25 Best Virginia Wineries to Try on Your Weekend Getaway

Old World-style vineyards are not all that common in the United States, given the young age of the country. However, Virginia boasts a large wine community that has been growing wine for as long as the nation has been established. Many of the vineyards and wineries are settled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains, which makes them not only scenic but also convenient to access from major surrounding cities and states. Take a tour through one of America’s most historic regions and enjoy some of the best wine the East Coast has to offer.

1.Burnley Vineyards

One of the oldest vineyards in the Monticello Viticultural Area, Burnley Vineyards is proud to have over 32 acres of vineyards on which they grow chardonnay, Riesling, cabernet sauvignon, Chambourcin, Vidal, and Norton grape varieties. Being a family-owned operation helps Burnley Vineyards connect with their customers, whether that be during a tour, while the guests are staying at the onsite guest house, or even during one of the many events that Burnley Vineyards hosts throughout the year. For information on tour times and dates, wine purchasing options, and more please contact the vineyard by phone or visit their website.

4500 Winery Lane Division, Barboursville, VA 22923, Phone: 434-960-4411

2.Prince Michel Winery

What began with an Old World start under an original French owner, modern day Prince Michel Winery is far from conventional, both in their wines and their winery. Producing a diverse cast of wines allows for a choice that is typically not available on large scale production, featuring high-end wines like Viognier, Syrah, and Symbius to more unique wines like a semi-dry Riesling, peach, and even chocolate variety. There are many settings in which to enjoy wine at this winery, and guests can take part in wine tastings, self-guided tours, picnic spots, and more seven days a week beginning at 10am.

154 Winery Lane, Leon, VA 22725, Phone: 800-800-9463

3.Brightwood Vineyard Winery

What began as a 1-acre operation in 2001 grew over the years into a 100-acre family farm that is now known as Brightwood Vineyard and Farm. Their roots began with pumpkin, but after adding a large mix of organic berries, grapes, vegetables, herbs, flowers, as well as meat to their production list, the farm grew and grew. Even with the growth, however, Brightwood Vineyard and Farm maintained their promise of low environmental impact through a variety of means, from reducing the use of pesticides to producing certified organic produce. Wine tasting and onsite produce purchase is available by appointment only, so please call ahead before visiting.

1202 Lillards Ford Rd, Brightwood, VA 22715, Phone: 540-948-6845

4.Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery

Set in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the shadow of Afton Mountain, Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery is family owned and operated. The idea came to Paul and Ruth Gorman while they were stationed in the small city of Bad Kreuznach, Germany, after they discovered their mutual passion for the delicious Riesling wines that are crafted with such care by local German winemakers. Upon retiring, the Gormans planted the first 4 acres of Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery, a location that has since grown into 15 acres, producing a large variety of grapes.

9423 Batesville Road, Afton, VA 22920, Phone: 540-456-8400

5.Chisholm Vineyards at Adventure Farm

Chisholm Vineyards at Adventure Farm has been family owned and operated by the Chisholms since 1950 and is currently managed by the 3rd and 4th generations of the Chisholm family. It all began with E. Morris Chisholm, a man from Kentucky who moved the Virginia in the late 1940s to purchase the farm with his new bride. Together they started Adventure Farm on the path that took it to its current state, and Chisholm Vineyards continues that trend of land stewardship and respect. Making their wines from 100% estate grown fruit, Chisholm Vineyard offers chardonnay, Viognier, Chambourcin, Petit Verdot, Tannat, cabernet franc, and cabernet sauvignon varieties.

1135 Clan Chisholm Lane, Earlysville, VA 22936, Phone: 434-971-8796

6.Desert Rose Ranch and Winery

Specializing in Old Western-style flair, Desert Rose Ranch and Winery has a vineyard as well as horses and cattle. They are an operating and functional horse ranch and invite guests to take a trip back through time in their tasting room that is decorated with an old Wild West saloon in mind. Everything about Desert Rose Ranch is old-fashioned except their wines, which instead take on an culture of distinct modernism, a perfect example being their port-style dessert wine that is featured in their tasting room line-up. The owners have travelled the world and brought back trinkets and stories from around the globe, which they are excited to share while customers taste over ten wines at their leisure.

