Discover the Best Wineries in Virginia
- Sydney Smith-Marlowe
- Jun 23
- 7 min read
Virginia is rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination for wine lovers, boasting a unique blend of diverse grape varieties and breathtaking scenery. With its rich history and suitable climate, the state provides ideal conditions for viticulture. This article will take you through some of the best wineries in Virginia, highlighting the top vineyards and what makes them special.
Wineries Worth the Visit
Virginia's wine country is filled with beautiful vineyards, producing a wide range of wines that cater to every palate. Here are some of the top options you shouldn’t miss.
1. Barboursville Vineyards
Barboursville Vineyards is one of the most renowned wineries in Virginia, located in the heart of the Monticello Wine Region. Founded in 1976, it is known for its impressive Cabernet Sauvignon and proprietary blend, Octagon. Set on a picturesque estate, the winery is not just famous for its wines but also for its stunning architecture.
Visitors to Barboursville can enjoy tasting rooms that provide a cozy yet elegant atmosphere, making it perfect for wine tastings and events. Guided tours of the vineyard showcase the winemaking process and the history of the property, adding another layer of educational value to your visit.
2. Château Morrisette
Château Morrisette is a true gem nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is celebrated for its scenic views and dog-friendly policies, making it an ideal spot for family outings. The winery produces over 30 different types of wine, including its most famous red, the Mourvèdre, and the delightful white, the Sweet Mountain Laurel.
The winery also features a restaurant on-site, offering a delicious menu that pairs beautifully with their wines. Don’t forget to take a stroll through their picturesque grounds, where you can enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the vineyard.
3. King Family Vineyard
Located near Charlottesville, King Family Vineyard is a family-owned vineyard known for its welcoming atmosphere and high-quality wines. Their signature wine is the Meritage, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. This vineyard stands out for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and quality.
King Family Vineyard is also famous for its events, including polo matches held during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings while watching the excitement unfold in the fields. It’s an engaging experience that combines sports and fine wine.
4. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is a stunning venue that emphasizes farm-to-table dining along with fabulous wines. Located in the countryside of North Garden, it features gorgeous views and a serene atmosphere, making it incredibly popular for weddings and events.
Pippin Hill specializes in small-batch wines, focusing on varietals such as Viognier and Cabernet Franc. Every visit promises exceptional experiences with friendly staff who are eager to help you discover the perfect wine.
In addition to wine tastings, Pippin Hill offers events ranging from educational wine pairing dinners to seasonal festivals. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to combine culinary delights with fine wines.
5. Veritas Vineyards & Winery
Veritas Vineyards & Winery is situated in the beautiful Nelson County and is known for its philosophy of producing excellent wines through sustainable practices. The winery offers a well-rounded assortment of wines, including their popular Sauvignon Blanc and the complex Merlot.
Visitors can enjoy a signature tasting experience at the elegant tasting room or indulge in a picnic by the picturesque pond. The breathtaking views of the rolling hills make it a perfect spot to unwind and appreciate the surrounding nature.
Veritas also hosts various events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts and holiday celebrations, providing visitors an opportunity to engage with the community while enjoying their wines.
6. Linden Vineyards
Linden Vineyards is one of Virginia's premier wineries, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, 60 miles west of Washington DC. Founded by owner Jim Law, this boutique winery has built a reputation for producing exceptional single vineyard wines with a focus on terroir and vintage expression.
Linden is best known for single vineyard bottlings of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Bordeaux variety red blends. With an intimate production of just 4,000 cases annually, every bottle reflects the unique character of their three distinct vineyard sites. The winery offers a sophisticated tasting experience that compares and contrasts wines from different vineyard sites and growing seasons.
Visitors can enjoy tastings by reservation on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Linden's tastings center on terroir, vintage, and wine age and how these influence wine style. For wine enthusiasts seeking an educational experience, Linden also offers special Cellar Tastings surrounded by barrels, featuring in-depth flights of older single vineyard wines. This adults-only venue (21+) welcomes groups of four or less for an intimate and focused wine experience.
7. Walsh Family Wine
Walsh Family Wine is a family-owned and -operated Virginia winery, which produces vineyard-specific wines from their sites throughout Loudoun County, Virginia. Founded in 2014, Sarah and Nate Walsh are firmly dedicated to the production of premium Virginia wine. The winery has quickly gained recognition, with Nate Walsh featured on Wine Enthusiast's "The Best Virginia Wineries to Visit Right Now, According to Industry Insiders."
