Northern Virginia is home to one of the most vibrant and rapidly growing wine regions in the United States. Located just a short drive from Washington, D.C., this picturesque area boasts many wineries, offering a diverse selection of wines produced from the region’s unique terroir. The landscape is dotted with charming vineyards and historic estates, with the region’s climate—warm days and cool nights—helping to create ideal conditions for growing a variety of grapes, including Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Petit Verdot, which have become signature varieties of the area. The wineries here offer visitors the chance to enjoy a wide range of tasting experiences, from intimate boutique settings to large, sprawling estates, all while enjoying breathtaking views of rolling hills and pastoral scenery.
Virginia Wine Country is known for the collaborative nature of its vineyards and wineries, and Northern Virginia is no exception. Above at left is the Loudoun Red, a collaborative red wine blend unique to Loudoun County. Wineries from all over the area participated in the creation of this wine to celebrate 40 years of winemaking i Loudoun County. 12 wineries each sent in a barrel of their best red from 2022 or 2023 to blend together in the best expression of Northern Virginia terroir. The blend includes Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Merlot, Norton, Petit Verdot and Tannat.
Just outside the nation’s capital, the wineries of Northern Virginia are becoming increasingly popular for those seeking a relaxing escape without leaving the urban hustle behind. The proximity of these wineries to D.C. makes it easy for residents and tourists alike to enjoy day trips or weekend getaways in the countryside. In addition to wine tasting, many wineries offer gourmet dining, music events, and art exhibitions, creating a well-rounded cultural experience. Popular areas like Loudoun County, Fauquier County, and the Northern Piedmont region are home to award-winning wineries, each offering a unique taste of the region’s diverse wine offerings. The D.C. area itself is also embracing the wine culture, with a growing number of urban wineries and wine bars. As the city’s interest in wine continues to grow, Washington, D.C. has become an exciting destination for wine lovers looking to explore the intersection of local culture, fine dining, and emerging winemaking talent.
8 Chains North | Barrel Oak Winery | Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg | Gray Ghost Vineyards
Wineries in Northern Virginia
8 CHAINS NORTH
(Leesburg, VA)
Originally established in 2006 as Furnace Mountain Vineyards by the Renshaw family, the winery underwent a rebranding in 2010 and emerged as 8 Chains North Winery. Founder Ben Renshaw remains the head winemaker, although the winery has since been bought by Cissi DeMarco and Ed Sturans. 8 Chains North gets its name from the location of its first vineyard, which was planted 528 feet—or eight “surveyer’s chains” (a land measurement equaling 66 feet)—north of White’s Ford, a strategic Civil War crossing.
8 Chains North Winery has 21 acres under vine across four vineyards, two of which are in the Middleburg AVA. They produce and bottle between 1800–3000 cases of wine each year including 10–18 different wine varietals and blends.
BARREL OAK WINERY
(Delaplane, VA)
Northern Virginia couple Kavelle and Ken Bajaj purchased Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery in 2022. The winery is located on 80 acres of land in Delaplane, Virginia and was founded in 2006. Head Winemaker Jeremy Ligon is a Virginia native who is devoted to producing world-class Virginia wines. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Oenology at California State University at Fresno, Jeremy returned to Virginia to focus on building a strong reputation for Virginia wines.
Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery is both family friendly and a great place to bring your well-behaved dogs. The property hosts three tasting bars open daily with hours depending on the season. They also offer light fare to go along with their award-winning wines and beers. For a more in-depth experience, book one of their tasting or cellar tours or visit their calendar to learn more about their exciting events.
CANA VINEYARDS & WINERY OF MIDDLEBURG
(Middleburg, VA)
Virginia Tech alumni Lisa and Bryce Petty purchased Cana Vineyards in October 2018. The Northern Virginia property is roughly 43 acres, eight of which are planted to Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Manseng, and Norton. The winery is family and pet friendly with both indoor and outdoor tasting areas. Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg offers charcuterie and other light fare to pair with their award-winning wines.
