The state of Virginia has become a destination for wine lovers. Many of the vineyards are family-owned and the area has gained an international reputation for quality. We are lucky to have so many wineries within a short drive of Waynesboro, Virginia. Whether you like white wine, red wine, or the ambiance of a wine tasting room, you are sure to find a place to please everyone’s fancy. We cannot possibly choose a favorite so they are all listed alphabetically by city below.
Afton Mountain Vineyards, Afton
The original grape vines here were planted in 1978 making it one of the oldest farm wineries in the state. It is truly an all-season destination. Enjoy the views from the heated/cooled glass pavilion any time of year. Sip glasses of wine on the patio on one of those days that begs you to sit outside. Bring your dog and set up a picnic on the lawn. The vineyard is open year-round Thursday through Sunday. Self-guided tastings and guided bar tastings are both available.
Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery, Afton
A love of Riesling wines in Germany turned into a family business. The first grapes they planted were their beloved Riesling as well as cabernet sauvignon. The winery is open seven days a week and reservations are accepted. Go on a Sunday afternoon for Music on the Deck.
Flying Fox Vineyard and Winery, Afton
Enjoy a consistent portfolio of wines, the experimental Sly Fox series, and award-winning vermouth made with fruits that highlight each season. The family-run winery welcomes guests to enjoy the patio on warm days or the crackling fireplace during the colder months. They are open seven days a week and ask that parties larger than 5 people please call ahead.
Thibaut-Janisson Winery, Afton
Winemaker Claude Thibaut and Champagne producer Manuel Janisson joined together to create world-class sparkling wine. They had the distinct honor of having their blanc de chardonnay served at President Obama’s first state dinner. While they are not open to the public, you can find their wines in local shops and restaurants.
Turk Mountain Vineyards, Afton
One of the smallest vineyards, they use the five acres to grow red wine grapes. Over half of the land is planted with Petit Verdot grapes. This vineyard is not open to tourists and a majority of their quality grapes are sold to local winemakers.
Veritas Vineyard and Winery, Afton
This family-owned winery believes in using classic, old-style principles to make their wine. Reservations can be made for the indoor tasting room, the covered verandah, by the fireside, or for a private fire pit. Traveling with a more loose schedule? The lawn, bricks, and grove are available without needing a reservation. Curious about how the wine is made? Tours are available seven days a week at 12:00pm and 3:00pm, reservations are strongly encouraged.
Bluestone Vineyard, Bridgewater
This vineyard creates a privately labeled wine for the Iris Inn. When you visit Bluestone, you can order wines by the glass or the bottle. They feature 50ml bottles so you can create your own tasting experience. Very unique to this winery is the option for a growler of wine from their rotating taps. The tasting room is open daily. Watch a virtual tasting video from home to pick some must-try wines before you go.
Grace Estate Winery, Crozet
All the wines here are made with 100% estate-grown grapes. Be bold with the courageous Sheffield Collection. Feel like royalty when you sip the regal Odo Collection. Savor the youthfulness of the passionate Alice Collection. Come for the live music on Friday nights and the salsa socials on Sunday afternoons. This winery is open Wednesday through Monday with late hours on Fridays and Saturdays.
King Family Vineyards, Crozet
A spark of curiosity about growing grapes for sale to other winemakers quickly turned into a full winery. Classic tasting menus are offered daily in the tasting room. For a more exclusive afternoon, join a Founder’s Tasting. This intimate, seated tasting experience is held in the library and features a curated tasting along with information about the history of the property and their winemaking process. Founder’s Tastings are offered on Saturday afternoons or by special appointment.
Mountfair Vineyards, Crozet
A strong focus on sustainability means this vineyard does not use herbicides and limits the use of pesticides. They focus on red wines but often feature cider, rose, and sparking wine from partner wineries. Sit on the patio and listen to live music on Saturday nights. The grounds also house multiple venues for events from small dinners in the Paddock House to weddings for 200 guests in the fields.
