Drink Local! Northern Virginia is ripe with wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries. Here’s a look at some of our favorite tasting rooms and taprooms — and what to pick up when you visit.
Virginia wineries offer something for everyone, whether that’s an award-winning bottle, an educational experience, a beautiful view, or a boisterous atmosphere. Find out what to expect and what to try at these NoVA vineyards.
By Amy Ayres, Kelly Magyarics, Kristen Schott, and Renee Sklarew
868 Estate Vineyards
14001 Harpers Ferry Rd., Hillsboro
Three couples — Wendy and Chris Charron, Carl and Erin DiManno, and Peter and Nancy Deliso — opened this winery in a valley formed by the Blue Ridge and Short Hill mountains in 2012 and named it for the property’s highest elevation. Since 2018, 868 has crafted wine only from hand-harvested, estate-grown grapes. It produces about 4,000 cases a year from its 21 acres of vines and won the 2020 Virginia Governor’s Cup for its 2017 Vidal Blanc.
See This: The inviting tasting room featuring local art gives way to vast outdoor spaces that are perfect for Insta-worthy snaps.
Pricing: Flights are $15; tastings are $20; $26–$42 per bottle
Vibe: Come as you are for wine plus everything from trivia nights to music fests and classes. Family- and pet-friendly. The winery only takes reservations for groups of eight or more.
Try or Buy: The 2020 Altezza Red Nebbiolo and merlot blend has bold tannins balanced by red berries; or the 2021 Meritage, a blend of merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc, and cabernet sauvignon with flavors of blackberry, black plum, and espresso
Arterra Wines
1808 Leeds Manor Rd., Delaplane
You’re in for something different here, with a winemaking style that results in a distinct fruit-forward, often tangy taste. Owner and winemaker Jason Murray uses a native yeast fermentation, neutral oak, and no additives to create what he refers to as “clean wine.” With the slogan “art of the land,” the wines are focused on showing off the terroir. The rustic tasting room is tucked into a wooded hilltop on the property’s 75 acres, and guests can enjoy table service inside or outdoors when the weather permits.
See This: A wood-beamed tasting room with a display of pottery made by Murray’s wife, Sandy Gray-Murray, who owns Hawkmoth Arts. Her studio is in the same building, and she offers classes like Sip, Sculpt, and Glaze.
Pricing: $18 for a tasting of any five wines; $36–$54 per bottle
Vibe: Earthy and laid-back with a warm, knowledgeable staff. Family- and dog-friendly. No reservations required. No buses or limos.
Try or Buy: The Cabernet Franc 2022 has a rich texture and bold fruit flavor; the Trilogy is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, Zweigelt, and petit verdot; and the Amphora chardonnay is fermented in a clay amphora and aged for seven months.
Bluemont Vineyard
18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont
In 1993, after purchasing what became Great Country Farms, the Zurschmeide family (who also owns Dirt Farm Brewing) recalls looking up the mountain and imagining planting grapes on the sunny slopes above. That vision became a reality in 2007, when this Bluemont winery was established. It now focuses on more than 10 varietals, including viognier, Norton, and cabernet franc. True to their farming roots, the family encourages guests to relax on a blanket between the rows of vineyards or arrange a lunch among the vines with one of their luxury picnic partners, glass in hand.
See This: Snag one of the Adirondack chairs on the edge of the patio situated at a 951-foot elevation for a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Loudoun Valley.
Pricing: Take a 45-minute vineyard and winery tour while tasting five seasonally selected wines for $35 per person for two to 10 people, reservations required; $29–$58 per bottle
Vibe: A welcoming, low-key vibe is joined by swoon-worthy vistas from the always-buzzing family- and dog-friendly 951 Tasting Room. For a more refined experience with curated pairings, book a spot at The Reserve Tasting Room nestled on the ridge of the mountains.
Try or Buy: Petit Manseng, an off-dry wine with hints of honeysuckle and white peach with lingering acidity, or the Sauvignon Blanc, with heady aromas of lemongrass and melon and zesty citrus and green apple on the palate
Boxwood Estate Winery
2042 Burrland Ln., Middleburg
This winery feels like it’s been plucked out of California wine country thanks to its laid-back but luxe atmosphere and modern architecture. Owned by John Kent Cooke, who owned the Commanders back when they were the Redskins, Boxwood specializes in
Bordeaux-inspired nectars that thrive in Virginia. Wines are crafted from the 26 acres of French noble, estate-grown grapes with the direction of global wine consultant
Stèphane Derenoncourt and Stephen and Joyce Rigby, a husband-and-wife team who are the winemaker and vineyard manager, respectively. Boxwood makes wines for restaurants including Field & Main and Ellie Bird, both of which are on our list of the top 10 restaurants in NoVA this year.
