There is no doubt that Virginia is a wine lover’s paradise. With more than 250 wineries, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a fan of red or white wines, sweet or dry wines, the Commonwealth has you covered. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the most popular wineries in the state.
We’ll give you an overview of their history, what types of wines they produce, and what makes them unique. So without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Ankida Ridge Vineyards
Ankida Ridge is a unique Virginia winery that specializes in the Burgundy varietals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It has been a huge success for the winery, and the wines have garnered a lot of positive press.
The vineyard is a little out of the way, yet people adore it, and it routinely appears on top winery lists compiled by bloggers and newspapers. The family-run vineyard and winery are open to the public on weekends. Visitors can take a tour of the facilities, learn about the wine-making process, and taste some of their award-winning wines.
2. Blenheim Vineyards
Blenheim is one of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in Virginia. It was founded in 1740 by Governor George Culpeper, and it has been producing wines for over 250 years.
There are 13 different grape varieties grown here. The traditional Cabernet Franc and Viognier are the types that tend to thrive best in Virginia.
They are known to cultivate Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Pinot Noir. They also have two fresh blocks of Teroldego and Garganega that have just been in the ground for three years.
Teroldego is a deep-colored red grape grown in the Trentino region of northern Italy. Garganega is a white grape grown in the provinces of Verona and Vicenza in Northern Italy. It’ll be fascinating to observe how these grapes perform.
3. Barboursville Vineyard
Barboursville Vineyards is one of the most popular wineries in Virginia. The vineyard was founded in 1976 by Italian wine expert Gianni Zonin, and it has been producing outstanding wines ever since.
They are best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is one of the few places in Virginia where you can find this varietal. The vineyard also produces a number of other red and white wines, all of which are made with 100% estate-grown grapes.
With over 40 years of experience, this winery has a lot to offer visitors. They are open to the public for tours and tastings, and they also host a number of special events throughout the year.
4. Boxwood Estate
Boxwood Estate Winery, located in the Middleburg Virginia AVA, is the realization of a long-held goal for owner John Kent Cooke, a former owner and president of the NFL Washington Redskins.
Cooke and his staff at Boxwood are devoted to crafting quality red and white wines in the Bordeaux tradition, but with their own, distinct Virginia flavor, as admirers and collectors of French wines, particularly outstanding Bordeaux.
The Boxwood Estate Winery is open to the public for tours and tastings, and they also host a number of special events throughout the year. If you are looking for a truly unique Virginia winery experience, then Boxwood is the place for you.
5. Breaux Vineyards
Breaux Vineyards is a family-owned and operated vineyard located in Loudoun County, Virginia. The vineyard was founded in 2010, and they have been producing award-winning wines ever since.
The lovely valley between the Blue Ridge and Short Hill Mountains is the setting for Breaux Vineyards. Tours and tastings of our hallmark wines are available from their pleasant and educated staff.
Light gourmet cuisine and their world-famous wines may be enjoyed in their tasting room’s stone fireplace or on Patio Madeleine, which overlooks their lushly planted estate with breathtaking vistas. Their winery gift shop has a unique assortment of products.
6. Early Mountain Winery
Early Mountain Vineyards was rated the best tasting room in America by USA Today in 2016.
This vineyard is best known for its red wines, and they offer a variety of tours and tastings throughout the year. They provide a variety of white, red, and sparkling wines, and sampling costs range from $15 to $22 depending on the flight you pick.
Weddings and business parties may be held at the vineyard, and you can dine at the winery’s restaurant, which provides regional Virginia cuisine.
7. King Family Vineyards
King Family Vineyards is a family-owned and managed vineyard. On Trip Advisor, it has an outstanding rating. It has also been featured in numerous publications, including The Washington Post, Wine Spectator, and Virginia Living Magazine. In addition, the vineyard has been the recipient of many awards and accolades.
The vineyard is open for tours, tastings, and private events. The tasting room is located in an old farmhouse that has been renovated, and it offers a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines.
Tastings range from $10 to $25 per person. The vineyard also hosts weddings and gatherings, as well as polo tournaments on the premises. Visitors compliment the setting’s beauty and the staff’s knowledge, as well as the live music.
8. Potomac Point Winery
The Potomac Point Winery is located at 275 Decatur Road in Stafford, Virginia. The winery is family-owned and operated, and they have been producing incredible wines since 2006.
They offer a variety of tours and tastings, including a VIP Tasting Experience, which includes a tour of the production facility, a wine tasting, and cheese pairing.
The vineyard also hosts weddings, corporate events, and private parties. The staff is very knowledgeable and passionate about their work, and they go above and beyond to make sure that visitors have a great experience.
The Potomac Point Winery is open daily for tours and tastings, and they offer a variety of red, white, and sparkling wines. Tastings range from $15 to $20 per person.
9. Rappahannock Cellars
Rappahannock Cellars is located at 14437 Hume Road in Huntley, Virginia. Tours and tastings are available every day at this small, family-owned winery.
This winery is best known for its white wines, and they offer a variety of tours and tastings throughout the year. The vineyard also hosts a number of special events, including live music and food truck festivals.
Weddings and business parties may be held at the vineyard, and you can dine at the winery’s restaurant, which provides regional Virginia cuisine.
10. RdV Vineyards
In 2017, wine reviewer James Suckling featured RdV Vineyards on his website, praising the quality of the wines produced there, and the vineyard is routinely included on lists of top Virginia wineries by newspapers and blogs. Jancis Robinson and Robert Parker, among others, have praised the wines. The winery is picturesque, nestled among the idyllic pastures and farmlands of the surrounding countryside.
It’s located in Delaplane at 2550 Delaplane Grade Road. Thursday through Sunday, tours, and tastings are offered for $80 per person, but this is a high-end experience. Before seeing the vineyards and winery, you’ll have a glass of vintage Dom Pérignon Champagne. The tasting concludes with a seated sampling of six wines. Reservations are necessary and may be made in advance online.
Virginia is home to many different wineries, and each one offers a unique experience. If you are looking for a romantic getaway or a fun day trip with friends, then visiting one of Virginia’s wineries is the perfect activity.
Featured Image Credit: Visit Victoria
