Tucked up in the northwestern corner of Hanover County is the little town of Beaverdam, home of wooded hillsides and rolling farmland. Here, summer afternoons are cooled by soft breezes off the North Anna River, and summer nights are full of stars that shine brightly, undiminished by the city’s glaring lights. There are a couple of satisfying ways to spend a few hours amid this bucolic splendor. You can sit in the shade of a burgeoning oak tree, thinking deep thoughts while watching the sun set. Or you can relax in the intimate performance pavilion of the Windy River Winery, sipping some of the state’s best wine and enjoying some great musical entertainment.

Proprietors Randy and Judith Rocchiccioli built the performance pavilion shortly after opening the winery in 1997. Randy has winemaking in his blood, with a grandfather working as a vintner in Tuscany. Their blended dry red wine, called The Wolf, has been well-received by wine connoisseurs, as well as by local patrons. The Windy River line now also includes cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and ruby blush wines.

The site’s outdoor performance space overlooks the scenic vineyards, spread out over 12 acres. For the past two summers, the Rocchiccioli’s have hosted numerous theatrical productions, but this year, they are focusing on music. The Winery will offer bluegrass July 1 noon-5 p.m. ($12), and then an evening of jazz July 22 and Aug. 19 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. ($10). Wine tastings and tours of the operation will be available during both events as well as on any weekend from 1 to 5 p.m.

It’s a little bit of a haul out to Beaverdam, but a trip to the Winery can be easily integrated into other adventures. If you are looking for a good place to get jazzed up after a day on the beaches of Lake Anna State Park or to chill out after a rowdy good time at King’s Dominion, check out the Windy River Winery.

Windy River Winery is located at 20268 Teman Road in Beaverdam. Call; (804) 449-6996 for directions, or go to windyriverwinery.com