The state of Virginia boasts more than 250 wineries, nearly 100 of which are in northern Virginia. And like the Long Island winery area, the Virginia winery scene is quite young, growing old-world grapes with the innovation of new world tech and know-how.
Virginia grows just about everything as it is well watered. From Chardonnay to Cabernet Franc, many old-world grapes are grown here. Viognier, Petit Manseng and Petit Verdot are increasingly being used to create wines that uniquely showcase Virginia’s terroir.
Interestingly, Virginia is quite wet as it rains a lot. Grapes usually favour dry Mediterranean climates. But the north Virginian wine scene is thriving and expanding. As most of these wineries are a mere hour to an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Washington DC, it’s no surprise that the area is a huge drawcard for visitors and tourists.
Before we reveal our suggestions for 10 of the best wineries in northern VA (as the Americans would say), here are a few fun facts on wineries in northern Virginia.
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What Is The Oldest Winery In Northern Virginia?
Chateau Morrisette is Virginia’s oldest winery. It’s located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. When the Morrisette family opened their Floyd, Virginia winery in 1978, it was the only one in the state.
What wine is Northern Virginia known for?
There are four grapes that define the north Virginia wine scene. This includes Norton (a new world grape with a full-body structure and notes of wild grapes, cloves and cinnamon); Petit manseng (medium-bodied with notes of mango, pineapple, lime zest and honeysuckle); Petit Verdot (full-bodied with notes of fruits-forward and notes of cherries, violets and lilac); Viognier (full-bodied with notes of stone fruits, peaches and apricots with a long floral finish). While these four grapes dominate, Chardonnay is also grown and made in wineries in northern Virginia.
Most Northern Virginia wineries are located in Loudoun County.
10 Best Wineries In Northern Virginia To Visit
Here are our 10 best wineries to visit, a really hard choice when there are more than 100 wineries in northern Virginia alone.
Bluemont Vineyard, Bluemont
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Featuring one of the most sensational views in Virginia wine country, Bluemont Vineyard sits high in the foothills of Blue Ridge Mountain. Two levels of patio seating offer sweeping views east across the Virginia Piedmont. A lawn area with picnic tables provides additional room to spread out. There is plenty of seating inside and out, though the best views are from the upstairs porch. They will host private events such as weddings and they have cottages where you can stay over. Full menu available at their restaurant.
Open from Monday-Thursday 11am-5pm; Fridays-Sundays 11am-7pm.
Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, Bluemont
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Also in Bluemont, Twin Oaks Tavern Winery catches a western view from the other side of the ridge. The historic site was once a tavern, welcoming Washington DC residents who headed to the Bluemont area for fresh air. Their tasting room has a spectacular view of the vineyard and mountains with lots of room to spread out. Arrive late in the day to enjoy one of the best sunset views in Northern Virginia.
The Evers family decided to plant Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc grapes on the hillside at Twin Oaks in 1999. Since their first harvest in 2002, Donna Evers has been the winemaker, and in 2008 the first two wines were offered to the public: Chardonnay and Raven Rocks Red.
Open 5 days a week from 1pm-7pm.
Fox Meadow Winery, Linden
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Fox Meadow Winery also offers a great mountain view toward Manassas Gap to the south. Their tasting room is a great option on chilly days because you can enjoy the same view from inside, or out on the porch.
Visit in late April or early May and see a stunning wildflower display on the Trillium Trail nearby. While you relax with your wine, contemplate what the area was like during the Civil War. Manassas Gap was a strategic corridor between the Piedmont and the Shenandoah Valley, and the site of multiple skirmishes during the US Civil War.
The winery is open daily from 11am-5pm.
Stone Tower Winery, Leesburg
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Located on Hogback Mountain, the scenic drive to Stone Tower Winery is part of the fun. Once you arrive, you’ll love the view of rolling hills and vineyards from the expansive patio. The tasting barn is perfect on chilly (or hot) days, with lots of comfy seating.
Views from the upstairs Tower View Tasting Room (restricted to visitors 21 and over) are also stunning. They host social, weddings and corporate events. Stone Tower Winery is open Thursday-Monday from 11am-6pm with the last pour at 5.30. The Tower View Tasting Room is exclusive to our members and adults only (21+), reservations are highly encouraged.
