Craving countryside charm, equestrian elegance, and wine country bliss? Head to Middleburg, Virginia! Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Hunt Country, Middleburg is known for its rolling vineyards, historic inns, and boutique-lined streets. Whether you're sipping local wine, riding through foxhunt country, or indulging in a spa retreat, Middleburg offers refined relaxation with a timeless feel.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Middleburg is from April through June and September through November. Spring and fall offer stunning landscapes, mild weather, and seasonal events. Summer is lovely for vineyard visits, while winter brings cozy charm and festive holiday décor.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Middleburg is located on U.S. Route 50, about 1.5 hours west of Washington, D.C., and 40 minutes from Dulles International Airport.
- By Plane: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the closest major airport, just under an hour’s drive away.
- By Train: The nearest Amtrak and MARC stations are in Manassas or Vienna, both about 45–60 minutes away by car.
Top Attractions
⮕ Explore Equestrian Heritage at The National Sporting Library and Museum
© The National Sporting Library and Museum
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What is the National Sporting Library and Museum?
- The National Sporting Library and Museum is a beautiful six-acre museum campus dedicated to the rich cultural tradition of country pastime pursuits, including angling, shooting, horsemanship, steeplechasing, and foxhunting.
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When was the museum founded?
- The museum, which was founded in 1954, is located within the heart of Virginia's beautiful hunt country.
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What historic buildings are located on the museum campus?
- The campus is home to historic buildings such as the 19th-century Vine Hill.
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What exhibits can visitors explore?
- Visitors can explore the museum campus and view collections and exhibits related to various sporting pursuits, presented on a rotating basis.
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What are some past signature exhibits?
- Past signature exhibits have included Afield in America: 400 Years of Animal and Sporting Art, based on the book Animal and Sporting Artists by F. Turner Reuter, Jr.
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Does the museum offer educational programs?
- A wide variety of educational programming is offered throughout the year for museum visitors.
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Can visitors access the museum’s library?
- Visitors can explore the museum's extensive library collections for scholarly pursuits.
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What is the address and contact information for the National Sporting Library and Museum?
- 102 The Plains Rd, Middleburg, VA 20117, Phone: 540-687-6542
⮕ Sip Wine with a View at 50 West Vineyards
© 50 West Vineyards
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What is 50 West Vineyards?
- 50 West Vineyards is a delightful Middleburg winery owned and operated by married duo Diane and Mike Canney.
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How did 50 West Vineyards get its name?
- The winery is named in honor of the historic Route 50, which stretches for more than 3,000 miles across the United States between Ocean City, Maryland, and West Sacramento, California.
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Where is 50 West Vineyards located?
- The winery is situated atop a beautiful bluff in view of the stunning Bull Run Mountains in Virginia.
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What winemaking techniques does 50 West Vineyards use?
- High-quality wines are produced according to Old World winemaking techniques, crafted with 100% authentic Virginia fruit.
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What wines can visitors sample at 50 West Vineyards?
- Visitors can sample wine varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, and Vidal Blanc at the winery's tasting room.
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Where is the tasting room located?
- The tasting room is housed within a converted horse stable building, offering a unique and rustic atmosphere.
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What is the address and contact information for 50 West Vineyards?
- 39060 John Mosby Hwy, Middleburg, VA 20117, Phone: 571-367-4760
⮕ Sample Craft Cider and Spirits at Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery
© Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery
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What is Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery?
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What types of ciders does Mt. Defiance produce?
- The facility's cidery specializes in traditional farmhouse blends of dry cider, infused with delicious flavors like fresh ginger and five pepper.
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What co-fermented ciders are available?
- Co-fermented ciders range from honey to blueberry, available for tasting at the cidery throughout the year.
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What spirits does Mt. Defiance Distillery specialize in?
- Revival classic spirits are highlighted at the facility's distillery, with a focus on pre-Prohibition "lost spirits" and favorites that date back to the region's Colonial era.
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What liquors are sold at Mt. Defiance?
- Liquors sold throughout the year include absinthe, amber rum, apple brandy, and straight bourbon whiskey.
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What experiences are offered at both locations?
- Both locations offer flight tastings, food truck pop-ups, and limited operations tours.
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What is the address and contact information for Mt. Defiance Cidery and Distillery?
- 207 W Washington St, Middleburg, VA 20117, Phone: 540-687-8100
Where to Stay and Eat:
⮕ Dine in Colonial Elegance at The Red Fox Inn and Tavern
© The Red Fox Inn and Tavern
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What is the Red Fox Inn and Tavern?
- The Red Fox Inn and Tavern has been an institution in Middleburg for nearly three centuries, opened in 1728 as a classic boutique inn and town tavern.
