Whenever someone mentions going to the wine country, we instantly think of Napa or Sonoma; however, there is a beautiful wine country right in our own backyard. Virginia is home to over 300 wineries that produce award-winning wines each year. You can choose to do a wine trail or pick a winery that has lodging and spend a few days just relaxing. So, grab a friend and start exploring the Virginia Wine Country.
Virginia is beautiful at any time of the year, and doing one (or two or three) of the many wine trails will offer you the opportunity not only to enjoy fabulous wine but also to take in the magnificent scenery along the way. Here are a few wineries to pique your interest:
- Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail has 23 wineries between Berryville and Eagle Rock.
- Mountain Road Wine Experience offers 5 wineries, a meadery and a cidery between Roanoke and Floyd.
- Fauquier County Wine Trail has 26 wineries.
- 211 Scenic Vino Wine Trail has 28 wineries.
- Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop boasts 8 wineries, 3 distilleries and 3 breweries.
- Monticello Wine Trail, which is located in the Charlottesville area, has 30 wineries and a bit of history thrown in.
- Heart of Virginia Wine Trail is located northwest of Richmond and has 5 wineries.
- Bedford Wine Trail has 6 vineyards and wineries.
- Nelson 151 Craft Beverage Trail has the most variety, as it is home to 6 wineries, 4 breweries, 3 cideries and a distillery.
If you want to sleep among the vineyards, check out these idyllic accommodations:
- The Farmhouse at Veritas Vineyards in Afton was built in 1836 and is full of southern charm with its six stately appointed bedrooms and four-course dining.
- Wedmore Place is a European-inspired country inn located in Williamsburg and just a short jaunt to the Williamsburg Winery.
- The 1804 Inn and Cottage at Barboursville Vineyards is an 18th-century plantation that offers three luxurious suites or a historic, secluded cottage.
- The Vineyards Guest Cottage at Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison is a quaint one-bedroom cottage situated on the 300-acre property. Bicycles are provided so you can roam the vineyards. This is a perfect place for a private getaway.
- The Albemarle Estate — If you are looking to splurge, this is where you want to be. Located on the Trump Winery property in Charlottesville, this is your ultimate wine getaway.
There are plenty more wineries that I could list, all with something a little different to experience. But it won’t matter which one you choose — whether you are a wine enthusiast or a connoisseur, I guarantee you will have a fabulous, fun time roaming the hills of Virginia on a quest for wine.