Virginia has some of the most distinctive wine around.

Wine has been produced in the Commonwealth of Virginia since the early days of European colonization in the 17th century. Around 1807, Thomas Jefferson, considered one of the greatest patrons of wine in the United States, had established two vineyards in his south orchard and thought to be the founding father of Virginia wine-making (no pun intended).

Most, if not all of the area, has hot humid summers that can be challenging to both growing and producing wine, and only within the last twenty years has the industry developed beyond novelty status. However, between the dedication of wine-makers to embrace the soil composition and humidity as well as the ever-changing wine consumer, as of 2019 there are over 250 registered vineyards and wineries in the state.

We were lucky enough to have spent some time in Virginia and wanted to share some of our favorite spots and their selections.

Cheers!

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Blenheim Vineyards

31 Blenheim Farm, Charlottesville, VA 22902

https://www.blenheimvineyards.com

Blenheim Vineyards has 10 acres under vine. The first planting was in 2000 and the second planting was in 2007. The grapes growing on the Blenheim property include Viognier, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Some grapes used in Blenheim wines are also sourced from other Virginia growers.

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Early Mountain Winery

6109 Wolftown-Hood Rd, Madison, VA 22727

https://www.earlymountain.com/

European and Californian influence with a distinctive Virginia twist. Early Mountain Winery wants to make a statement all its own. 55 acres including and apple orchard and barn make up the property; also including over 10 blocks of grapes. An amazing location with an even better tasting room complete with farm-to-table style small plates, snacks and sandwiches made even better with local-in-season-produce.

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King Family Vineyards

6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932

https://kingfamilyvineyards.com/

After moving to Charlottesville from Texas in the mid 1990s the current owners purchased the 327 acre farm in 1996. In 1998, the great and random story continues. A young man named Tom Vandenberg, knocked on our door and asked if he could lease ten acres for a vineyard.  Curious, the owners did a little research and decided to hire Tom as a vineyard consultant. They purchased some California vines and after six months of hard work later they had eight acres of vines planted. In 20002 they opened a true winery and the rest is history. All their wines make a bold statement and are true to their varietal, however, echo the same essence that we love about Virginian wine.

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Sunset Hills Vineyard

38295 Fremont Overlook Ln, Purcellville, VA 20132

https://www.sunsethillsvineyard.com/

Sunset Hills Vineyard’s had their first harvest in 2001, with more than six tons of Chardonnay picked and sold to local wineries. In 2004, the owners expanded their beautiful property to seven acres, planting Cabernet Franc and Viognier, two varietals that are a staple in Virginia. All of the staff at the winery have a die-hard commitment to not only high quality and intended wines but also keeping varietals used in their wine estate grown. Through patience, persistence, a lot of sweat and a little luck, the winery is thriving and is a signature destination for wine lovers in Virginia. A must see.

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The Winery at Bull Run

15950 Lee Hwy, Centreville, VA 20120

The now Winery at Bull Run started in 2012 as a scenic working farm vineyard. The winery lies on a massive amount of property, (225 acres) adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park, not too far from Washington DC. According to the winery staff we spoke with it was built to represent the two types of historic barns in Northern Virginia one being a smaller 1800s-style barn and a larger 1920s-era dairy barn. Moreover, they actually salvaged an old stone foundation of a mansion that burned in a fire 30 years ago—using it for outdoor wedding ceremonies and events. We’ve had the opportunity to sit on their lawn and porch many a time and suggest you do the same. A one-of-a-kind place.

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