If you’re looking for an unforgettable wine-tasting experience, then you need to check out some of the best wineries Virginia has to offer! From small, family-owned operations to large estates, there’s something for everyone. Here are 10 of our favorite wineries in Virginia – be sure to add them to your list on your next visit to this great state!
Our Top Choices
Virginia has many choices when it comes to wineries, but these are some of our top picks for an unforgettable experience.
Barboursville
What makes Barboursville Vineyard great is their commitment to both art and science. They use traditional winemaking techniques, combined with modern technology, to create world-class wines. They offer tours of the vineyard and winery, as well as tastings and special events throughout the year.
Their variety of wines ranges from white to red, and everything in between. They have fruity and dry options, as well as sparkling wines. No matter your taste, you’re sure to find something you’ll love at Barboursville Vineyard!
- Located in Barboursville, VA
- 2 hours from Washington DC
Paradise Springs
If you’re looking for a beautiful setting to enjoy your wine, then you need to check out Paradise Springs Winery. Located in the heart of Virginia’s horse country, this winery offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. They have a wide variety of wines available for tastings, as well as live music on weekends.
They have a variety of wines available to taste, from dry reds and whites to sweet dessert wines. No matter your preference, you’re sure to find a wine you love at Paradise Springs Winery!
- Located in Clifton, VA
- 45 minutes west of Washington DC
Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They offer a variety of red, white, and fruit wines, as well as sparkling wines. They also have a cidery on-site, so you can try their delicious hard ciders!
In addition to wine tastings, they offer tours of the vineyard and winery. They also have a gift shop on-site, where you can purchase wine, cider, and other souvenirs to take home with you.
- Located in Arrington, VA
- Just outside of Charlottesville, VA
- 45 minutes from Washington DC
Williamsburg Winery
Williamsburg Winery is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. They offer tastings of a variety of wines, from dry reds and whites to sweet dessert wines. In addition to wine tastings, they also have a cheese shop on-site, where you can purchase specialty cheeses to pair with your wine.
They offer tours of the winery and vineyard, as well as tastings of their wines. They also have a gift shop, where you can purchase wine, cheese, and other souvenirs to take home with you.
What makes this winery so very special is the location. It’s located in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg, so you can enjoy a wine tasting while taking a break from all the history!
- Located in Williamsburg, VA
- Just minutes from downtown Williamsburg, VA
- 20 minutes from Jamestown, VA
Blenheim Vineyards
Blenheim Vineyards is a beautiful winery, located in the heart of the Virginia wine country. They offer tastings of a variety of red, white, and fruit wines. In addition to wine tastings, they offer special events and group tastings.
- Located in Charlottesville, VA
- 20 minutes from downtown Charlottesville, VA
- 30 minutes from Richmond, VA
Early Mountain Vineyards
Early Mountain Vineyards is a beautiful winery created by Jess and Sharon Sweely, located in the heart of Virginia’s the Blue Ridge Mountains. They offer tastings of a variety of wines. In addition to wine tastings, they offer special music events, private gatherings, and more. They offer a menu of regional food offerings in a serene setting.
- Located in Madison, VA
- Just outside of Charlottesville, VA
- 45 minutes from Washington DC
Boxwood Estate
This fine winery was established by John Kent Cooke, the former owner of the Washington Redskins. They offer a wide variety of delicious wines, tastings, and charcuterie. You can book private events and reservations. They even allow you to visit with your pet.
They offer a variety of white, sparkling, and red wines. You can enjoy a wine tasting, or purchase a bottle to take home with you. They also have a gift shop on-site, where you can purchase wine, cheese, and other souvenirs to take home with you.
- Located in Middleburg, VA
- An hour from Washington DC
The Winery at Bull Run
This is the closest winery to Washington D.C. and also the largest winery in Fairfax county. They operate three vineyards. This winery is known for its fruit wines. They offer tastings, food, and music events. You can purchase wine by glass or bottle.
They offer a variety of red, white, and fruit wines. You can enjoy a wine tasting, or purchase a bottle to take home with you. They also have a gift shop on-site, where you can purchase wine or join their wine club. They also offer private events.
