We Rank The 3 Best Food Tours In Virginia

Virginia’s reputation for history, scenic vistas, and a thriving food scene makes it a top destination for culinary explorers. Whether you’re interested in walking through charming old towns, tasting regional dishes, or learning how to pair wine and food, Virginia offers some fantastic options. These food tours combine local flavor with engaging stories and authentic experiences, making it easier to uncover what makes Virginia special beyond its well-known attractions.

In this guide, you’ll find three of the best food tours in Virginia, each with its own unique focus. From small-group historic food walks in Alexandria to a wine and food pairing with a winemaker, these experiences are tailored to different interests and budgets. We’ll give you detailed insights into what each tour includes, what makes them stand out, and who they are best suited for—helping you choose the perfect way to indulge and learn.

Quick Overview

Virginia’s food tours range from intimate historic walks to educational wine and food pairing experiences. The Southern Comfort – Old Town Alexandria Food & History Tour offers a 3-hour small-group walk exploring Alexandria’s culinary and historic gems. Meanwhile, the Old Town Alexandria Food Tour provides a slightly longer and more budget-friendly exploration of local eateries, combining history with regional flavors. For a different twist, the Learning Lunch of Wine and Food Pairing with Winemaker Donna offers a two-hour session focused on mastering wine pairings in a relaxed, educational setting.

1. Southern Comfort – Old Town Alexandria Food & History Tour

At $127 per person, the Southern Comfort – Old Town Alexandria Food & History Tour delivers a 3-hour experience that combines local cuisine with fascinating stories about the area’s past. This tour is perfect if you’re visiting Old Town Alexandria for the first time and want an intimate look at its culinary scene alongside its history. The tour features carefully selected tastings at small eateries, along with insights into what makes Alexandria’s food culture unique.

What makes this tour stand out is the small group cap at eight people, ensuring a personalized experience. Your guide shares sometimes scandalous stories and passersby landmarks many travelers overlook, like Market Square and Ramsey House. The route includes a stroll past the Athenaeum and Waterfront Park, giving you a well-rounded view of Alexandria’s historic and modern charms. Notably, part of each ticket supports a local charity, adding a feel-good factor to your adventure.

This tour is best suited for visitors eager to combine culinary exploration with historical storytelling, especially those who appreciate a smaller, more personal group. The reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the delicious food, with one saying, “It was fun, informative, and the food was excellent.” The value is excellent for those wanting a comprehensive, enriching experience that covers both history and cuisine.

Bottom Line: This tour is ideal if you want a detailed, small-group experience that marries food and local stories in Alexandria.

2. Old Town Alexandria Food Tour

For a more budget-friendly option, the $35 Old Town Alexandria Food Tour offers an engaging 3.5-hour walk through the historic streets. This experience emphasizes local food scenes and historical context, with tastings at family-owned restaurants serving regional seafood, Italian dishes, and fusion cuisine. The focus on authentic regional dishes ensures that you get a genuine taste of Alexandria’s food culture.

What sets this tour apart is its detailed narration of Alexandria’s nearly three-century history, woven into the walking route. The guide points out architectural gems and tells stories behind the buildings, giving you a sense of the city’s evolution. The stops are carefully chosen to showcase both culinary diversity and history, with each tasting adding up to a full meal. Guests often appreciate the variety of food and the opportunity to explore parts of town they may not visit on their own.

Guests consistently rate this tour highly, with reviews praising the knowledgeable guide Wayne and the delicious food that includes dishes they hadn’t tried before. It’s perfect for travelers on a budget who still want an immersive experience combining history and regional cuisine.

Bottom Line: This tour offers great value with a longer duration at a lower price, making it a smart choice for food lovers who also want to learn about Alexandria’s past.

3. Learning Lunch of Wine and Food Pairing with Winemaker Donna

If your idea of a perfect food tour involves learning how to pair wine with delicious bites, the Learning Lunch of Wine and Food Pairing with Winemaker Donna is a unique offering at $60 per person. This 2-hour experience focuses on five categories of wine paired with tapas-sized food samples, including three entrees, a cheese course, and decadent desserts.

What makes this tour distinct is the educational angle. Winemaker Donna guides you through understanding why certain wines complement specific foods, with plenty of “aha” moments for those interested in developing their palate. The tasting includes three cheeses and three desserts, making it a perfect fit for wine enthusiasts or anyone curious about elevating their dinner parties.

While shorter than the other options, this experience is highly interactive and perfect for social gatherings or anyone wanting to expand their knowledge on pairing wines with food. Reviewers note that Donna’s enthusiasm and expertise make the session both fun and informative.

Bottom Line: Ideal for wine lovers or anyone wanting to learn the art of pairing in a relaxed, educational setting. It’s a practical, insightful option and offers good value for those with a shorter window.

How to Choose

Deciding between these tours hinges on your interest, budget, and schedule. If you’re after an intimate, comprehensive experience that combines history, food, and local stories, the Southern Comfort – Old Town Alexandria Food & History Tour is your best bet. For a more affordable, yet still enriching experience focusing on local eateries and history, the Old Town Alexandria Food Tour offers excellent value.

If you’re a wine enthusiast or want to learn about pairing techniques, the Learning Lunch of Wine and Food Pairing with Winemaker Donna provides a shorter, more educational experience that can be enjoyed on a casual afternoon.

Consider your budget, time available, and specific interests—whether in history, local cuisine, or wine—to make the best choice. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours in peak seasons.

Final Thoughts

Virginia’s food tours represent a fantastic way to see more of the state’s culinary and historic charm in one package. If you prefer an intimate, guided walk that combines stories and tastings, the Southern Comfort is a top pick. Budget-conscious travelers who want a solid introduction to Alexandria’s flavors and stories will appreciate the Old Town Alexandria Food Tour. And for those who love wine and want to learn pairing skills, the Learning Lunch offers a fun, educational break.

No matter which tour you choose, booking early and preparing for a day of delicious bites and local stories will ensure a memorable Virginia experience.