Ah, wine country! Virginia’s farmland is robust and everywhere around the state. From the early days of colonial tobacco to today’s lively winery industry, Virginia’s ground has always had fertile soil. Here are 9 of the best wineries in the state for you to get a taste of what Virginia has to offer.
This magnificent estate in southern Virginia is steeped in history. Boasting a variety of award-winning wines, don’t leave this one off your personal wine trail. The winery holds a selection ranging from a dry Virginia white, to an elegant rosé, to a rich merlot, all wine fans will be pleased when they visit Rosemont of Virginia.
The Chatham Farm has been a working farm for over 400 years and is owned by Jon Wehner, the second-generation winegrower. About 1,700 vines sprout from each of their 20 acres, producing French vinifera varietals including merlot, chardonnay, Dijon clones, California clones, cabernet sauvignon, and more. Stop by for an event and take in the gorgeous views.
Stop in for a tour, tasting and dinner on the Wessex Hundred Farm, home to The Williamsburg Winery. Their first wine was released in 1988 to critical acclaim, and they’ve been going strong ever since. Join the wine club or stop in for dinner at the Gabriel Archer Tavern, where the menu is locally-sourced and paired with the perfect wine accompaniment.
“Good Luck Cellars has resurrected an old sand and gravel mine into a marvel of ecologic recovery: A vineyard and winery site of magical beauty and serenity. Come join us to celebrate hand crafted estate grown wines of superb quality.” For owners Paul and Katie Krop, what started as a hobby at home has grown into a full-fledged winery endeavor, their unique take coupled with regular wine and dine events makes Good Luck Cellars a great stop.
This family owned and operated vineyard was purchased in 2010 and has been making wonderful wines ever since. A certified Civil War encampment, the farm has quite a lot of history to it. The no-frills Gauthier Vineyard is all about making sure your tasting experience is top notch. “The Gauthier’s have sited and designed their tasting room to capture the features of their most memorable wine tasting experiences. The winery looks across to the vineyard and sits above the natural pond set towards the back of their Fair Winds Farm. The winding, single lane, farm road leading to the winery from the entrance on Farmers Drive serves to lower stress and raise expectations of inbound wine lovers.”
This gorgeous vineyard is part of Virginia Living’s top-rated wine trail. While they only have tastings on Saturday afternoons, locals rave about the experience. The owners prefer a Spanish feel, offering tapas and other fare in addition to their wines.
Saudé Creek Vineyards not only has a beautiful estate and tasty wines, but regular live music and weddings on site. Open Wednesday-Monday, tastings are relatively inexpensive for a nice afternoon out. Pets are welcome on the lawn and lower patio.
Bluemont Vineyards has some of the best views of any on this list. The Washington Monument can be seen on a clear day from the tasting room. Humble by nature, the owners call themselves “simple dirt farmers” and pride themselves on crafting 6,500 cases of wine each year. Open for tastings, dinner, and weddings.
Not to be mistaken for Bluemont above, the Bluestone Vineyard is situated in the Shenandoah Valley—a new hot spot for vineyards. The Bluestone Vineyard has “established [themselves] as a Virginia Winery producing well-crafted boutique wines.” They offer almost weekly events, including yoga, wine bottle panting, and “Black Friday pampering.”