13726 Hume Rd, Hume, VA 22639, Phone: 540-635-3200

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7.Early Mountain Winery

Voted the number one tasting room in the nation by USA Today in its 10 Best Readers Choice contest in 2016, Early Mountain Winery takes great pride in its tasting room, vineyard, and overall guest experience. Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Early Mountain rests on land with deep history. The very first person to own the property was none other than Revolutionary War veteran Lieutenant Joseph Early, recognized for serving under General George Washington at Valley Forge. After Early’s death, George Washington reportedly visited the farm, remarking in his personal journal about the warmth and hospitality he received from Early’s family, a tradition that continues to be extended to all their guests to this day.

6109 Wolftown-Hood Rd, Madison, VA 22727, Phone: 540-948-9005

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8.Fincastle Vineyard Winery

Tucked into the Great Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, Fincastle Vineyard and Winery uses traditional Bordeaux small-scale techniques to produce their wine. Growing cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and chardonnay grapes and pressing them gently before aging them in oak, Fincastle Vineyard Winery is the creation of David, Georgia, and their son Richard. The winery itself is built into a hillside near the farmhouse and uses a gravity-fed mechanism to ensure a completely natural handling of the wine. Tours, tastings, and events are all hosted at Fincastle Vineyard Winery, but make sure to call ahead for specific hours and details.

203 Maple Ridge Lane, Fincastle, VA 24090, Phone: 540-591-9000

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9.Firefly Hill Winery

Conveniently located just 2.5 miles from Interstate 81, yet also tucked away in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Firefly Hill Winery is a family-owned and operated establishment that focuses first and foremost on balance. Their current production is based on about 3 acres of land planted with vines, but they plan to expand upward to around 7 acres in the future to grow more traditional and hybrid varieties. Currently they grow chardonnay, Viognier, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, Vidal Blanc, Traminette, Niagara, and Cayuga, and they only use their own estate grapes to produce their wines. Tours and tastings are available through appointment only, but Firefly Hill Wines can be found regionally in the area.

4289 Northfork Rd, Elliston, VA 24087, Phone: 540-588-0231

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10.General’s Ridge Vineyard

Situated in the middle of Virginia’s Northern, near both George Washington and Robert E. Lee’s birthplaces, General’s Ridge Vineyard lies in an area that is steeped in the history of the nation. Offering a wide assortment of wines, happy hours, and wine dinners, General’s Ridge is a great destination for wine lovers and those seeking to relax alike. From a quiet weekend getaway to a planned vacation, wedding, anniversary celebration, family reunion, or any other special occasion, General’s Ridge is happy to host and entertain with their wine, scenic charm, and talented staff.

1618 Weldons Drive, Hague, VA 22469, Phone: 804-472-3172

11.Glass House Winery

Truly a unique experience in the heart of the Monticello Wine Trail in central Virginia, Glass House Winery features a tropical flair, artisan wines and chocolates, and a one-of-a-kind guest experience. Creating their wines from 12 acres of vines, Glass House Winery tries to keep their craft as close to natural as possible, using solar panels for heat, clay for insect repellent, and giving each and every vine special care and attention. The owner, Jeff and Michelle Sanders, moved to Virginia in 2006 from a tropical location and brought some of the flair with them, and it is their tropical greenhouse that sets this winery apart in style from others in the region.

5898 Free Union Rd, Free Union, VA 22940, Phone: 434-975-0094

12.Ingleside Vineyards

Located on a historic estate that has been in the Flemer family for over a hundred years, Ingleside Vineyards was originally purchased by Charles H. Flemer in 1890 and is currently owned by one of his great-great grandsons, Doug Flemer. The modern winery is set in the plantation’s original dairy barns, and commercial wine production began in the 1980s. Visitors to Ingleside Vineyards may appreciate taking a casual tour of the grounds, tasting the wines, visiting the Ingleside Museum, and even staying the night in one of the two guest cottages that are available with reservation.

