Virginia has become one of the most interesting wine states in the country. The wine here is not trying to be California. It has its own identity, its own grape varieties and its own environment. Northern Virginia has a large number of wineries within a short drive of Washington DC. This makes it most accessible wine regions for anyone living or visiting the DC metro area.
This guide maps out the wineries in Northern Virginia by geographic zone so you can plan your trip or weekend visit easily. Instead of driving long distances to explore wineries, pick a zone, identify the wineries in that cluster and visit three or four in one day. That is how a wine tour should work.
Why Virginia Wine Has Earned Serious Attention
Virginia wine was not always known for its quality. For a long time the wine quality was not consistent. But things have changed a lot over the last 15 to 20 years. Virginia now has over 300 wineries and many officially recognized wine regions.
The climate in Virginia is humid and warm so not every type of grape grows here well. But some grapes grow well here and produce unique wine. Viognier has become Virginia’s signature white grape and is aromatic, full-bodied and not like most other American Viogniers. Cabernet Franc also grows well in the Virginia climate and produces red wines with herbal notes and good structure. Petit Verdot, Tannat, and Norton are other varieties that grow in this region.
The landscape of Virginia is also beautiful which makes the touring experience more pleasant. Rolling Hills, Blue Ridge Mountain views and historic farm buildings make your average winery visit enjoyable.
How to Use a Virginia Winery Map
Northern Virginia wine country is divided into many groups. Loudoun County has the highest number of wineries and is the closest to Washington DC. The area around Middleburg and Delaplane in Fauquier County has excellent wineries. The area toward the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley gives beautiful views and has some of the best wine production in the state. And Charlottesville and the Monticello area also have exceptional wines.
Plan your day by picking one geographic zone and visiting two to four wineries within that zone. This way you can explore more in less driving time. You should choose a zone based on the type of experience you want whether it is easy access close to DC, beautiful mountain scenery or the finest wine quality.
Zone One: Loudoun County Virginia Wineries
Loudoun County is easily accessible from Washington DC and Northern Virginia. The county is located about 35 to 40 miles west of the city and contains more than 40 wineries.
The drive from DC to the center of Loudoun Wine Country takes about 45 to 60 minutes depending on where you are starting and which route you take. Route 7 from Leesburg and the rural roads toward Philomont, Bluemont and Waterford form the backbone of Loudoun wine touring.
Top wineries in Loudoun County Virginia
Breaux Vineyards
Breaux Vineyards is located near Hillsboro and is the most popular vineyard in Loudoun wine. The winery sits on rolling hills with views of the Blue Ridge. The tasting room is large and has a wide range of wines. The Viognier and Merlot are the best wines in the county.
Boxwood Estate Winery
It is located near the Loudoun-Fauquier border. It produces mostly Bordeaux-style wines. The wines here are unique and the tasting experience is more formal than other Loudoun wineries.
Chrysalis Vineyards
It is located near Middleburg. This vineyard is known for Norton grape wines which are a native American variety. Chrysalis produces one of the best Norton wines in the country and must visit specifically to taste this variety that cannot be found easily elsewhere.
Tarara Winery
It sits along the Potomac River with beautiful riverside views and outdoor seating that makes it pleasant in warm weather. The Chardonnay here is popular and the setting is very beautiful.
Zone Two: Fauquier County and Middleburg Virginia Wineries
Fauquier County is located to the south and west of Loudoun and has the same beautiful landscape of rolling hills and rural views. The Middleburg area is spread across both counties and is known for its horse farms and wineries. If you want to enjoy the wine, nature and the local horse country, this area is a great choice for a trip from DC.
Important Wineries In the Fauquier and Middleburg Area
Naked Mountain Winery
Naked Mountain Winery is located near Markham, has a beautiful mountain setting and has been making wine since 1978. This makes it one of the older wineries in Northern Virginia. The Chardonnay here is popular.
Pearmund Cellars
It sits near Broad Run and produces a wide range of wines. Their tasting rooms are nice with beautiful views of surrounding vineyards. The staff is knowledgeable and welcoming.
Delaplane Cellars
It is located near Delaplane on a hill and has great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The wine quality is strong and the beautiful views make this one of the most memorable winery visits in Northern Virginia.
Philip Carter Winery
This winery sits near Hume and is one of the large wineries in Fauquier County. There is a good range of wines and a tasting room that works well for groups.
Zone Three: Rappahannock County and the Blue Ridge Foothills Virginia Wineries
As you move west from Fauquier County, the Blue Ridge Mountains become more visible and the scenery gets even better. Rappahannock County is quieter and less developed. The wineries here are more peaceful and away from the busy wine trails. It is a good place for visitors who want a quiet and relaxing wine trip.
