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.
How many charcuterie boards can you eat? The answer is probably “a lot,” but eventually you and your squad are going to crave something a little more substantial than crostini and prosciutto. In those instances, have your designated driver ferry you to one of these restaurants.
If You’re Going To:
Linden Vineyards or Crimson Lane Vineyards
Then Try:
Houndstooth Restaurant
Meals are always a special occasion at this restaurant inside Glen Gordon Manor. That’s because chef Dayn Smith prepares five-course prix fixe dinners with whatever is local and fresh. There’s only one seating — at 7 p.m. — so dinner here is an ideal climax to a flavor-filled day. Aleppo-crusted tuna loin and calabaza agnolotti? Sounds good to us. 1482 Zachary Taylor Hwy., Huntly
If You’re Going To:
Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek, or Stone Tower Winery
Then Try:
Trungo’s
Everything at this gastropub is handcrafted in-house, from sauerkraut to bratwurst to the baguette on which that pairing is served. Much of it is cooked in a Big Green Egg for a hint of smoke. Try the local short ribs with candied jalapeño mac and cheese. The shabby chic, farm-inspired look of the space matches the friendly service. 2C Loudoun St. SW, Leesburg
If You’re Going To:
868 Estate Vineyards, Breaux Vineyards, or Walsh Family Wine
Then Try:
Bia Kitchen
Chef and co-owner Shane O’Connor hails from Ireland, as does much of the décor at this European-inspired former metalsmith shop. Unsurprisingly, this restaurant is famous for its whiskeys and fish and chips, but hearty, chef-inspired entrées will win your heart. Grilled tenderloin tips are served with a broad tangle of pappardelle pasta, while duck confit and pheasant sausage benefit from a black currant-and-veal demi-glace. 108 N. 21st St., Purcellville
If You’re Going To:
RdV Vineyards or Arterra Wines
Then Try:
Hunter’s Head Tavern
Nearby Ayrshire Farm owns and supplies this British-inflected spot, so expect only the best from the meat dishes. The steak frites comes with hand-cut fries, as it should, but our favorite dishes here trade in homey comfort. Try the pot roast with roasted roots or the chicken pot pie that’s enclosed in buttery puff pastry. 9048 Little River Tpk., Upperville
If You’re Going To:
Boxwood Estate Winery or Cana Vineyards & Winery
Then Try:
Tremolo Bar
Owner Jarad Slipp is a certified master sommelier who once served as RdV’s estate manager, so there’s no question that he knows wine. He also owns nearby pizzeria and wine shop Knead Wine. But his wine bar is a destination as much for the cuisine as it is for its laudable sips. The small plate menu ranges from spicy Persian cucumber salad with miso to classic hanger steak au poivre. 19 E. Washington St., Middleburg
Feature image of Bia Kitchen by Rey Lopez
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This story originally ran in our December issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
