Virginia's wineries offer a wide range of experiences, from stunning views to fine dining and family fun. And some are just about the wine. Here's a taste of our favorites.
Best views: Bluemont Vineyard (they say that on a clear day, you can see the Washington Monument in the distance) and Linden's Fox Meadow; Chester Gap Cellars in Front Royal
Most fun: Bluemont; 8 Chains North in Waterford; Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run; Tarara in Leesburg
Best tastings: North Gate in Purcellville; Willowcroft Farm in Leesburg; Linden Vineyards
Best food: 868 (Grandale Restaurant) in Purcellville; Narmada in Amissville
Best wines: Boxwood and Chrysalis in Middleburg, Breaux and Sunset Hills in Purcellville; Chester Gap and Glen Manor in Front Royal; Delaplane Cellars and RdV in Delaplane; Fabbioli, Stone Tower and Tarara in Leesburg; Paradise Springs in Clifton; Linden
Kid/pet friendly: Barrel Oak in Delaplane; Breaux and Otium Cellars in Purcellville; 8 Chains North
CENTRAL
Charlottesville and environs, from Culpeper south to Lynchburg and west to Staunton. Best tackled as an overnight trip from Washington.
Best views: Stone Mountain Vineyards in Dyke; Grace Estate in Crozet; Pippin Hill in North Garden; Barboursville Vineyards
Most fun: Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison
Best tastings: Early Mountain (can taste wines from other wineries in their "Best of Virginia" collection); Barboursville (Library 1821); Horton Cellars in Gordonsville; Veritas in Afton; Virginia Wineworks/Michael Shaps in Charlottesville
Best food: Early Mountain, Barboursville (Palladio), Pippin Hill (Farm Table)
Best wines: Ankida Ridge (22 Brix tasting room in Charlottesville); Barboursville; Barren Ridge in Fishersville; Grace Estate and Granite Heights in Warrenton; Horton, Stinson Vineyards and King Family in Crozet; Ox-Eye in Staunton; Pollak and Veritas in Afton; Virginia Wineworks/Michael Shaps
Kid/pet friendly: Stinson Vineyards
TIDEWATER/EASTERN SHORE
The region roughly along Interstate 95 and east features flatter land, sandy soils and a maritime climate.
Best views: Chatham in Machipongo; Potomac Point in Stafford
Most fun: Chatham; Holly Grove in Franktown
Best tastings: Chatham; Potomac Point; Ingleside in Oak Grove; Williamsburg Winery
Best food: Potomac Point
Best wines: Chatham; Ingleside; Williamsburg; Cooper in Louisa; Hague Winery; Dog and Oyster in Irvington
Kid friendly: Potomac Point
SHENANDOAH and SOUTHWEST
The Interstate 81 corridor from Winchester south. A major potential growth area for vineyard land, although the distance from urban centers means that wine tourism hasn’t yet developed as fully as in the rest of the state.
Best views: Valhalla in Roanoke; Shenandoah Vineyards and Wolf Gap in Edinburg
Most fun: Blue Ridge in Eagle Rock; Fincastle Vineyard
Best tastings: Bluestone in Bridgewater; North Mountain in Maurertown
Best food: Cave Ridge in Mount Jackson
Best wines: Cedar Creek in Star Tannery; Foggy Ridge Cider in Dugspur; Rockbridge in Raphine; Bluestone in Bridgewater
Kid/pet friendly: Barren Ridge in Fishersville; Blue Ridge
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