There’s no doubt the US is a wine powerhouse. It’s the fourth-largest wine-producing country globally after Italy, France and Spain. And although people grow wine grapes all around the country, 85% of the wine comes from California. Well, there’s good news — the Golden State is not the only source of fine wine in the US.
Virginia is the 10th largest wine-producing state in America(around 3% of US wine production), and the wine is good! It’s hard to choose from so much talent, but here are the 10 best wineries in Virginia; at least they are some of our favorites! These are not only great sources of fine wine — but they’re also excellent weekend getaway spots!
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1. 12 Ridges Vineyard
12 Ridges specializes in high-elevation wines, which are more elegant and crisper than what you find elsewhere. The estate’s vineyards run along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and although the estate has been around only since 2019, they’re doing everything right. The view is unbeatable, and the tasting room comfy — the outdoor sitting areas are ideal for sunny days. There are food trucks or caterers every weekend, so you won’t go hungry at 12 Ridges either.
434-996-4252
24981 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Vesuvius , VA 24483
2. Barrel Oak Winery
Visit Barrel Oak Winery and bring your dog! The picnic area in the estate is worthy of a visit alone and don’t get us started on the wine. Both wine and beer lovers will have a great time here. Really, visit BOW’s Farm Taphouse and try their beer. Of course, try the Bowhaus Red — a bold blend of four different grapes. This winery in Virginia has been working the land since 2006, and they have hoarded over 100 gold medals for their extraordinary wine.
540-364-6402
3623 Grove Ln, Delaplane, VIRGINIA 20144
3. Naked Mountain Winery and Vineyards
This is one of the oldest wineries in Virginia; Naked Mountain has been around since 1976! We’re talking about 41 acres of vines in the Blue Ridge mountainside, which offer gorgeous panoramic views of Fauquier Country. The estate has earned its fair share of awards and accolades, mainly for its complex red blends like the Raptor Red. Naked Mountain is open for visits every weekend, and they offer well-priced wine flights, which you can enjoy anywhere on the verdant property.
540-364-1609
2747 Leeds Manor Road, PO Box 115, Markham, Virginia 22643
4. Dry Mill Vineyards & Winery
Dry Mill is a splendid farmhouse known for its wines and fantastic wild strawberry slushies. They offer wine tastings in broad outdoor sitting areas. You’ll find this charming estate in Virginia Hunt Country, where the Vanhuss family has been making wine since 2009. The highlight here is the refreshing Stainless-Steel Chardonnay and the floral Viognier, but the reds are fantastic as well. If you’re not into wine (or slushies), try Dry Mill’s mead — it’s one of the most authentic in the state.
703 737-3930
18195 Dry Mill Road, Leesburg, Virginia 20175
5. Moss Vineyards
This is another estate with mountaintop views, this time in Nortonsville. Moss Vineyards is more than a winery with wine tastings available; they offer lodging as well, so you can stay amongst the green grapevines. With ten vintages under their belts, the Moss family really takes wine and hospitality to another level. Expect live music and one of the nicest tasting rooms in the area. As for the wine, try their Architettura Cabernet-Merlot and their super refreshing cider. And if you were looking for venues for a special celebration, Moss Vineyards has you covered.
434-990-0111
1849 Simmons Gap Road, Nortonsville, Virginia 22935
6. 2 Witches Winery and Brewing Co
This farm winery and nano-brewery in Danville, Virginia, is a passionate family project. Here, you don’t need to choose between wine and beer — they’re both wonderful; choose between 10 beers on tap of a tremendous Cabernet aged in American oak. The venue is lively as well. 2 Witches has live music every weekend, and it’s frequented by locals and visitors alike. This is as good as small wineries get in Virginia, but the folks here have a big heart.
434-549-2739
209 Trade Street, Danville, Virginia 24541
7. James River Cellars
James River Cellars is the oldest winery in Richmond (opened in 2001) and one of the most sophisticated. If you live in the area, you probably know the estate’s gardens, commonly used for all types of social events. Still, know that you can visit seven days a week: there’s always something going on at JRC. Perhaps the best wine coming out of the estate’s cellars is their Reserve Chardonnay but try the lesser-known Petit Manseng — that’s what we call a unique wine.
804-550-7516
11008 Washington Highway, Glen Allen, Virginia 23059
8. Horton Vineyards
If you’re into white wine, Horton is the place to be. This is the first estate to champion the aromatic French grape Viognier in Virginia, and it’s still a highlight in the winery’s repertoire. Still, Horton Vineyards produces over forty different wines! The historic estate goes back to 1989, and it’s very much inspired by French winemaking traditions. Tasting flights and wine-by-the-glass are available at Horton, which opens daily. You’ll find this gem in Orange County, Virginia.
540-832-7440
6399 Spotswood Trail, Gordonsville, VA 22942
9. Ox-Eye Vineyards
Ox-Eye Vineyards works the land around Shenandoah Valley, but their tasting room is in Downtown Staunton. Legend says ox-eye daisies thrive in the estate, which has an extreme climate compared to other winemaking regions in Virginia. This, of course, means elegant wines. The estate has been around since 1996, and they make great white and red wine. Still, their most exciting labels are the “seasonal” offerings, including a pretty rosé, a robust Port-style wine and a fizzy sparkling wine.
540-849-7926
44 Middlebrook Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401
10. 50 West Vineyards
Last but not least, let us introduce you to 50 West Vineyards. This sunny estate is good times guaranteed — the farmhouse in Middleburg has a lovely picnic area with live music just a few feet from the rows of vines. The wine is good here as well. 50 West Vineyards recently earned a few gold medals, and they’re well deserved. Lesser-known Chambourcin and Vidal grapes feel right at home here and produce stunning red and white wine.
(571) 367 4760
39060 John Mosby Highway, Middleburg, Virginia 20117
