The Best Vineyards In Virginia For A Picturesque Wine Tasting Vacation, According To Research

Just a few decades ago, only 50 wineries called Virginia home. These days, there are about 300. That's no accident. The state is a winemaker's paradise, featuring a variety of different soils and mountains, which provide an ideal grape-growing climate. The result is wines reminiscent of those in Napa Valley and Bordeaux. However, not all Virginia wineries can live up to the standards those storied wine regions have set.

In places with as many vineyard offerings as Virginia, it can be tough to decide which are worth exploring. Throughout my visits to winery hotspots, ranging from Tuscany to the Finger Lakes, I've found that the best are those that focus on a few selected wines. That's why the wineries you'll find on this list only release a few thousand cases each year. The best wineries also stay true to their region's terroir, focusing on grape varieties that can thrive in that climate and soil.

Visitors should also stay away from massive wineries with extensive lists of features and events. These wineries can be tourist traps where the focus is on partying, not enjoying fine wine. However, we made it easy for you to find the finest wineries in Virginia with breathtaking views. We based our picks on four criteria: customer feedback, star rating on Google and Tripadvisor, media acclaim, and wine quality.

Located 1,800 feet up in the air in an area with little cell service, Ankida Ridge Vineyards in Amherst isn't easy to get to. But once you see the views from the top of this winery, about 45 minutes from Lexington, you'll know it's worth the trek. As one of the highest wineries in the state, Ankida Ridge Vineyards offers panoramic views of the valley beneath, and its name reflects that. Derived from the ancient Sumerian, Ankida means "where heaven and earth join" in English.

Besides providing good looks, the winery's mountain location also makes for fine wine. The area allows the grapes to grow in a consistent, mildly cool climate, helping them not fall victim to early frost or sweltering temperatures. It's paid off, as Ankida Ridge Vineyards is known for its pinot noir, which is produced by only a few growers in Virginia. The pinot noir remains Ankida Ridge Vineyards' most acclaimed wine. The winery also produces Chardonnay, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Verday, Blanc de Noir, Patiné, and Blanc de Blanc.

"Their Gamay, Vin Blanc, Chardonnay, Brut, and Pinot Noir showcase the best of the best in terms of the quality of Virginia wines," one past visitor explained on Google. "Every wine they offer is exceptional to be honest. The combination of breathtaking mountain views, excellent wines, and warm hospitality makes this place something truly special and breathtaking." Ankida Ridge Vineyards has earned 4.9 stars from approximately 100 reviews on Google.

Most of the wineries on this list offer views of the Virginia hills. But only one displays lush green sites and historic ruins. Barboursville Vineyards in Barboursville, which is about an hour from Shenandoah National Park, is surrounded by the remnants of former Virginia Gov. James Barbour's mansion. Designed by Thomas Jefferson — a friend of Barbour's — the mansion dates back two centuries. Barboursville Vineyards has plenty of other historic nods, too, all making for a one-of-a-kind excursion. Inside the Library 1821 tasting room, wine drinkers can sip delicious concoctions while surrounded by noteworthy artifacts, like an appointment letter written by President John Quincy Adams. Despite its storied offerings, this beautiful winery is also a budget-friendly wine tasting getaway.

With so much history, it would be easy for Barboursville Vineyards to rest on its past, but it certainly does not. Its wine is just as acclaimed as its 800-acre surroundings, and it has earned accolades like the Virginia Governor's Cup a half-dozen times. But you don't need to ask a wine expert if Barboursville Vineyards is delicious — just speak to one of its customers.

The winery has earned 4.3 stars on Tripadvisor from about 640 reviews, making it one of the most widely visited wineries on this list. "We've hit about every vineyard in the Charlottesville area and these wines were by far the best," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "We didn't taste anything we didn't like."

Owned by the former owner of the Washington Redskins NFL team, it would be easy to write Boxwood Winery in Middleburg off as a wealthy man's hobby. But if you did, you would be neglecting a boutique winery that combines Bordeaux methods with Virginia touches in an under-the-radar wine region in Virginia. It's all set on a 26.5-acre rustic and historic landscape, yet with cutting-edge winemaking equipment. Many revolutionary and Civil War events even took place in this region. 

One of the best places at the winery to enjoy that view is The Pavilion, which is in the middle of the action and surrounded by endless rows of vines. Indoor tastings in the Bottling Room and The Cave, enclosed by French oak barrels, are also available. But don't wait to make your reservation. It gets busy on the weekends, and people drive from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and North Carolina to visit. Plus, wine production is limited to guarantee a quality product. Visitors can try French-certified varieties like Cupola, Trellis, Topiary, Rose, and Sauvignon Gris. 

Boxwood Winery is only about an hour's drive from Washington, D.C. It has earned 4.2 stars from more than 120 reviews on Tripadvisor. "A Virginia gem and a must for anyone that enjoys a glass of wine with a view," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "I recommend visiting any time of the year. You won't be disappointed."

