Did you ever think that if Grant and Lee could have sat down and shared a nice bottle of Cabernet Franc by a roaring fire that the Civil War might have wrapped much sooner? Okay, maybe not. They would've enjoyed that wine, though. Yet it's a nice alternate reality to play out--especially if you use the Winery at Bull Run as the backdrop. One of the closest wineries to downtown Washington--only 28 miles from the White House!--you can experience a piece of history and cap it (or cork it) with a ...
Northern Virginia
Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery – Taste & Tour
One of Virginia's top five wine producers, Prince Michel offers standout wine tastings and a self-guided tour of their operation, giving you more than just a peek into how they make their magic. Couple that with gorgeous countryside, abundant indoor and outdoor spaces, a must-visit gift shop, and you've just found a great way to spend a day enjoying (and learning about) Virginia wine. Where better to learn than one of Virginia's greatest success stories?The Facility . . . Zooming among ...
Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn – Taste & Tour
Building on the diverse lineup of wineries clustered among the hills of Delaplane, Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn stands solidly among its peers. One of the few wineries to actually merge Virginia's horse and wine country into a one-stop experience, Aspen Dale will be a hit from excited toddlers to sophisticated wine connoisseurs. You'd be hard pressed to find a member of your group who won't find something endearing about this winery.The Winery . . . As soon as you turn down the gravel ...
Paradise Springs Winery – Taste & Tour
If you've ever visited Fairfax County in Virginia, what might stick in your mind is the sprawling Tysons skyline or the unbearable traffic you suffered circumnavigating the west side of Washington. Starting right now what you should remember is this: Paradise Springs Winery. Fairfax County's first (and as far as I can tell, only) winery. And while it's the closest winery to the District, proximity should not be the reason you visit. Read on to find out why.Paradise Springs Winery is ...
Miracle Valley Vineyard – Taste & Tour
After my visit to Delaplane Cellars, I decided to make a stop at nearby Miracle Valley Vineyard, as well. The Delaplane region has evolved into one of my favorite spots for discovering great wineries. A jump from the interstate and a short country ride will bring you to some of Virginia's greatest wineries. And if you're looking to combine some great wines with outstanding country atmosphere, Miracle Valley Vineyard should be added to your tour. Located atop rolling land against Little Cobbler ...
Delaplane Cellars – Taste & Tour
If you are visiting Northern Virginia looking for a cluster of diverse wineries, Delaplane is the area for you. Home to more than a half-dozen wineries, you can easily compose a tour to fill a full day. Some of my favorite Virginia wineries live here, including Blue Valley, Three Fox, and Arterra. Among this group you will also find the hillside boutique winery Delaplane Cellars, majestically positioned against the side of Lost Mountain.But before you traverse the hill, make sure you ...
Breaux Vineyards – Taste & Tour
In the far northern corner of Virginia, just a few miles from both Maryland and West Virginia, resides one of Virginia's most glorious winemaking regions. Loudoun County boasts dozens of wonderful wineries. And if they were laid across the rolling hills like some spectacular constellation, Breaux Vineyards could arguably be its Polaris. As grand as it is delightful, Breaux understands not only winemaking, but the overall wine experience.Located in one of Virginia's most densely populated ...
Pearmund Cellars – Taste & Tour
If you're becoming familiar with the Virginia wine scene, odds are you've heard of executive winemaker Chris Pearmund and Pearmund Cellars. And that, my friend, is a good thing. Not only are they one of the most award-winning wineries in Virginia, they grow grapes or produce wines for other established wineries, including Vint Hill Craft Winery and the Winery at Bull Run. And if you've tasted Pearmund's wines, it's likely you've added some of their bottles to your collection.The drive ...
Morais Vineyards & Winery – Taste & Tour
Tucked far behind a low-profile white rock wall in Bealeton, Virginia, Morais Vineyards and Winery appears to be another historic Virginia estate. In the blur of your peripheral vision as you speed up US 17, you might not give it a second glance. But what lies at the end of the windswept lane is certainly worth more than a glimpse.As you wind up the 180-acre property, the grounds are manicured and evenly blended with vines and landscaping. Both grand and slightly whimsical, the property ...