Important Wineries in the Rappahannock Area
Rappahannock Cellars
It is located near Huntly and has been producing wine for over two decades. It offers a nice tasting experience in a beautiful setting. The wines are also becoming consistently good.
Three Fox Vineyards
It sits near Delaplane at a beautiful location with views of the valley. The winery is known for friendly staff and the winery offers a good selection of wines that pair well with food.
Gadino Cellars
It is near Washington, Virginia in Rappahannock County is a small family winery. They make wine using grapes grown on their own property. The tasting room is small and quiet therefore it gives visitors a more personal experience.
Zone Four: Shenandoah Valley Virginia Wineries
The Shenandoah Valley is on the west side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is also an officially recognized wine region in Virginia. The valley has different types of land and weather so different types of grapes can grow well here.
Important Wineries in the Shenandoah Valley
Bluestone Vineyard
It is located near Bridgewater and is a smaller winery. The Cabernet Franc from this winery is one of the best wines in Virginia. The winery also has a hilltop location with beautiful views of the valley.
Cave Ridge Vineyard
It sits near Mount Jackson and is known for its excellent Petit Verdot. It has a simple and relaxed tasting experience compared with some of the larger wineries in Northern Virginia.
CrossKeys Vineyards
It is located near Mount Crawford and is a large winery with beautiful buildings, a wide range of wines and event spaces. It makes this winery a popular destination for group visits. The rosé and Chardonnay are popular wines.
Zone Five: Charlottesville and Monticello Area Virginia Wineries
The Charlottesville area and Monticello wine region are known for some of the best wines in Virginia. This area is about two hours from Washington, DC, so it is better for an overnight trip than a quick day trip. The longer drive is worth it if you want to visit some of Virginia’s top wineries.
Thomas Jefferson tried to grow European grapes at Monticello but never fully succeeded. Today, winemakers in the same area have been able to grow these grapes and make wines that are known around the world.
Important Wineries in the Charlottesville and Monticello Area
Barboursville Vineyards
This winery is considered the finest winery in Virginia. It is owned by an Italian family and makes wines using Italian winemaking methods. Its Octagon wine is one of the most famous wines in Virginia. It also has the ruins of a mansion designed by Thomas Jefferson. It is a popular winery, so reserve your tasting in advance.
King Family Vineyards
This winery consistently wins awards across multiple categories and is especially known for the Meritage blend. The winery hosts polo matches on summer Sundays. This makes it a fun place to visit while enjoying the wine and views.
Michael Shaps Wineworks
It produces high quality wines in European style. The winemakers are trained in Europe and their experience shows in the wines. This winery is a good choice for wine drinkers who want to try some of Virginia’s high-quality wines.
Explore Northern Virginia Wine Country Without the Driving Stress
Virginia wine touring is one of the best day trip activities available from Washington DC. The quality of wine has improved dramatically, the scenery is beautiful and the tasting room experiences are personal and welcoming. The only challenge is that someone has to drive.
All American Limousine and Sedan provides professional car service for wine tours across Northern Virginia, from Loudoun County and the Middleburg area to the Shenandoah Valley. Our drivers handle every mile while your group enjoys every wine.
Contact All American Limousine and Sedan to arrange your Northern Virginia wine tour today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area for Virginia wine touring near Washington DC?
Loudoun County is the closest and most accessible wine country from DC. It is about 35 to 40 miles west of the city. It has over 40 wineries and a wide range of styles and experiences. For the highest wine quality, the Charlottesville and Monticello area is Virginia’s best wine region.
Do Virginia wineries require reservations?
Many do, especially on weekends. Always check the specific winery’s reservation policy before visiting.
What grapes grow best in Virginia?
Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Tannat and Norton are the grape varieties that grow well in the Virginia climate. Viognier is known as Virginia’s signature white grape.
How many wineries are in Northern Virginia?
Loudoun County alone has over 40 wineries. Fauquier County has about 20 or more. The broader Northern Virginia region including Rappahannock and surrounding counties has over 80 wineries in total.
What is the most famous winery in Virginia?
Barboursville Vineyards near Charlottesville is the most well known winery in Virginia. The flagship Octagon wine is also an internationally recognized wine.
Can you do a Virginia winery tour without driving?
Yes. Hiring a professional car service or joining a guided wine tour eliminates the driving stress entirely and allows everyone in the group to fully participate in the tasting experience at every stop.