You might not think Virginia's winemaking scene can go head-to-head with Napa Valley, but Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison will make you think twice. The winery is run by Jon Ruel, the former president of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, who also managed an acclaimed Napa Valley winery. Ruel's hard work has paid off. Early Mountain Vineyards, which is about 50 minutes from Shenandoah National Park, has earned a slew of awards. Those include nearly a half-dozen medals in the Decanter World Wine Awards, which is the largest wine competition on the planet, featuring over 16,000 wines.

Visitors seem to love Early Mountain Vineyards just as much, as the winery has earned 4.3 stars from 270 reviews on Tripadvisor. "Early Mountain is the jewel in the crown of this wine region!" wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "The facility is gorgeous, the wine is outstanding, the food is amazing and the service is beyond compare!"

At Early Mountain Vineyards, enjoy wines like Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, and Petit Manseng, all with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from a lush meadow. Even in the cold weather, a spot at this scenic winery is enjoyable, thanks to its wood-burning fireplace. Another indoor option for wine tastings here is the Wine Library, a rustic room lined with wine bottles and wood details. With so many beautiful spaces, visitors who don't want to be turned away should make reservations.

There's no person more instrumental in creating what we now know as the Virginia wine scene than Gabriele Rausse. The native Italian has worked with 100-plus Virginia wineries since 1976, including the acclaimed Barboursville Vineyards, throughout his nearly 50-year career. But since 1997, the winemaker has established roots at Gabriele Rausse Winery in Charlottesville, which is less than an hour from Staunton.

Here, the wine speaks for itself, as it's served in a rustic, hillside location — no frills needed. Under a covered pavilion with a fire pit, visitors can sit surrounded by foliage as they try wines like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Viognier, and Vin Gris de Pinot Noir. All of the wines are made on just 9 acres of vineyards, nursed by Rausse's sons Tim and Peter. Visitors can also try the wines inside the intimate tasting room, which feels more like the outdoors due to its floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Enjoyed the wine here more than any of the wineries in the area, staff was very welcoming and explained a lot about the wine and winemaking in Virginia," wrote one past visitor on Google. "The setting is somewhat secluded in a woodland setting which was intimate and made us feel like we were really among nature." Gabriele Rausse Winery has garnered 4.8 stars from more than 180 reviews on Google.

At King Family Vineyards in Crozet, not only can you taste wines in the rolling fields, but you can also explore them. On the Founder's Farm and Vineyard Tour, visitors can hop aboard an 8-person golf cart to get a firsthand look at this lush, 50-acre property. They can walk among the vines on the Winery Tour and Tasting excursion or slow down with the Self-Guided Wine-Tasting Flights. No matter which you opt for, you'll enjoy fine, old-world wines. A few varieties visitors can choose from include Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.

It all started with just a knock and a napkin. The family-owned winery was founded by the King family after a nearby winemaker inquired about using a few acres of the property to grow his own grapes. That led the family to consider growing their own. Just a few years later, they found themselves designing their winery on the back of a napkin. These days, the large operation produces 10,000 cases of wine per year with the help of nearly 50 employees, all just 20 minutes from Charlottesville.

"Excellent wines, expert tasting experience which was generous and rich and engaging, great food matched to the wines and a scenic background of great beauty," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. King Family Vineyards has earned 4.4 stars from more than 480 reviews on the site.

Virginia is a beloved wine destination. But back when the state had just a few wineries, Linden Vineyards in Linden was born at the former site of an apple orchard. It was the brainchild of Jim Law, who grew up working at vineyards. He's still the owner of Linden Vineyards, which is a little over an hour's drive from Washington, D.C. It's unsurprising, then, that Virginia wine country is one of the best places for a day trip if you're staying in the city. 

Law's wine is worth driving for. Besides being one of the first people to believe in Virginia's wine potential, he is also touted as one of the most influential winemakers in America by Vineyard and Winery Magazine. At Linden Vineyards, visitors can choose from varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Verdot, and more. They can be imbibed alongside panoramic views of the scenic landscape.

"There are loads of vineyards to visit in Virginia, but I'm sure you couldn't do much better than visit this one. You have to book in advance, but in return you can chat in peace to the winemaker and taste a range of their great wines," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "The owners are focused on producing great wines to their own taste in beautiful rural surroundings, and not trying to set up a tourist attraction so there is no massive shop to distract." Linden Vineyards has earned 4.2 stars from more than 120 reviews on Tripadvisor.

