It's vine time in Virginia this month

RICHMOND, Va. -- October is Virginia Wine Month, with tastings, festivals and hotel packages around the state.

Wine events include stargazing with telescopes and the help of an astronomer the weekend of Oct. 17 at Virginia Mountain Vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley; Norfolk's Town Point Virginia Wine Festival, Oct. 18-19; and a Hot Air Balloon and Wine Festival at the Historic Long Branch plantation in Millwood, Va., Oct. 18-19, where 17 Virginia wineries will offer tastings.

You can read more about the state's wine trails and tours at www.virginia.org/wine, where you'll also find a variety package deals, including a "Women Wild About Wine" package at the Tides Inn in Irvington, Va.

This is a girlfriends getaway on the Chesapeake Bay, including wine, cheese, chocolate, manicures, pedicures, wine tours and a picnic lunch, with prices starting at $335 a person each night, double occupancy.

A "Wine Lovers Scavenger Hunt" is being offered by the Mark Addy Bed & Breakfast in Nellysford, Va. Clues will lead you to area wineries, while the two-night package includes winery tours, breakfast, wine and a prize for those who figure out all the clues. Rates start at $429 on weekends and $319 on weekdays.