The Harvest Barn Tasting Room is family-friendly and first-come-first-serve. At this time, visits are limited to 2 hours to ensure we are able to accommodate all guests. The winery is family-friendly but picnics are not permitted.
Hillsborough Winery, Hillsborough
Hillsborough Winery is located in Loudoun County, on land once owned by George William Fairfax, a close friend of George Washington. In 2018, Hillsborough added a brewery, so tasty brews and wine can be sampled here. The winery has a great tasting room in a historic 1840s stone barn. But the best views are outside. Two patios and a long pergola offer plenty of outdoor seating.
Open daily from 11-6pm. Reservations are advised.
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, Leesburg
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The oldest winery in Loudoun County, Willowcroft Winery sits atop Mt. Gilead with pretty views of the distant Blue Ridge Mountains. The first acre of vineyards was planted in 1981 when Virginia wine production was just beginning. The beautiful view is only available from the outdoor seating area, so Willowcroft is a great warm-weather destination.
When it’s too cold outside, you can enjoy your wine in a historic red barn that predates the Civil War.
Open Friday to Monday all year-round at the following times: Friday-Monday 11am-5.30pm. The last call is at 4.45pm. Closed Tuesdays-Thursdays.
Doukenie Winery, Purcellville
Doukenie Winery sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge, so your view is up into the hills rather than down into the valley. This makes the view from the patio and garden especially pretty when autumn colours take over the hills.
When the weather is good, try for a seat out by the pond or near the gazebo. There are plenty of open lawns to spread out and find a private space or have room for active kids. They have live music events over the weekend so check the schedules on the website.
Open daily from 12-5pm.
8 Chains North, Waterford
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The patio at 8 Chains North offers serene views of the vineyard set in the rolling hills of the Piedmont. The large tasting room has lots of seating and large windows, so it’s a good alternative on cold weather days. And when the weather is good, allow time to explore the small historic town of Waterford. 8 Chains is very family and dog friendly. They have a dedicated dog park where pets can be off leash, and leashed pets are welcome throughout the property.
8 Chains is open Monday 12pm-6pm, Tuesdays- Wednesdays Closed, Thursday: 12–6, Friday: 12–6, Saturday: 11–6, Sunday: 11–6.
Pearmund Cellars, Broad Run
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Consistently voted one of Virginia’s best wineries, Pearmund Cellars is an unmissable Virginia winery gem. On the property’s Meriwether Vineyard, they’re growing the oldest Chardonnay in Virginia. Because of a commitment to use Virginia grapes and strong partnerships with other Virginia vineyards, you are ensured you’re tasting the best Virginia has to offer.
The vineyard also has a wide variety of wines from which to choose so you’re sure to find something you like. Head out to Pearmund Cellars for a wine tasting and picnic on the beautiful grassy lawn. If it’s a chilly day, warm up next to one of the outdoor fire pits while sipping a big, bold red. They do hold private events so its good to check their website. No children but it is dog friendly.
Open daily from 10am-6pm.
Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton
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Less than an hour’s drive from Washington, DC, Paradise Springs Winery is a fun, family-friendly winery that’s a favourite among Washingtonians due to its proximity. Nestled on 36-acres, this property is a green oasis that is perfect for a weekend wine outing. Their tasting room is huge. Punters can head outside to the back patio to relax with a bottle of wine and some friends. On Saturdays, live music is a welcome addition to the winery experience.
Check the website to find out who’s playing on the day you’d like to visit (and when the live music starts up again). Children under supervision allowed and leashed dogs on the lawn only.
Open 11am-7pm daily, 11am-9pm on Fridays.
Even though most of the best wineries in Northern Virginia are a short drive from major metros like Washington DC, the area is also steeped in Civil War history and spectacular parks and hikes.
So why not take your time and stay over? You won’t regret it.
Born amidst the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, Chloe’s love for wine was instilled from a young age. This passion led her to the picturesque wine regions of France, where she immersed herself in the rich wine culture and traditions.
Chloe’s dedication to the craft culminated in her becoming a wine sommelier, a testament to her deep knowledge and appreciation for wines.