Don't let the name of Lost Mountain Vineyards in Delaplane fool you. This winery is anything but lost, having won the respect of wine connoisseurs like James Suckling and Robert Parker. It's been a must-try for serious wine drinkers for more than a decade. Even with so much acclaim, it's one of the most underrated destinations in Virginia. With 100 acres of vineyards about an hour from Washington, D.C., this winery is known for its Bordeaux and Napa ultra-fine blends. Those include the Cabernet-Sauvignon Lost Mountain and the red blend Rendezvous, with only 2,000 cases being produced yearly.

Lost Mountain Vineyards used to be called RdV Vineyards, named for founder Rutger de Vink. Although the name has changed, the mission is the same: to create some of the best wines on the planet. It'll cost you, though, as a visit here is no casual stop off the highway. The wines are the most expensive bottles made in the state. Tastings and tours, which are only offered privately, cost $120 to $175 per person. Tastings are held in a picturesque tasting room adorned with a fireplace, leather furnishings, and massive windows.

According to reviews, the high price is worth it. Lost Mountain Vineyards has earned 4.6 stars from more than 100 Google reviews. "What an amazing experience. The views, ambiance, and wine were fantastic. The price is justifiable because their quality is superb. Will most certainly return," wrote one past visitor on Google.

At Stinson Vineyards in Crozet, the humble winemaking operation takes place in an old three-car garage. However, it would be hard to guess that from its rustic views, which include land once cultivated by Gabriele Rausse with the Blue Ridge Mountains serving as a backdrop. Those views are visible inside and out, via floor-to-ceiling windows and a teal door, in the winery inspired by French garagiste wineries.

"Small vineyard and winery with a beautiful open Mountain View in remote White Hall," wrote one past visitor on Google. "Enjoyed our day snacking and tasting on the porch in comfy chairs." Stinson Vineyards has earned 4.5 stars from over 100 reviews on Google.

Visitors can prolong their stay at Stinson Vineyards — which is 25 minutes from Charlottesville, a charming college town nestled in the mountains — by staying overnight at its bed and breakfast. Just four guestrooms are available at this intimate inn that features wine-focused touches like a self-serve wine bar and four-course wine dinners. A stay here also includes a three-course breakfast every morning.

Every seating area at Veritas Vineyard and Winery is so beautiful that it's tough to choose where to do your tasting. You could sit outside on the open lawn, nestled in the grass just a short walk from the vines. You can also sit on the picnic table-lined brick patio, shaded by trees and near the wine bar. Or you can head inside to the rustic-elegant tasting room, adorned with vaulted ceilings, massive windows, and a fireplace. Within these spaces, visitors can choose from 16 wines that are just as refined as the setting, which is 30 minutes by car from Charlottesville.

"Off the beaten path, but great venue, with pleasantly appointed indoor space featuring a large fireplace and spacious bar, along with outdoor and covered patio tables," wrote one past visitor on Tripadvisor. "The wine selection is not expansive, but the quality is superb, from sparkling to red blends. I am always wary of wineries in the East, but Veritas could slide right into Napa or Sonoma." Veritas Vineyard and Winery has earned 4.3 stars from more than 450 reviews on Tripadvisor.

Love is in every glass at Walsh Family Wine in Purcellville, which is run by husband-and-wife team Sarah and Nate Walsh. But this winery, that's 30 minutes from Lucketts, one of the most charming small towns in Virginia, is hardly this young duo's first foray in the industry. Nate has worked at several of Virginia's wineries, while Sarah was formerly employed in fine-wine sales. Just two years after meeting, they put their wine knowledge to good use and started Walsh Family Wine.

Since then, their winery has earned a slew of accolades, including being named as one of the best tasting rooms by Visit Loudoun and one of the best wineries in the state by Wine Enthusiast. Visitors can see the reason for themselves by reserving a spot under the covered patio — which offers all-encompassing views of the lush property — or in the indoor tasting room. To see this scenic winery in its entirety, book the one-hour tour and tasting experience. It offers a wine tasting alongside food, as well as a tour of the vineyards and winery.

"Hands down, the best winery in Virginia!" wrote one past visitor on Google. "The wines are stellar and the atmosphere is perfect for wine lovers of all ages, including kids and dogs!" From more than 250 Google reviews, Walsh Family Wine has earned 4.6 stars.

With so many wineries in Virginia — spread across eight American Viticulture Areas — it can be overwhelming to choose which to visit on your sipping journey across the state. There are several wine trails to make it even more overwhelming, such as this road trip of a lifetime for wine lovers. To help you narrow down your must-visit list, Explore evaluated which wineries had the most and best reviews on sites such as Tripadvisor and Google. All of the wineries in this article have at least 100 reviews and 4.2 stars.

We also determined which wineries have garnered the respect of wine experts and wine media, such as Lost Mountain Vineyards, which has been recognized by James Suckling. Finally, we simply took a look around and marveled at which Virginia wineries had the most otherworldly views, ranging from the Blue Ridge Mountains to seemingly endless acres of vineyards.