5872 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove, VA 22443, Phone: 804-224-8687

13.Iron Heart Winery

Pleasantly situated in the historic mountains of Southwestern Virginia, Iron Heart Winery is operated by a father-son team who built the winery from the ground up. Recognizing the local history surrounding the region as well as the national history of their country, Iron Heart Winery works hard to create unique and sustainable products and customer experiences. From the tasting room to the accommodations, hosting weddings, events, and more, this team pulls out all the stops for their guests. Visit their website for tasting room, event, and lodging details as well as for an extensive list of entertainment options in the immediate surrounding area.

3742 Boone Furnace Road, Allisonia, VA 24347, Phone: 540-320-0203

14.Jacey Vineyards

Jacey Vineyards is situated in the picturesque rural community of Wicomico Church, Virginia. The vineyards themselves are located on 150 acres of waterfront land in Northumberland County, a region known as a popular tourist destination for Virginia visitors. The first vines were planted in 2004, with varieties including Vidal Blanc, Petit Verdot, as well as zinfandel grapes, with the vineyard eventually expanding into albariño, malbec, sauvignon blanc, and cabernet sauvignon. Accessible by both land and water, guests are welcome during tour and tasting room hours. More information can be found by contacting Jacey Vineyards by telephone.

619 Train Lane, Wicomico Church, VA 22579, Phone: 804-580-4053

15.Afton Mountain Winery

Afton Mountain Winery is owned and operated by Elizabeth and Tony Smith, high school sweethearts who have lifelong ties to the University of Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their search for the ideal vineyard location led them to purchase Afton Mountain Vineyards in 2009, and, alongside their team and native French winemaker Damien Blanchon, have doubled the wine production at Afton Mountain Winery through sustainable means. They feature 11 varieties of wine that is grown on 26 acres, offer tours and tastings, and even have onsite lodging to provide easy access for guests who wish to spend time at the vineyard.

234 Vineyard Ln, Afton, VA 22920, Phone: 540-456-8667

16.Altillo Vineyards

Priding itself on being a small family-operated winery that focuses primarily on limited production of well-crafted wines, Altillo Vineyards spares no effort when it comes to producing the highest quality wines that their land is capable of. Offering a large variety of wines, such as merlot, Shiraz, Viognier, chardonnay, cabernet franc, and cabernet sauvignon, Altillo Vineyards produce most of their wine using their own grapes. For the varieties they cannot grow themselves they source the grapes from other Virginia growers to ensure quality and consistency. Guests are invited to taste wines in a variety of settings, from a comfortable tasting room to a spacious deck, a cozy couch near a fire, and even while enjoying a picnic on the grounds.

620 Level Run Rd, Hurt, VA 24563, Phone: 434-324-4160

17.Beliveau Estate Winery

Joyce and Yvan Beliveau, the owners of Beliveau Estate Winery, openly admit that they fell in love with the property from the first time they set foot on the 165-acre plot of land. Hoping to share it with visitors and customers, the Beliveaus turned the property into a destination for wine lovers, filled with a romantic inn, onsite hiking trails, wine tastings, and all the relaxation visitors could desire. Surrounded by scenic country roads and only 12 miles from downtown Blacksburg, Virginia, Beliveau Estate Winery has something special to offer for every season of the year.

5415 Gallion Ridge Rd, Blacksburg, VA 24060, Phone: 540-961-0505

18.Little Washington Winery

Carl Hendrickson learned of his passion for wine when he was 16 years old, and as many years passed his passion only grew. During the summer of 2003 he began making wine as a hobby in the house he shared with his wife, and before long he ran out of space and had to invest in more gear, more space, and eventually, more land to start a vineyard. Growing all of the traditional varieties like chardonnay, Viognier, merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, and Syrah was an easy choice for Hendrickson, but it is his passion to pioneer new grape varietals in Virginia, the Vignole and Arandell, that pushes him forward.