See This: A reservation in the circular wine cave lets you sit amid 200 French oak barrels for a guided tasting of six wines and a cheese and charcuterie board for $50 per person.
Pricing: Flights are $15; pairings starting at $35 per person; $23–$55 per bottle
Vibe: Youthful with folks who are discerning about their wine. Reservations are preferred. No pets, kids, or outside food.
Try or Buy: Don’t miss the 2020 Reserve, a red Bordeaux blend that’s made only in great harvest years and was rated 92 points by international wine critic James Suckling. Plus, the dry rosé is tops, no matter the vintage.
Breaux Vineyards
36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville
When the Breaux family bought the land near Purcellville in 1995, owner Paul Breaux discovered dormant grape vines on the property. The entrepreneur decided to cultivate the crop and founded the 50th vineyard in Virginia. Today, Paul’s daughter Jennifer Breaux runs the daily operation of this 104-acre vineyard nestled between two picturesque mountain ranges. The tasting room and patios overlook an expansive field with 18 grape varieties. Breaux produces approximately 144,000 bottles each year.
See this: A Cajun theme in the ample Tuscan-style tasting room, with terraces and private event spaces
Pricing: 50 different wines to sample, $15–$18 for red, white, or mixed flights; $25 for a guided pour; $20–$54 per bottle
Vibe: It’s a bustling space with stunning mountain views. Kids, pets, and groups are welcome, and light fare is available to order.
Try or Buy: Try any vintage of the Nebbiolo. Nicknamed “The Wine of Kings,” Nebbiolo is an Italian grape that dates back to the 1700s. Also try the Cabernet Franc Reserve, with ruby red color and tastes of dark cherry.
Cana Vineyards & Winery
38600 Little River Tpk., Middleburg
Cana Vineyards sits on a former hay farm near historic Aldie. Owned by Lisa and Bryce Petty, two enthusiastic Virginia Tech grads, the 43-acre vineyard is known for making quality wines and has earned a slew of awards. The first vines were planted in 2015, and acclaimed vintner Melanie Natoli was promoted to head winemaker in 2018. Natoli believes in showcasing grapes grown in Loudoun County, and she won first place at the 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup for her Unité Reserve 2021. Within the Cana portfolio are three rosé wines, which Natoli says “is a cornerstone for me.” Natoli is the first woman to win the modern Virginia Governor’s Cup competition.
See this: The Sunset Pavilion and adults-only gazebo overlooking the hills of the Virginia Piedmont
Pricing: $12 for self-guided wine flights; $25–$48 per bottle
Vibe: Family- and dog-friendly vineyard with exceptional, award-winning wines
Try or Buy: Rosé of Merlot, a bright, fresh, dry wine quaffable in any weather; or the 2020 Unité Reserve, a blend of petit verdot, cabernet franc, and merlot
Crimson Lane Vineyards
13334 Crimson Ln., Linden
Crimson Lane opened its stunning tasting room overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains in March, but owners Tom and Deanna Herrity (who are longtime Arlington residents), and winemaker Dominick Fioresi (Deanna’s brother), have been working on the wines and experience there for more than a decade. The owners purchased the valuable sloped 166-acre parcel in 2014 and worked with veterans from neighboring Linden Vineyards, Early Mountain Vineyards (outside Charlottesville), and other Virginia wine experts to build on lessons learned by those who’ve come before them.
See This: A beautiful tasting facility with gorgeous views, where you can order a charcuterie board or empanadas
Pricing: Starting at $45 per person for a tasting; $43–$80 per bottle
Vibe: A high-end experience for people who are serious about good wine; reservations are required and groups are limited to six or less. No kids, no pets, no party buses.
Try or Buy: Parral, a red blend of merlot, cabernet franc, and cabernet sauvignon, named for the city in Mexico that’s home to the vineyard manager; Chardonnay aged in oak 14 months features notes of baked apple and caramel with a creamy texture
Linden Vineyards
3708 Harrels Corner Rd., Linden
Jim Law is considered to be one of the godfathers of Virginia wine. His renowned winery, located on a long-abandoned apple orchard with enviable elevations and east-facing slopes, opened and released its first vintage in 1987. Law’s goal is to craft terroir-driven wines that are reflective of the three vineyard sites he owns and operates: Hardscrabble, Avenius, and Boisseau. His winemaking philosophy is increasingly influenced by climate change; guests who book one of the intimate tastings can comparatively sample its effects on vintage variation.
See This: From the terrace, peek at Hardscrabble, the 20-acre estate vineyard surrounding the winery building that includes some of the original vines planted in 1985.