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Where is the Red Fox Inn located?
- The inn sits on the village's main thoroughfare, blending classic Virginian character with a romantic ambiance and is perfectly located near attractions of the Virginia Hunt and Wine Country.
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What accommodations are available at the inn?
- Visitors can stay in luxurious boutique rooms, offering a historic yet elegant experience.
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What type of dining experiences does the Red Fox Inn offer?
- Guests can enjoy high-quality Southern-style fare at the inn's culinary experiences, including its rustic tavern, which serves gourmet entrees.
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What dishes are served at the Tavern?
- The Tavern offers dishes like creamy sweet corn polenta crab cakes, butternut squash wontons, and USDA Prime filet mignon and New York strip steaks.
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What food is available at the Night Fox Pub?
- The Night Fox Pub serves clever pub fare, including lamb sausage mac and cheese bakes and signature burgers with chimichurri aioli.
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What is the address and contact information for the Red Fox Inn and Tavern?
- 2 E Washington St, Middleburg, VA 20117, Phone: 540-687-6301
⮕ Relax in Luxury and Fine Dining at the Goodstone Inn and Restaurant
© Goodstone Inn and Restaurant
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What is the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant?
- Goodstone Inn & Restaurant is one of Virginia's most-acclaimed restaurants, recognized as one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine's 100 best wine restaurants and one of USA Today's most romantic inn experiences.
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Where is the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant located?
- The inn and restaurant is set on a 265-acre working farm in Middleburg, Virginia, providing a scenic and historic setting.
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What is the history of the Goodstone Inn?
- The facility dates back to the late 18th century, when the surrounding farmland was purchased for use as a plantation by Jamie Leith. It was converted into a Virginia country inn in 1996.
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What accommodations does the inn offer?
- The inn offers elegant guest rooms and suites with luxury amenities like whirlpool tubs, flat-screen televisions, and stunning mountain views.
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What type of cuisine is served at Goodstone Inn’s Conservatory restaurant?
- Farm-to-table French cuisine is crafted by executive chef Jan Van Haute at the inn's lovely Conservatory restaurant, which offers prix fixe menus.
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What dishes are featured on the menu?
- The menu highlights selections like confit butternut squash with Madeira caramel, Shenandoah Valley lamb loins, and scallop ceviche with white soy and yuzu.
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Is there a more casual dining option at Goodstone Inn?
- More casual fare is served at the inn's Bistro Bar, which also offers a selection of Loudoun County wines and specialty cocktails.
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What is the address and contact information for Goodstone Inn & Restaurant?
- 36205 Snake Hill Rd, Middleburg, VA 20117, Phone: 540-687-3333
Where to Stay for a Romantic Getaway:
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Middleburg Historic District – Stroll quaint streets lined with art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, and cafés.
- Boxwood Estate Winery – Enjoy tastings of Bordeaux-style wines in a sleek modern tasting room or on the patio.
- Greenhill Vineyards – Sip estate wines with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Mount Defiance Cidery & Distillery – Sample craft cider, absinthe, and brandy in a rustic, relaxed tasting room.
If you are interested in local events:
- Middleburg Spring Races (April) – A storied steeplechase tradition with tailgating, horses, and high society flair.
- Middleburg Film Festival (October) – Four days of award-worthy films, filmmaker Q&As, and scenic screenings.
- Christmas in Middleburg (December) – A festive small-town celebration with parades, caroling, and holiday spirit galore.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Middleburg, Virginia:
- Leesburg (25–30 min) – Shop the Leesburg Premium Outlets or visit historic downtown with breweries and cafés.
- Aldie (10–15 min) – Stop by quaint shops and explore the historic Aldie Mill, a preserved 1809 gristmill.
- Upperville (10–15 min) – Enjoy scenic countryside and check out local wineries like Slater Run Vineyards.
- Purcellville (25–30 min) – Visit local distilleries, walk charming streets, or hike nearby trails on the W&OD Trail.
- Bluemont (30 min) – Soak up views at Bluemont Vineyard or hike to Bear’s Den Overlook on the Appalachian Trail.
FAQ:
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What is Middleburg known for?
- Middleburg forms the heart of Virginia's stunning Wine and Hunt Country region, dating back to the area's Colonial history in the late 18th century.
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Where is Middleburg located?
- The quaint historic village, which is located in Loudoun County just an hour and a half northwest of Washington, D.C., is known for its lovely area wineries.
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What makes Middleburg’s wineries special?
- Middleburg is known for its lovely area wineries producing high-quality red and white varieties crafted with Virginia-grown grape varietals.
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What are the best places to stay in Middleburg?
Map:
Plan Your Trip
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