Stinson Vineyards, Crozet
Visit Stinson for small lot wines with a French influence. Do not let the three-car garage winery fool you. The wines here are subtle and complex. The father, daughter, and son-in-law team are creating wines that attract visitors with their esteemed quality. The 2017 Meritage is one of the twelve wines in the 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup Case. The tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday. Be sure to save time for the artisan farm store while you are there.
White Hall Vineyards, Crozet
This winery won the Governor’s Cup two years in a row, in 1997 and 1998, which was only three years after they were established. Many of their wines are more fruit-forward and have a richer taste than other Virginia wines. The picnic area boasts plentiful shade for those warmer summer days. Dogs are welcome on the patio and the lawn area. They are open Wednesday through Sunday.
Brent Manor Vineyards, Faber
A unique blend of Old World and New World wines and atmosphere greets guests here. The wines are influenced by a Portuguese upbringing alongside visits to wineries in California, Oregon, and Virginia. A souvenir glass is included with tastings with port style wines available for an extra fee. Reservations are available for a special food and wine pairing experience.
Delfosse Vineyards and Winery, Faber
Step off the beaten path for the breathtaking views of Delfosse. Head inside for the tasting menu or grab a flight to sip outside on the lawn. Kids and dogs are welcome and everyone loves having picnics by the lake. Outside food is allowed. Tour the vineyard when you visit as it is one of the few European-style terraced vineyards in the state. The vineyard is open Wednesday through Sunday and is also available for weddings.
Barren Ridge Vineyards, Fisherville
The owners had a dream and they made it come true when they transformed the family apple orchard into the first winery in Augusta County. This is not a stuffy wine tasting room. Instead the dress code states “Come as you are. Shoes recommended.” Be sure to check their events page for upcoming live music. The winery is open year-round, seven days a week.
Pollak Vineyards, Greenwood
Traditional French varietals are the focus here. Both the tasting room and the patio offer views of the vines, the pond, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Create your own charcuterie board from their menu of cheeses, meats, baguettes and pastries made by Albemarle Baking Company, and jams made by Jams According to Daniel. They are open Wednesday through Sunday afternoons.
CrossKeys Vineyards, Mount Crawford
Named for the Cross Keys Tavern which served as a hospital during the Civil War, this vineyard strives to be part of the community in the same way that tavern was part of the community. Pair their wines with entrees from the gourmet onsite bistro. Go behind the scenes on the winery tour which visits the tasting room, tank and barrel room, and vineyard library. The winery is open seven days a week.
Marceline Vineyards, Mount Crawford
A beautiful log barn is the heart of this business run by a mother and her children. Tastings include a wine flight and a wine slushy flight. There is a robust event schedule including trivia on Wednesday evenings and live music on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday. The vineyard is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Hill Top Winery and Meadery, Nellysford
What started as a pick your own berry farm has become a place to find wines made from blueberries, blackberries, plums, apples, peaches, elderberries, and cantaloupes. They also specialize in honey meads ranging from Zambian wildflower honey to dried red hibiscus flowers to pear. The farm goats love to be petted and fed. The winery and meadery is open seven days a week and frequently features live music on the covered deck.
Ox Eye Vineyards, Staunton
White-petaled, yellow-center ox eye daisies frequently grow nearby and lend their name to this vineyard. The tasting room is conveniently located in Staunton’s historic Wharf District. Build a charcuterie board or bring in food from one of the many restaurants within walking distance. The tasting room is open seven days a week and features a second floor art gallery.
Iris Inn, Waynesboro
The Assistant Manager of the inn is very knowledgeable about the local wine scene. She hand-picks a selection of wines to be available at the inn. Wines change based on vintage and vineyard experimentation. The list of wines here changes to reflect the quality of current offerings. The ever-changing list also gives repeat guests an opportunity to sample new wines. After a day of sightseeing, join us in the lobby to sample our recommended wines.