Pricing: Tasting of six wines is $25 per person for up to four people early in the day, with only singles or couples allowed in the afternoon, reservations required; $28–$65 per bottle
Vibe: A quiet and contemplative atmosphere for guests who are genuinely curious about what’s involved with exemplary wine-making. No pets, party buses, or anyone under 21 permitted.
Try or Buy: Hardscrabble Red, a concentrated, well-structured single-vineyard Bordeaux-style blend with notes of herbs de Provence and red fruit, or Hardscrabble Chardonnay, an elegant, mineral expression that will continue to evolve for years.
Potomac Point Winery
275 Decatur Rd., Stafford
Owners Skip and Cindi Causey impart their love for entertaining at Potomac Point Winery. They designed their complex of tasting room, courtyard, terraces, and underground wine cellar to resemble an old-world Tuscan estate. The terraced grounds offer ample space to observe the hilly landscape and lush foliage. Visitors seeking entertainment will enjoy the cozy wine tents, pavilions, bocce courts, and outdoor movie nights. Le Grand Cru Bistro has a full menu of food, and wine-infused naked cakes can be ordered in advance. Skip serves as the president of the Virginia Vineyard Association.
See this: Coyote Wine Cave lit with chandeliers and candles, and the Pocahontas Reserve stoneware bottles
Pricing: $20 for the Grand Cru tasting; $15 for the Premier Cru tasting (both tastings include eight different wines); $15–$50 per bottle
Vibe: Great for girls night out, date night, and family fun. Reservations are recommended. Dogs are permitted in some areas of the winery.
Try or Buy: Albariño is the winery’s new Spanish-style white with citrusy notes. Also, try the Norton, a rich red made from America’s oldest wine grape.
RdV Vineyards
2550 Delaplane Grade Rd., Delaplane
A regular on lists of the best wineries in the state, RdV is named with the initials of owner and winemaker Rutger de Vink. Only two wines are made regularly here, and both are red Bordeaux-style blends: Rendezvous and the flagship Lost Mountain, named for its location. Cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and petit verdot grapes are planted on the prime, sloped vineyards that sit above granite, with just 18 inches of soil. A visit here is a special occasion, and you’ll need a reservation for the private tasting.
See This: A sleek, modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows
Pricing: $120 per person for a tasting that includes a glass of bubbly to sip while you tour the vines, a pour of Rendezvous while exploring the spotless cellars, and a sit-down tasting of three vintages paired with a curated charcuterie board featuring local delicacies like wagyu beef pastrami from nearby Ovoka Farm
Vibe: Patrons linger to enjoy the food and drink, take it all in, and chat with well-informed staff. You won’t find kids or pets. Reservations book up, so plan ahead.
Try or Buy: Bottles are available only to members at $225 per bottle for the flagship Lost Mountain, a Bordeaux-style red blend. You can try multiple vintages as part of the tasting experience.
Stone Tower Winery
19925 Hogback Mountain Rd., Leesburg
The tasting rooms and property are gorgeous — not to mention wildly popular. Before launching this Loudoun County winery in 2009, wine connoisseurs Mike and Kristi Huber brought in industry analysts to glean a better understanding of the site’s potential. The team has focused its efforts on creating wine from classic French varietals including chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot; and experimenting with others, including Nebbiolo and viognier. The 2021 Kristi Chardonnay was poured at a state dinner at the White House in June.
See This: The sweeping panoramas viewable from a table or sofa on the patio and the vaulted ceilings and stone walls of the Tower View Tasting Room
Pricing: $85 per person for two to six guests for the signature experience, where you’ll learn about the winery’s history and enjoy a tasting of estate wines paired with a cheese and charcuterie board; $30–$94 per bottle
Vibe: Busy, sprawling, and welcoming. First-time guests can convene in the original Harvest Barn Tasting Room, while wine club members have access to tables in the more upscale Tower View Tasting Room. Dogs and children are welcome. Groups of eight or more require a reservation. No outside food.
Try or Buy: The Estate Rosé, a juicy yet complex mélange of merlot and cabernet franc with black raspberry and black pepper, or the Estate South Fork, a blend of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot with characteristics of cassis, tobacco, coffee, and firm tannins
The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards
16804 Hamilton Station Rd., Hamilton
The Fialdini family knew what they were doing when they partnered with winemaker Michael Shaps to craft Bordeaux-inspired varietals. Shaps has put many Virginia wineries on the map and has his own winery in Charlottesville. In 2017, The Barns became the first Loudoun County winery to win the Virginia Governor’s Cup for its 2014 cabernet sauvignon.
See This: The circa-1910 stone-and-wood bank barn serves as the tasting room and cellar.
Pricing: Flights starting at $20 per person; $27–$42 per bottle
Vibe: This casual outpost has been a welcoming hangout for locals for a more than a decade. Spring for a create-your-own picnic basket and a seat on the lawn (BYO chairs). Kid- and dog-friendly. No reservations required except for large groups.
