Bettina Theilacker

College assignments usually don’t come with a cathedral veil and a barn full of florals. Michael Al Bahou’s senior internship did — and A Tale of Destiny at Sweeney Barn in Manassas, Virginia, was born.

It’s Virginia Wine Month, and honestly, you don’t need a better excuse to grab your people, hit the road, and sip your way through Northern Virginia. Between the views, the vino, and the vibes, these wineries prove you don’t have to head west to feel like you’ve escaped.

It’s VA Spirits Month, and yes, Northern Virginia has more than traffic and government buildings — it’s home to some seriously impressive craft spirits. These bottles are sip-worthy, brag-worthy, and perfect for your bar cart.