72 Christmas Tree Lane, Washington, VA 22747, Phone: 540-987-8330

19.Meriwether Springs Winery

Only minutes from Charlottesville in the small town of Ivy, wine lovers will find Meriwether Springs Winery and their 40 private acres of land, five of which are dedicated to the vineyard. Aside from just making wine, Meriwether Springs Winery focuses on providing unique guest experiences, whether they take place in their 5,000 square foot event center, around one of their two onsite ponds, near their 3-acre lake, or even in their tasting room, where the wine always flows. Meriwether Springs Winery hosts a variety of events and has various tasting room and tour hours depending on the season, weekend, and weather; please call ahead to confirm availability before visiting.

1040 Owensville Road, Ivy, VA 22945, Phone: 434-270-4299

20.Mt Vale Vineyards

Mt Vale Vineyards was established in the spring of 2008, fulfilling a lifelong dream of the owners to grow a vineyard and produce the best quality of wine. Mt Vale Vineyard is situated on 38 acres of land in Galax, Virginia, and is a convenient 4 miles from the scenic and popular Blue Ridge Parkway. Being nestled in the Virginia countryside enables Mt Vale Vineyards to provide long range mountain views, so it is no surprise that during tasting room and tour hours it is common to see artists sketching and painting the landscape and vineyard.

3222 Meadow Creek Road, Galax, VA 24333, Phone: 276-238-9946

21.Notaviva Vineyards

Notaviva Vineyards produces wines, but also takes the experience one step further by pairing their wine with a musical genre or lyrical inspiration through augmented reality. They aim to capture the feelings that they experienced while creating the wine and pass it on to the customer while they drink it, whether it was joy or sadness, excitement or longing. Aside from creating unique customer experiences for those who buy their wine, they also host events, weddings, tours, and a tasting room for guests who wish to experience everything the vineyard has to offer.

13274 Sagle Road, Purcellville, VA 20132, Phone: 540-668-6756

22.Peaks of Otter Winery

With over 30 different varieties of wine produced, it is no surprise that Peaks of Otter Winery has grown throughout the years and had to continually expand their operations, first from their home basement and eventually to newly built buildings. Peaks of Otter is a family-owned and operated business, operating a tasting room out of their own home when their packing house is closed, and always welcoming customers no matter where they come from. Peaks of Otter Winery also boasts an established wine club that offers hefty discounts on purchases and prizes at the end of every calendar year.

2122 Sheep Creek Rd, Bedford, VA 24523, Phone: 540-586-3707

23.Philip Carter Winery

From hosting live music to entertaining guests in the tasting room, leading tours through the extensive vineyards or answering any and all questions about wine, Philip Carter Winery is no stranger when it comes to providing an engaging and enthralling guest experience. As passionate about their wine as they are about their customer service and community commitment, this winery is socially conscious and strives to have a positive impact on everyone that they interact with. Located in Hume, Virginia, Philip Carter Winery rests on 27 acres of land that is easily accessible within an hour of Washington, DC.

4366 Stillhouse Road, Hume, VA 22639, Phone: 540-364-1203

24.Bold Rock

Bold Rock actually makes cider instead of wine, but that doesn’t mean they should be skipped when exploring the Virginia countryside. Founded in 2010 by John Washburn, a local farm owner in Virginia, and Brian Shanks, an award-winning New Zealand cider maker, Bold Rock has been producing cider in the Blue Ridge Mountains for many years. Bold Rock features an extensive tap room where customers can try all the varieties of cider produced onsite, hosts many events throughout the year, and is always happy to answer any questions about cider production that guests may have.

1020 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958, Phone: 434-361-1030