The Walsh Family chose this journey because of the potential they saw in their vineyard sites, and the ability to create wines which pulse with the distinctiveness and elegance of the rocky hills of Loudoun County, Virginia. They farm from 54 acres on six distinct sites – five in Loudoun County, and one in Clark County. The winery produces varietals including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Manseng, Chenin Blanc, and more from their estate vineyards.
The tasting room provides both spacious inside and outside seating, with stunning views of the property. The LEED Gold Certified tasting room is 100% solar powered and features indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a covered patio, and beautiful views of the mountains and vineyard. Walsh Family Wine offers self-guided flights of their estate wines, lite fare from local suppliers, and an exclusive wine club for enthusiasts interested in wines made with a true sense of place.
8. 8 Chains North
8 Chains North is a Loudoun County farm winery located just 8 miles west of Leesburg, Virginia. Originally established by Ben Renshaw and his father in 2007, the winery began by planting four acres on the bluffs of the Potomac River at Furnace Mountain Vineyards. In August 2021, after 11 years of ownership, Renshaw sold the winery to Edz Sturans and Cissi DeMarco, who take the helm for the next chapter.
Ben Renshaw agreed to stay on as their Winegrower and continues to craft the handcrafted Old World-style wines that have made 8 Chains North a standout. The winery gets its unique name from its historical location: 8 Chains North gets its name from this first vineyard. FMV was planted 528 feet, or 8 chains north of White's Ford, a strategic Civil War crossing most notably used by the Confederate Army to cross into Maryland on the way to Antietam.
The winery includes an inviting Tasting Room, extensive outdoor seating, a dog park, and beautiful private event spaces perfect for weddings, special occasions, and corporate functions—all with stunning vineyard views. 8 Chains North produces a diverse range of wines including Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat. The winery also offers unique experiences like chocolate pairings with their tastings, making it a favorite destination for both wine novices and connoisseurs.
9. Crimson Lane Vineyards
Crimson Lane Vineyards was built to be both a destination and a home—a place to gather with friends and family around our table, sharing wine and swapping stories, just as you would around your own. Opened in 2023 by owner Tom Herrity, who had a personal dream to own a vineyard and make great wine. Located in Linden, this boutique winery represents one of Virginia's newest and most Instagram-worthy destinations.
The Herritys bought the property in 2014 and planted the vineyard several years later. Winemaker and Tom's brother-in-law, Dominick Fioresi has considerable winemaking experience in Virginia at Linden, Ingleside, and Delaplane Cellars. Their vineyard has been producing grapes since 2018, allowing Crimson to serve 100% estate wine from the day they opened.
Crimson Lane's wines include five whites and four reds. The whites are: Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, two Chardonnays (stainless and barrel-aged), and a semi-dry Petit Manseng. The reds are two Meritage-style blends ("Collina," a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and "Parral"). The sleek, modern tasting room designed with sustainability in mind offers expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visits are by reservation only for guests 21 and over, with tastings available Thursday-Friday 12pm-5pm and Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm. The winery offers multiple tasting experiences from communal tastings at the bar to private room bookings, each designed to showcase their estate-grown wines in an elevated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Planning Your Virginia Winery Tour
To make the most of your winery tour in Virginia, consider the following practical tips:
Create an Itinerary: Virginia has many wineries, so plan your visit in advance. Select a few must-see locations based on your taste preferences and geographical proximity.
Book Tastings Ahead of Time: Many wineries require reservations, especially during peak seasons. Booking in advance ensures that you have a spot for tastings and other experiences.
Designate a Driver: If you plan to visit multiple wineries in one day, consider arranging a designated driver or using a tour service. Safety should always come first.
Pair Your Experience with Food: Many Virginia wineries offer food pairings or have onsite restaurants. Exploring local cuisine can enhance your wine tasting experience.
Engage with the Staff: Don’t hesitate to ask questions! Staff members are generally passionate about their wines and can provide insights that enhance your understanding and appreciation.
Final Thoughts
You can find a wealth of information and updates about the vibrant world of Virginia wineries, making it easier for you to plan your next adventure in wine country. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, Virginia’s wineries promise an unforgettable experience filled with excellent wines, scenic views, and warm hospitality.
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