Winter Wine Getaway? Yes, Please

Located just an hour and a half west of downtown D.C. (14 Water St., Sperryville, Va.), the restored farmhouse retreat is a fully furnished, three bedroom home away from home that offers you full and private use of the entire house. Just you, your buddies, and if need be, your drum circle.

 

If the soothing sounds from the Thornton River or the warmth of the caster stove in the living room don't intrigue you, then the multitude of activities offered in town will, including winery tours, horseback rides, photography workshops in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and -- brace yourself -- a quilt outlet.

 

Now let's talk about food. Instead of walking to a gourmet restaurant (such as the Inn at Little Washington) nearby, you can opt to dine in with a catered farmhouse dinner from a professional chef. 

 

You can also ask for your very own personal chauffeur to take you to one of the six award-winning wineries nearby. If you want a massage, no problem -- a certified massage therapist will come to the house. Want to dance and do some yoga? They have private sessions for both. Do you want to fly to the moon? They can arrange that as well (maybe not).

 

A professional herbalist is also on hand so you can create your own elixir and healthy herbal potions (aphrodisiacs and immune-system boosters).

 

You say you want specials? The Winter Wine Getaway package includes a wine-tasting session at nearby Gadino Cellars, where you can sample seven of their Italian-inspired wines and also tour the winery with proprietor Bill Gadino. And because you're just so special, you'll also get a 10 percent reduction on stay for two couples/two nights, or 20 percent off a stay for three couples/two nights, including a self-serve breakfast.