15 Must-Visit Vineyards In Virginia For Wine Enthusiasts

While Virginia wine is finally garnering the national spotlight, it's anything but a new phenomenon. From Jamestown settlers who tried unsuccessfully to harvest native grapes to Thomas Jefferson, who worked closely with an Italian friend to bring European cultivars to the Old Dominion, Virginians have been trying their hand at wine production for over four centuries.

The 19th century brought the advent of the Norton grape, a cross between European and native varieties, and that singular vine transformed the Virginia wine industry—until prohibition hit. The vineyards closed shop, and it wasn't until 1976, when an Italian named Gianni Zonin took a chance on Virginia and a historic estate now known as Barboursville Vineyards, that Virginia wine put itself back on the map.

Today, there are over 300 Virginia wineries, with several producing award-winning vintages. There are vineyards with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and booking a bus to vineyard hop along the Monticello Wine Trail is an autumnal rite of passage.

Curious where to start your Virginia wine journey? Here are 15 Virginia vineyards that should be at the top of your must-visit list.

Muse Vineyards

Thanks to its rocky clay soil, Muse Vineyards is able to grow grapes similar to those you'd fine in Italy and France. This expansive tasting room has two large decks and sprawling outdoor space to take advantage of its location in the shadows of the Shenandoah and immediately next to the Shenandoah River. They also have a farmhouse Airbnb (with a pool!) that you can rent if you decide to make the vineyard an overnight trip.

musevineyards.com, 16 Serendipity Lane, Woodstock, VA 22664

Stone Tower Winery

You'll feel like you're a world away from nearby Washington, D.C. when you visit the 400-acre property that's home to Stone Tower Winery in Loudoun County, Virginia. The tasting room and outdoor patio spaces are luxurious, and the views are some of the best in the area. They focus on French grapes, and their Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Bordeaux-style blend reds are fan favorites.

stonetowerwinery.com, 19925 Hogback Mountain Road, Leesburg, VA 20175

Veritas Vineyards and Winery

Head just a half hour outside Charlottesville to Afton, Virginia, where you can grab a table outside at Veritas Vineyards and Winery to sample their Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, or expertly crafted blends from winemaker Emily Hodson. In the colder months, cozy up inside in front of the stately stone fireplace. Veritas is also known for their events, including Starry Nights and the Supper Series.

veritaswines.com, 151 Veritas Lane, Afton, VA 22920

Jefferson Vineyards

Established on the same vineyards that Thomas Jefferson once tried to cultivate, Jefferson Vineyards is tying itself to a long tradition of Virginia winemaking. Today, it's a place to enjoy a bottle of Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Cabernet Franc, among others, and take in the beautiful mountain views—it's known for having one of the best locations in the region.

jeffersonvineyards.com, 1353 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902

King Family Vineyards

Visit King Family Vineyards on any Sunday from Memorial Day through mid-fall and you'll get more than a delicious Bordeaux-style red, you'll also catch a rousing polo match. The lawn is perfect for grabbing a picnic and a glass of Meritage, one of King Family's most renowned wines, and you'll be hard pressed to find prettier views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There's also a tasting room for days when you'd rather not be outside.

kingfamilyvineyards.com, 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932

Barboursville Vineyards

Barboursville is the original. It's where the modern era of Virginia winemaking began, and it continues to be one of the most popular vineyards in the state. Their fabled Octagon wine is a perennial award winner, with various vintages taking home accolades both in its home state and worldwide. Hang out in the tasting room or stroll the expansive grounds of this historic estate, including the Barboursville ruins, the remnants of an 18th century mansion.

bbvwine.com, 17655 Winery Road, Barboursville, VA 22923

RdV Vineyards

RdV Vineyards is just an hour drive from Washington, D.C.—close enough that it's worth a visit if you're in the area and looking for a luxury wine tasting experience that appeals to true oenophiles. You have to make an appointment for a tasting at this striking, modern winery, and you'll also get an estate tour of the property and wine caves.

rdvvineyards.com, 2550 Delaplane Grade Road, Delaplane, VA 20144

Afton Mountain Vineyards

The 360-degree Blue Right Mountain views from Afton Mountain Vineyards are some of the best on the Monticello Wine Trail. They have 11 different types of grapes growing on their property ranging from Albarino to Chardonnay to Gewurztraminer, and they were among the first to start growing in the modern era. You can grab a tasting or a bottle and enjoy the Virginia wine country vistas from the tasting room, outdoor area, and year-round glass pavilion.

aftonmountainvineyards.com, 234 Vineyard Lane, Afton, VA 22920

Winery at LaGrange

At the heart of the Winery at LaGrange property is a manor house dating back to the 1790s—an incredibly restored relic that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. With a sweeping lawn filled with picnic, there's no better place to grab a glass of award-winning Tempranillo or Syrah and catch up with your friends on a perfect Virginia afternoon.

wineryatlagrange.com, 4970 Antioch Road, Haymarket, VA 20169

Blenheim Vineyards

Blenheim Farm has a rich history in Virginia, dating back to an original property that spanned over 9,000 acres. Just one building remains from 1730, but you can imagine the views from the modern A-frame tasting room are equally impressive now as they were back then. Peer through the glass floors of the tasting room to see the wine production facility just below. Every bottle has an eclectic, artful label—perhaps a nod to owner Dave Matthews, and the Painted Red and Painted White are favorites.

blenheimvineyards.com, 31 Blenheim Farm, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

While you come to Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards for the wine, of course, there are two other good reasons to visit: the views and the food. Overlooking lush views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pippin Hill is somewhere you come to sit and stay a while—this isn't a place to do a tasting and move on. Enjoy their Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay alongside artfully crafted charcuterie boards and seasonal fare.

pippinhillfarm.com, 5022 Plank Road, North Garden, VA 22959

Keswick Vineyards

Whether you prefer to sip your wine while sitting on a porch or playing on a mini golf course, Keswick Vineyards has you covered. They have two Governor’s Cups under their belt, they have both classic red and white wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Viognier, and Cabernet Franc. Visit on a Saturday to catch live music.

keswickvineyards.com, 1575 Keswick Winery Drive, Keswick, VA 22947

Greenhill Vineyards

Planning a day trip to Middleburg? You'll want to make time for a visit to Greenhill Vineyards, where you'll find Virginia wine country in the middle of Virginia hunt country. The 128-acre property has been a working farm since 1762, and the first vines were planted in the 1980s, introducing European varietals to the area. Sip on wines including Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Merlot.

experiencegreenhill.com, 23595 Winery Lane, Middleburg, VA 20117

Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard

The quirky, colorful decor and statement-making wallpaper that adorns the walls at Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard makes it stand out among its more traditional neighbors. A newcomer to the scene, they offer rosé, Viognier, and Petit Verdot among other wines, but you also won't go hungry. They have shareables and artisan pizzas that you can enjoy in the tasting room or around fire pits outside.

merriemillfarm.com, 594 Merrie Mill Farm, Keswick, VA 22947

Cana Vineyards & Winery

Cana Vineyards & Winery gives you picturesque rural views of the rolling hills of hunt country and indoor and outdoor seating just an hour outside of D.C. Settle in for a flight, a bottle, or a glass and enjoy the laid-back ambiance of the tasting room and pavilion. Winemaker Melanie Natoli was the first woman to win the Virginia Governor's Cup.

canavineyards.com, 38600 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg, VA 20117