fall, visitors dig into fresh oysters paired with premier wines from across Virginia—all while live music echoes across the storied grounds of the circa 1738 Lee family Great House.
Wineries on tap this year include Briede Family Vineyard, General’s Ridge Vineyard, Good Luck Cellars, Horton Vineyards, Ingleside Vineyards, Lazy Days Winery, Philip Carter Winery, Saudé Creek Vineyard, Three Leg Run Winery and Wind Vineyard. In addition to draft beer, festivalgoers can try a more “spirited” approach with Avalon Spirits Inc., Copper Fox Distillery, or Virago Spirits. The fan-favorite Nomini Bay Oyster Ranch will return alongside the Great Wicomico Oyster Company to serve up only the best oysters over both days. Food trucks from almost any cuisine will line up right on the Oval.
Be sure to catch one of the many live musical acts on-stage, stop by the craft and artisan booths, and on Sunday, see the Memory Lane Car Club auto show! The upper floor of the Great House, full of architectural and interior design wonder, will be open for select hours on both event days. Kids can enjoy barrel train rides around the festival grounds and dogs are more than welcome to join your picnic entourage. The checklist of things to do goes on—Wander the beautiful gardens, experience the Cliffs Overlook above the Potomac River during your lodging stay, and discover local wares and gifts in the Stratford Hall Gift Shop.
FESTIVAL TICKETS
• Early Bird Tasting Tickets: $35 (July 1 – September 18)
• General Admission Tasting Tickets: $50
• Non-Tasting Tickets: $25
• Children Ages 7-12: $10
• Children Ages 6 & Under: FREE
• Private Party Tents: Starting at $325
Learn more and get tickets at
www.StratfordHall.org/WineAndOysterFestival
WHAT DOES MY TICKET INCLUDE?
Tasting Tickets include samples from participating wineries and a souvenir wine glass. On-site distillery and beer sales will be available to both Tasting and Non-Tasting Ticket holders who are ages 21+. A 100% ID check for physical, valid IDs will be required. All tickets grant access to festival activities as well as the Visitor Center, Gift Shop, and the Great House during select hours each day. Tickets are valid for one day only. To attend both Saturday and Sunday, please purchase one ticket per day (two total to attend both days per person). Tasting Tickets are for wine tasting only and do not include other tastings or food. This event is held rain-or-shine, and tickets are non-refundable. Wine and spirits bottles purchased at the event must be picked up as you exit.
THERE’S LODGING AND BREAKFAST OPTIONS TOO?
Absolutely. Make the most of your weekend by enjoying special festival lodging rates in the Cheek & Astor Guest Houses for $195 per night. Or, stay with friends and family in one of the cozy Log Cabins; 1-bedroom $240, 2-bedroom $310, and 3-bedroom $370 per night. Advanced reservations required. Call (804) 493-1967 or email reservations@stratfordhall.org.
Any Festival attendee is welcome to wake up to a lovely country breakfast buffet in the Dining Room on either morning, from 8 to 10 a.m. Breakfast is $30 for ages 12 and older, and $15 for ages 11 and under. Advanced registration is required. The buffet includes biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, fresh fruit and a yogurt bar, with coffee, tea, and orange juice. Lodging guests enjoy two complimentary breakfast tickets per room in their reservation!
BECOME A FESTIVAL SPONSOR
Looking to promote your business or organization at one of the Northern Neck’s largest festivals? Become a Festival Sponsor and receive great benefits, including recognition in event materials and complimentary tickets. Thanks to Platinum Sponsors Clements Tent Rentals, Four Elements Electric and Virginia Tourism Corporation, Gold Sponsors Local Services, LLC and River City Golf Carts, and Bronze Sponsor Cralle Insurance Agency, Inc.! For more information on becoming a sponsor, contact Christina O’Neill at coneill@stratfordhall.org or call (804) 493-1946.
ABOUT STRATFORD HALL HISTORIC PRESERVE
Stratford Hall Historic Preserve, a National Historic Landmark in Westmoreland County, Virginia, brings together people from around the world to experience 1,800 acres of natural and human history, preserved and presented so that they can all learn from the courageous struggles of their ancestors, taking inspiration both from what they endured and what they accomplished. With the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, now is a significant time to elevate the stories of the people who lived and labored here, including two signers of the Declaration of Independence, revolutionaries, and the Africans and African Americans who shaped the history of Stratford Hall. Learn more at www.StratfordHall.org.