A winery trip is often a summer affair: Even the word winery might conjure images of rosé-sipping frolickers sitting on patios in wide-brimmed hats. But Virginia wineries offer plenty of reasons to visit during the colder months, too. From private igloos to fire pits to mulled wine, wineries are keeping things cozy this winter.
Intimate Igloos
Cave Ridge Vineyard, located in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills overlooking the Shenandoah Valley, offers four fully furnished, heated igloos for rent for groups from two to eight. You get mulled wine and a souvenir mug with your $125 igloo reservation. “It’s something special — an intimate area that enables people to celebrate events from birthdays to anniversaries to engagements,” says general manager Megan Phillips. There are also fire pits and heated tables available for reservations and walk-ins. 1476 Conicville Rd., Mt. Jackson
Burning Bright
Bring the whole family and gather round one of the five outdoor fire pits at 868 Estate Vineyards in Purcellville. The kid- and pet-friendly 120-acre winery offers mulled wine and s’mores, plus charcuterie and a comfort-food menu if you get hungrier. $72 gets you two hours of coziness; you can make a reservation or just show up. They also have their own mulling spices, which tasting room manager Kimberley Poncin says are “a big seller.” 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd., Purcellville
Wine & Gingerbread Men
Get merry with Bluemont Vineyard’s holiday cookie and wine pairing events, offering up freshly baked cookies courtesy of Knead It Bakery and wines from the vineyard’s Signature Series. Reservations are $35 per guest, plus tax and 20 percent gratuity, and include four cookies and four wine pairings. 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont
At-TENT-ive Service
If your own igloo isn’t luxurious enough, perhaps you’ll want to rent one of the heated, adorably furnished wine tents at Potomac Point Winery in Stafford. Your reservation for four to eight guests is $150 and includes two and a half hours of personal food and beverage service. May we recommend starting with their signature grog (mulled wine)? Preorder the “naked wine cake,” which is baked and soaked in wine. 275 Decatur Rd., Stafford
S’mores Galore
Opened in June 2021, Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard has already become the darling of TikTokers. Snag a seat by the teal tiled indoor fireplace, surrounded by charmingly mismatched couches, for one of the more picturesque winter winery experiences around. Or you can reserve one of the six outdoor fire pits or a spot on one of the heated terraces. At the fire pits, $35 gets you unlimited s’mores. “We just come bringing s’mores as you want them,” says general manager Christopher Robin Gleed. “Last year was pretty successful with lots of families and kids.” You can also warm up with mulled wine, hot soup, or a grilled cheese. 594 Merrie Mill Farm, Keswick
Feature image of Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard.
This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.
