Quests & Cabernet
Program Details & Spotlights
Partnering with Spelled Ink Bookstore, Horton Vineyards hosts an immersive, table-top Dungeons & Dragons adventure among their beautiful vineyard vaults. Players of all experience levels can participate in custom-built campaigns while sipping award-winning Horton Cabernet or estate wines. It is a highly creative, unique pairing of fantasy gaming and Virginia winemaking.
Just a scenic, 30-minute drive from the shores of Lake Anna, the rolling hills of Gordonsville are preparing to host one of the most uniquely creative events of the season. Quests & Cabernet brings together the high-fantasy world of tabletop roleplaying and the refined elegance of Virginia wine country. Hosted inside the stunning, castle-like estate of Horton Vineyards, this immersive Dungeons & Dragons experience offers Lake Anna locals and visitors an unforgettable afternoon of storytelling, strategy, and exceptional pours.
Horton Vineyards has partnered with Spelled Ink, the beloved independent bookstore in neighboring Orange, VA, to bring this fantasy realm to life. Experienced Dungeon Masters will guide players through custom-built adventure campaigns designed specifically for this event. Whether you are a seasoned adventurer who knows your spell modifiers by heart, or a curious novice who has never rolled a twenty-sided die, you will find a welcoming table, a ready-made character sheet, and a community of friendly faces waiting to quest alongside you.
What truly sets this event apart is the atmospheric setting. Instead of a cramped basement or a noisy game shop, your adventure takes place amidst the cool, stone-lined vaults of Horton Vineyards. The gothic architecture of the winery perfectly mirrors the medieval aesthetics of a classic D&D campaign. As you navigate treacherous dungeons and negotiate with mythical beasts, you will be sipping on Horton’s renowned Cabernet Franc or their innovative estate blends, creating a sensory pairing that elevates the traditional gaming session into a luxury experience.
Why You Should Attend
- Unmatched Atmosphere: Rolling dice inside a real stone wine vault offers an immersive ambiance that home games simply cannot replicate.
- Beginner-Friendly: No prior D&D experience is necessary. The skilled Dungeon Masters from Spelled Ink will handle the rules so you can focus on the fun.
- Taste the Best of VA: Enjoy a flight or glass of Horton's award-winning, estate-grown wines, famously known for putting unique varietals on the Virginia winemaking map.
- A Creative Day Trip: It is the perfect excuse to gather your Lake Anna crew for a short road trip through the beautiful Piedmont countryside.
Insider Tips
- Make a Day of It in Gordonsville: Head out a little early and grab lunch at the famous BBQ Exchange in historic downtown Gordonsville before the questing begins at noon.
- Arrive Early for Seating: Tables fill up quickly. Arrive 15 minutes prior to start time to secure your spot with your preferred group and select your wine.
- Bring Your Own Dice: While all necessary materials are provided, bringing your favorite lucky polyhedral dice set is highly encouraged and adds to the fun.
- Check the Weather: The vaults can sometimes feel cool even on a warm day, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is a smart move for maximum gaming comfort.
⚓ Local Visitor Navigation Tips & Parking
Pre-registration is highly recommended as gaming spots at the tables are limited. The tasting room and winery grounds remain open to non-players who just want to spectate and enjoy the wine.