“But Virginia is so far,” said every District dweller ever. “Wine tour? Ok fine.”
An afternoon spent sipping vino at your leisure sounds like bliss, especially for workaholic Washingtonians who could use a siesta. So we decided to take a closer look at the hidden gems right here in D.C.’s backyard, scoping out the metro area’s most extravagant winery and tasting room experiences.
Here are our top 10 wineries for you to add to your summer drinking bucket list… because we know you have one. Cheers!
Boxwood Estate Winery
1.5 hours from D.C.
Located 50 miles west of D.C. and nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Potomac River, sits the Boxwood Estate Vineyard. One step into the fermentation tank room and you’ll feel like you’re in a mad scientist’s garage – and we’re into it! The vineyard boasts five varieties of grapes certified by the French government itself, and it specializes in Bordeaux style red wines including: Boxwood, Topiary, Trellis, and Rosé.
Barrel Oak Winery
1.5 hours from D.C.
Barrel Oak Winery welcomes everyone, including the smallest among us: children and dogs! There’s even a pooch on staff named Birch. As if those aren’t reasons enough to plan your visit, tastings start at just $7, and the vineyard was voted Virginia Living Magazine’s Best Winery in Virginia four times in the past five years.
Big Cork Vineyards
1.5 hours from D.C.
Introducing one of Maryland’s most exciting wineries: Big Cork Vineyards. The 10,000-square-foot tasting room is just one of the reasons we like this place. Your choice of eight Big Cork labels of vino can be enjoyed at your leisure inside and outside. There’s even a 70” flat-screen TV outside on the west patio so you don’t have to miss Sunday football! It’s cigar friendly too, smokers.
Barboursville Vineyards
2 hours from D.C.
As far as we’re concerned, this stunning, historical estate gives any Napa tasting room a run for its money. Step inside the “Tuscan Tasting Room” for a bite to eat and a sampling of a range of vintages like the Octagon blend, which combines Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Visitors may guide themselves on a tour through the nearby lawns surrounding the historic Landmark Ruins of Thomas Jefferson’s mansion of Governor James Barbour.
Fabbioli Cellars
1 hour from D.C.
Stop by any day of the week between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to enjoy a superior wine tasting experience, complete with gourmet small bites from the chef’s kitchen. Wine at Fabbioli Cellars comes in 25 different varieties, and our top picks include Chardonnay, Una Pera, and Cabernet Franc Reserve. Romantic reservations are encouraged!
Early Mountain Vineyards
2 hours from D.C.
Smoked Meat Feast and Festival anyone? That’s just one of the fun upcoming events this Virginia winery favorite offers. Families and dogs are welcome to experience the impressive vistas and state-of-the-art production facilities at Early Mountain Vineyards. We suggest calling ahead to reserve a tasting, packing a picnic lunch, and making an afternoon of it!
Three Fox Vineyards
1.5 hours from D.C.
Tasting fees begin at $11 and your furry friends are welcome to Three Fox Vineyards, located just over an hour away from D.C. The winery parades Italian traditions, with a bit of the south of France sprinkled on top. Italian varietals include Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, as well as Viognier, the main white wine grape of the Rhone Valley. Impressed yet?
Stone Tower Winery
1 hour from D.C.
Get your drink on at Stone Tower Winery, which boasts a super-chill atmosphere with a brand new tasting room opening in just a few short weeks! At the bar, visitors can enjoy a tasting of six wines for just $15. Saddle up with a glass of wine plus a seriously yummy cheese plate and freshly baked ciabatta. You are also welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy.
Breaux Vineyards
1.5 hours from D.C.
We think you’re supposed to pronounce this winery’s name as “Bro’ – Vineyards,” and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to go with the bros to “Bro’ Vineyards?” Surrounded with the charms of the Blue Ridge Mountains and landscaped terraces, this winery has it all. Public tastings are $10 per guest, and tours are just $5 per guest.
Chrysalis Vineyards
1 hour from D.C.
A hop, skip, and a jump away from Middleburg, VA is beautiful Chrysalis Vineyards, which sets its own standard of vino by specializing in unusual Spanish and French varietals, and the famous Northern Virginia grape named Norton. With 1,000 weekly visitors on average, the winery is one popular destination that will hook you up with great group tasting and picnic adventures.
This article was originally published in 2016