- Located in Centreville, VA
- Just outside of Washington DC
- 20 minutes from Dulles International Airport
Old House Vineyards
Old House Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery. They offer tastings of a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines. In addition to wine tastings, they also offer tours of the vineyard and winery, live music, and art events. You can purchase wine by bottle or case.
- Located in Purcellville, VA
- Just outside of Leesburg, VA
- 30 minutes from Dulles International Airport
Castle Glen Winery
Situated right next to civil war battlegrounds, this winery is a great place to visit for wine lovers and history buffs alike. They offer tastings of red, white, and fruit wines. In addition to wine tastings, they offer tours of the vineyard and winery. You can purchase wine by glass or bottle. They have an inn for those who want to stay overnight. The grounds are beautiful and serene and the wine and food are wonderful.
- Located in Middletown, VA
- An hour from Washington DC
Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery
This is the only winery and vineyard on the list that also has a Virginia brewery. The sprawling grounds of this facility offer picnic tables for visitors to use and plenty of room to run around. They have a large variety of wines, as well as beers and ciders. You can enjoy a wine or beer tasting, or purchase a bottle or growler to take home with you. They also offer private events.
- Located in Fauquier County, VA
- Just outside of Warrenton, VA
- 25 minutes from Manassas National Battlefield Park
What Makes a Great Winery
Does it Have a Tasting Room?
One of the most important things to look for when visiting a winery is whether or not they have a tasting room. This is where you will be able to sample the various wines that they produce and get a feel for what you like. If a winery does not have a tasting room, it may be because they are not yet producing enough wine to warrant one, or because their wine is not yet up to par.
Does it Offer Tours?
Another important thing to look for when visiting a winery is whether or not they offer tours. Many wineries offer tours of the vineyard and/or the winemaking facility. This can be a great way to learn more about the wine-making process and to see first-hand how the wine is made.
Does it Have a Gift Shop?
Most wineries have some sort of gift shop on-site. This is a great place to buy souvenirs for yourself or for friends and family back home. You can usually find things like wine glasses, bottle stoppers, and t-shirts.
What Other Amenities Does it Offer?
Some wineries offer additional amenities such as a restaurant, live music, or an on-site inn. These can be great additions to your visit, but they are not necessarily deal-breakers if the winery does not have them.
Does it Have Award-Winning Wines?
Not all wineries have award-winning wines, but it is always a bonus if they do. This means that the wine has been judged to be of high quality by an expert panel. If you are looking for a wine to take home with you, this is a good indicator of which ones to choose.
What Are The Factors of Quality Wine?
There are four main factors that contribute to the quality of a wine: the grape variety, the terroir, the winemaker, and aging.
The Grape Variety
This is what determines the flavor and aroma of a wine. There are many different grape varieties out there, each with its own unique characteristics.
The Terroir
This is the environment in which the grapes are grown. Factors such as the climate, soil type, and altitude can all affect the flavor of a wine.
The Winemaker
The winemaker is responsible for making sure that the wine tastes good. They must have a knowledge of both viticulture and enology in order to make good wine.
The acidity, tannins, sugar/sweetness, alcohol, and fruitiness of the wine are all affected by the winemaker.
Aging
Wine is often aged in oak barrels, which contributes to its flavor and aroma. The longer a wine is aged, the better it will taste. Some wines can be aged for many years before they reach their peak flavor.
What Is The Difference Between a Winery And a Vineyard?
A winery is a place where wine is made. A vineyard is a place where grapes are grown. Wineries can be either on or off-site from the vineyard. Many wineries purchase their grapes from local vineyards, but there are also some wineries that grow their own grapes.
Quick Tip From Expert Travelers
When traveling in Virginia, or anywhere else (especially during these uncertain times with the pandemic), be sure to arrange travel insurance. This will help to protect you financially in the event that something unexpected happens while you are on your trip. The last thing that you would want to happen is to get sick or injured and not have insurance to cover the costs.
If you’re looking for a wine-tasting experience that will stay with you long after your trip is over, be sure to check out one (or all!) of these ten incredible wineries in Virginia. With stunning landscapes and passionate vintners, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable visit. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next wine-soaked getaway today!