Winemaker Melanie Natoli’s journey in winemaking began as an intern in 2009. In 2011, she took the final leap to enter the wine world full-time as the assistant winemaker at Fabbioli Cellars. Natoli joined Cana Vineyards in 2015 to take the reins as winemaker and vineyard manager. She has advanced the wine program at Cana to produce several award winning wines, including the Virginia Governor’s Cup in 2022, making her the first female winemaker to win the award. In 2017 Natoli was the first Virginia winemaker to be named Woman Winemaker of the Year at the Women’s International Wine Competition.
GRAY GHOST VINEYARDS
(Amissville, VA)
Al and Cheryl Kellert opened Gray Ghost Vineyards in 1994. The couple still own and run the winery, with Al acting as Head Winemaker and Cheryl as Vineyard Manager. They focus on producing high quality wines, primarily Bordeaux reds, and currently have 13 acres planted to over 8,000 vines. Their wines have won awards both nationally and internationally. During the winter holidays, they share a phenomenal Christmas display of sculptures meticulously made of corks by Al.
If you plan to visit Gray Ghost Vineyards, you may want to schedule your time around harvest season. Gray Ghost has the longest running and largest volunteer harvest program in Virginia and offers customers the exciting opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the facets of making their delicious wines. After helping harvest the grapes, visitors are encouraged to make a visit to the tasting room to sample some delicious award-winning wine after their hard work.
Things to Do in Northern Virginia
Northern Virginia has over 100 wineries to visit, but the region has many other destinations and activities to draw people in. From a thriving equestrian population to curated shopping experiences and outdoor adventures, Northern Virginia has something to offer every visitor. These few suggestions are just the start of what Northern Virginia has to show.
Arts & Culture in Northern Virginia
Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Vienna, VA
Wolf Trap is a performing arts center located on 117 acres in Fairfax County. The only national park in the country dedicated to performing arts, the foundation sponsors performances year-round through a variety of venues located around the property.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon, VA
Visit the historic home of our nation’s first president in Mount Vernon. The estate is open to the public year-round and includes historic buildings, museum exhibits and even the final resting place of George and Martha Washington.
Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
Arlington National Cemetery, located in Virginia, is a somber and iconic site honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. military personnel. The cemetery is the final resting place of over 400,000 veterans, including notable figures such as President John F. Kennedy and military leaders. Key landmarks include the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a changing of the guard ceremony takes place daily, and the Arlington House, the former home of Robert E. Lee.
Outdoor Activities in Northern Virginia
Middleburg Christmas Parade, Middleburg, VA
Middleburg, known as “Virginia’s Hunt Country,” is the heart of the Virginia equestrian scene. The winter season kicks off every year with a traditional parade down the main street and a “blessing of the hounds,” with mounted riders in full regalia ringing in the festivities.
Great Falls National Park, Great Falls, VA
Great Falls Park, 800 acres of land located along the Potomac River in Virginia, offers stunning views of the river’s dramatic waterfalls and rapids. The park features a variety of hiking trails, including ones that lead to scenic overlooks where visitors can witness the power of the cascading water. It’s a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and picnicking, with a rich history and abundant wildlife.
Great Food in Northern Virginia
Magnolias at the Mill
Magnolias at the Mill is owned by the Tuskies Hospitality Group and run by French-trained Head Chef Ian Dieter. The restaurant serves elevated farm-to-table American fare and work with more than 20 local farm vendors, including nearby Ovoka Farms, who raise high-quality American Wagyu beef. The restaurant also has a close relationship with several Virginia wineries and hosts pairing dinners. They even waive their corkage fee if customers bring in local Virginia wines. The restaurant is family friendly and also offers wedding catering.
Northern Virginia Wine Country offers a truly unique experience for wine enthusiasts, blending rich history, scenic landscapes, and award-winning wines. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a casual wine lover, the region’s diverse vineyards and wineries provide something for every palate. With its close proximity to Washington, D.C., it’s the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or an afternoon escape. So, next time you find yourself in the area, take a moment to savor the flavors and beauty that make Northern Virginia Wine Country a hidden gem worth discovering. ~
R. L. JOHNSON is our co-publisher and creative director, Robin Johnson Bethke, who began her career as a professional photographer in Los Angeles before moving into graphic design and art direction when she relocated to Charlottesville in 1994. She enjoys all aspects of the publishing process from story conception to graphic design to photography.
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