DC Events · October 9–11, 2026
Virginia wines on the east lawn at sunset. The Potomac River below. October foliage as the backdrop. Three evenings on George Washington’s estate.
The Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival returns October 9–11, 2026 — three evenings on the east lawn with wines from 20 Virginia wineries, live music, and sunset views over the Potomac River.
Where to Stay Near Mount Vernon
Old Town Alexandria puts you 8 miles from Mount Vernon with easy George Washington Parkway access.
Morrison House
Autograph Collection property on Prince Street. Intimate, well-located, genuinely distinguished.
Check RatesHyatt Centric Old Town Alexandria
Modern full-service hotel with rooftop bar and Potomac views. Walking distance to King Street Metro.
Check RatesHilton Alexandria Old Town
Reliable full-service Hilton on King Street. Good rates for a wine festival weekend.
Check RatesBrowse VRBO Near Mount Vernon
Short-term rentals near Mount Vernon for the most authentic weekend experience.
Browse VRBOWhat the Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival Is
Three evenings on the east lawn of George Washington’s estate — wine from 20 of Virginia’s finest wineries, live music, and sunset views over the Potomac River. After-hours estate experience — Mount Vernon is closed to regular visitors for the evening. Ticket holders get the grounds largely to themselves.
Key Details
- Dates: Friday–Sunday, October 9–11, 2026
- Hours: 6pm–9pm each evening
- Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
- Tickets: Friday $62 general / Saturday $66 / Sunday $51 — mountvernon.org
- Rain or shine: No refunds
What to Expect
The wine: Twenty Virginia wineries pour unlimited samples. Virginia has become a genuinely serious regional wine industry — expect Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Petit Verdot alongside familiar varietals. The setting: The east lawn overlooks the Potomac with Fort Washington visible across the water. At sunset in October, with foliage turning — one of the most beautiful settings in the region. What to bring: A blanket. Mount Vernon strongly suggests it.
Getting There
Mount Vernon is 16 miles south of downtown DC via the George Washington Memorial Parkway — about 30 minutes without traffic. No Metro access — drive or rideshare. From Old Town Alexandria: about 8 miles south on the GW Parkway. See our DC rideshare guide for rideshare options from DC.
🅿️ Parking at Mount Vernon
Free on-site parking is available at the estate for wine festival attendees. No pre-booking needed — just factor in the 16-mile drive from DC via the George Washington Parkway.
Search Old Town Alexandria Parking on SpotHero →Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival 2026 Quick Reference
- Dates October 9–11, 2026 (Friday–Sunday)
- Hours 6pm–9pm each evening
- Location 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
- Friday tickets $62 general / $49.60 member
- Saturday tickets $66 general (sells out first)
- Sunday tickets $51 general — best value
- Bring A blanket for lawn seating
- Rain policy Rain or shine — no refunds
- Transit Drive or rideshare — no Metro access
- Tickets mountvernon.org
Bottom Line
Sunday is the best value at $51 — same experience, fewer people than Saturday. Book in advance at mountvernon.org. Bring a blanket.
More DC fall events: Snallygaster Beer Festival · Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival · DC JazzFest
Visiting for the Wine Festival?
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