Try or Buy: If you’re a cab franc fan, try the library tasting through four vintages, and bring home a bottle of the 2019 Meritage, a red Bordeaux blend.
The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek
43285 Spinks Ferry Rd., Leesburg
Aimee and Todd Henkle’s desire to open a winery stemmed from their honeymoon in Bordeaux. The couple searched for their dream plot of land in Napa and Willamette Valley but when work brought them to Virginia, they homed in on Loudoun County and purchased Lost Creek in 2012. Today, Todd, the vineyard manager and winemaker, tends the vineyards (8 acres on the Leesburg estate and 5 acres in Bluemont) using sustainable practices. He crafts low-intervention wines that express their terroir.
See This: A tasting room reservation lets you sample wine and cuisine crafted by executive chef Christian Evans.
Pricing: Tastings starting at $20; flights starting at $25; $26–$65 per bottle
Vibe: Refined and all about the wine experience. No kids or pets; reservations recommended.
Try or Buy: The 2019 Allure, a blend of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, and merlot, has earned praise from San Francisco to the U.K.
Walsh Family Wine
16031 Hillsboro Rd., Purcellville
Founded by a husband-and-wife duo who met, married, and started a winery all in the span of less than three years, this Purcellville winery now operates six vineyard sites in Northern Virginia. Career winegrower Nate Walsh had previous stints at Horton Vineyards, Sunset Hills Vineyard, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and Central Otago in New Zealand; Sarah Walsh has a background in fine dining and fine-wine sales. Their wines highlight Virginia’s diverse terroir, and the couple is also intent on helping other winemakers succeed. The onsite Winemaker’s Studio allows up-and-coming vintners to use Walsh’s equipment to make wines under their own brand, and they also schedule Bar Takeovers, featuring tastings of other wine brands.
See This: Views of the vineyard and rolling hills from a table under the covered patio (with seasonal fire pits), bookable for groups of five to 10 wine lovers
Pricing: $55 per person for a 60-minute tour of the vineyard and production facility and a seated tasting of wines paired with small bites; $32–$47 per bottle
Vibe: Hospitality and flexibility reign, with a choose-your-own-adventure experience at the indoor or outdoor tasting rooms and in semi-private rooms reserved for larger groups. Well-behaved dogs and kids are welcome, and picnic food is permitted outside.
Try or Buy: Hickory Wind Albariño, with notes of green fruit, lychee, and a tinge of salinity, or Bethany Ridge Cabernet Franc, a deeply extracted offering with red fruit and blueberry tones and a touch of petit verdot for structure
Williams Gap Vineyard
35521 Sexton Farm Ln., Round Hill
Veterinarian-turned-vigneron Jack Sexton, who’s a native Northern Virginian, debuted this tasting room overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains in 2021. Williams Gap has about 35 acres of its 200-acre property under vine and had been selling grapes to other vineyards for more than 10 years before it started creating its own wines. It’s been a hit thanks to its approachable wines crafted by winemaker Rob Cox from the property’s six red vinifera grapes and six white varietals, with plans to expand.
See this: The red-clad farmhouse-style tasting room is perched on a hilltop overlooking a pond and 35 acres of vines.
Pricing: Flights are $15; tastings are $20; $25–$54 per bottle
Vibe: Casual and good for groups, with various indoor and outdoor seating areas. The main room quickly fills up; guided tastings are offered on the upper level. Reservations are recommended. Families and dogs are welcome.
Try or Buy: The 2021 Round Hill Red, a juicy blend of cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot, should be paired with a cozy night by the fire.
Zephaniah Farm Vineyard
19381 Dunlop Mill Rd., Leesburg
It’s all in the family at this vineyard, named for the owner’s great-grandfather, Zephaniah Jefferson Hatch, who ran a steamboat company in San Francisco Bay in the 1800s. Bill Hatch, an ABC News camera operator who grew up working on the 376-acre farm, and his wife, Bonnie, first planted grapes in 2002. Now, their adult children are involved in the business. Tastings are regularly held in a timber frame barn on the property, but once a month, you can reserve a visit to the family’s 1819 home.
See This: A 1938 Buick Limited, a family car Bill Hatch recently tracked down in California and brought back home. It had first come into the family in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1938.
Pricing: $20 per person for a tasting of four wines; $25–$74 per bottle
Vibe: You can bring your own picnic to sit outside on a nice day at this charming spot. No kids or pets are allowed. Reservations are available but walk-ins are also welcome.
Try or Buy: Friendship Red Wine 2019, a blend of cabernet franc, petit verdot, cabernet sauvignon, and petit manseng
Feature image of Walsh Family Wine by Brian Balik, courtesy Walsh Family Wine
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This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.