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Vineyard views, woodland wildlife, artisan dining, and a full roster of activities make this Virginia estate a standout weekend retreat.
Less than five hours from Cincinnati, NiceWonder Winery in Bristol, Virginia offers the kind of getaway that feels worlds removed from everyday life. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, quiet woodlands, and softly sloping hills, the estate blends wine, nature, culinary experiences, and restful accommodations into a day that unfolds at an unhurried pace.
Your morning begins just as the sun rises over the hills. A slow walk around the property is the perfect way to ease into the day. Crisp air moves across your skin, gravel crunches quietly underfoot, and a soft glow settles over the vines. Deer often wander along the tree line, unhurried and peaceful, while squirrels and rabbits dart through the underbrush. Songbirds add a gentle soundtrack, and the earthy scent of dew-covered grass creates a calming start to the morning.
After your walk, follow the aroma of fresh coffee to Hickory, the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, where a complimentary breakfast is served daily. The dishes highlight local ingredients, but it is the setting that elevates the experience. The hotel lobby features floor to ceiling windows that frame the surrounding vineyards and forest. Morning light pours into the space and encourages you to linger while you sip coffee and plan your day at what NiceWonder Winery has to offer.
At 9:00 a.m., guests can join the estate’s morning yoga session. Classes are held outdoors on warm days and indoors when the air turns crisp. The instruction is gentle and grounding, set against the rustle of leaves and the occasional glimpse of deer moving through the distance. After yoga, many guests head straight for the heated pool or the hot tub. Warm water, open views, and mountain air combine to create an unhurried, restorative midmorning ritual.
Late morning opens into a variety of possibilities. The spa offers massages, facials, and body treatments designed to melt away lingering tension. For something more active, guests can explore the catch and release pond, try their hand at Target sports, play a round of Disc Golf, or embark on one of the estate’s guided farm tours that highlight the gardens, vineyards, and sustainable practices behind the winemaking at NiceWonder Winery. Several scenic walking paths weave through the woods and across the hillside vineyards, providing plenty of chances to spot wildlife. Deer are especially common, though you may also see foxes, birds, and smaller woodland creatures moving through the fields.
Around midday, the energy drifts toward the tasting room and its covered outdoor bar. The space is casual and inviting with the smell of wood-fired pizza wafting from the oven. Guests linger with flights of the estate’s wines from NiceWonder, sampling crisp whites, bold reds, and sparkling options. Many pair their tastings with salads or hot slices of pizza while chatting with friends or visiting fellow travelers. The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial and perfect for an easy afternoon.
The rest of the day continues at whatever pace suits you. You can return to the spa, unwind by the pool, or head back outdoors for another round of Disc Golf or a peaceful walk along the vineyard paths. Many guests take this time to simply sit with a book or enjoy the quiet corners of the property where wildlife activity tends to increase as the sun starts to dip.
As evening arrives, NiceWonder Winery shifts into a cheerful, social mood. The tasting room and covered bar host trivia nights and karaoke on select evenings. Guests gather over glasses of wine for friendly competition, laughter, and live singing that fills the space with laid-back fun. For those craving a more elevated evening, dinner at Hickory is a highlight.
The restaurant’s signature Hickory Menu is a guest favorite. The House Dry Aged Steak is a standout, served with tallow pomme puree, broccolini, and a peppercorn demi-glace that brings richness and depth. The Hearth Roasted Carrots layered with romesco, chimichurri, remoulade, furikake, and chili crisp offer an unexpected, flavorful centerpiece. Warm Cornbread with sorghum butter and Herb Focaccia with melted leek butter round out the experience with comforting, Southern-inspired touches. Paired with estate wines from NiceWonder, dinner feels both refined and deeply satisfying.
When the night winds down, guests retreat to their accommodations. The property’s yurts offer a unique option for those seeking rustic luxury. Each one blends comfort with closeness to nature, perfect for falling asleep to the soft nighttime sounds of the property. The hotel offers a more traditional stay with modern rooms, plush bedding, and wide vineyard and woodland views framed by the same floor-to-ceiling windows that define the lobby. Whether in a yurt or a hotel suite at NiceWonder Winery, bedtime feels peaceful and grounding after a full day outdoors.
NiceWonder Winery is more than a short getaway. It is a sensory escape shaped by wildlife, wellness offerings, warm hospitality, and thoughtful activities. The air smells faintly of wood smoke and fresh herbs, the wines reflect the character of the landscape, and the balance of stillness and lively evening energy gives each day a satisfying rhythm.
Whether you are planning a romantic escape, a girls weekend, or a much needed solo retreat, a visit to this magical place, NiceWonder Winery, proves that a short drive from Cincinnati can lead to a spot that feels remarkably far away. From sunrise walks to the final notes of karaoke drifting into the night, it is the kind of destination that invites you to slow down, savor deeply, and return home feeling refreshed and inspired to come back again.
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