The Wall Street Journal    I    November 21, 2008

By Menalie Grayce West

What sounds like more fun after Thanksgiving: fighting the mall crowds for door-buster deals, or a leisurely afternoon of wine-tasting, music and other holiday activities at your local winery? If you like option two, visit some of the many wineries that host open houses immediately after Thanksgiving. Expect to see holiday decorations, local crafts, warm fires and deals on wine.

Black Friday Recovery Ward
Delaplane, Va.

[Post-Turkey Quaffs] 
Barrel Oak Winery will host an open house to showcase handmade gifts from local artisans as an alternative to the busy malls (Barrel Oak calls it a "sanity break" for shoppers). Wine tastings and wine by the glass and bottle are available for consumption on the premises. A photography exhibit, "Chasing the Cat: Dog Portraits" by Lee Anderson, is on view in the tasting-room gallery. Further details at barreloak.com.

WHEN: Nov. 28-30, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
WHERE: 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane, Va.
HOW MUCH: $4.50 for a basic wine tasting
GIFTS: 15% off all wine and 30% off select retail items in the winery gift shop

Printed in The Wall Street Journal, page W5