Virginians and visitors to the Old Dominion state alike have a plethora of riches to explore. There’s history at every turn, beautiful beaches lining the coast, mountains throughout the state, cities with culture, towns with heart, and an abundance of agritourism to enjoy. The Shenandoah Valley along the I-81 corridor is one of the premier regions for many of those recreational activities and attractions. Lakes and rivers abound, as do agriculture and viticulture. Wine lovers are happy to explore Virginia’s first American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), where climate and terroir are optimal for growing wine grapes, particularly European varieties.
Comprised of Amherst, Augusta, Botetourt, Clarke, Frederick, Page, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Shenandoah, and Warren counties in Virginia (plus Berkeley and Jefferson counties in West Virginia), the AVA covers 2,400,000 acres of land. Not all of those acres are planted with grapes, of course, but the land that is covered in vineyards is ideal for grapes like Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Traminette, Viognier, Petit Manseng, Norton, Roussanne, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The soils range from limestone and clay to loam, beneficial dirt that makes for good grape growing and great wine. The region’s low rainfall, cool temperatures, and diurnal shifts (warm days, cool nights) are also contributing factors to its fine wines.
While stopping at one or many of these picturesque vineyards, be sure and experience the other attractions of the Shenandoah Valley. Outdoor and food lovers won’t be disappointed at the options of attractions, lodging and dining establishments in the Valley’s wine country.
Bluestone Vineyard | Brix & Columns Vineyards | Common Wealth Crush Co. Tasting Room | CrossKeys Vineyards | Ecco Adesso Vineyards | Muse Vineyards | Shenandoah Vineyards
Wineries in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
BLUESTONE VINEYARD
(Bridgewater, VA)
If there’s one grape that grows well almost everywhere in Virginia, it’s Cabernet Franc, and in the valley, Bluestone’s is a favorite. The small winery produces just about 5,000 cases a year and focuses on Bordeaux style wines, but it’s also one of the state’s only wineries making an Italian-style Moscato. Its award winning lineup—crafted by winemaker Lee Hartman whose parents Curt and Jackie Hartman started the winery in the mid-2000s— includes 2023 Governor Cup gold medal winners 2017 Blue Ice (dessert wine), 2017 Petit Verdot, and 2019 The Steep Face, made from Chambourcin.
Bluestone Vineyard’s 2017 Petit Verdot was included in the prestigious 2024 Governor’s Cup Case. The wine underwent a warm fermentation in stainless steel before aging for 22 months in 50% new American oak. It starts with a scent of earth and caramel, followed by coffee and figs, strawberry, gravel, and smoke. This dog-friendly winery’s hilltop tasting room offers stunning views of the sunset over the Allegheny Mountains. Hungry wine lovers can choose from a small menu of main dishes and light bites. Bluestone has another project too, the chic Roostock Wine Bar in Harrisonburg.
BRIX & COLUMNS VINEYARDS
(Bridgewater, VA)
Panoramic mountain views surround Brix & Column’s 160 acres, which farmers Stephanie and Steve Pence opened in 2017. The winery is now a favorite place to enjoy wine or hold weddings and other special events. Indoor and outdoor spaces welcome guests to relax with mountain views and a glass of their French-style wine. Part of the Shenandoah Valley AVA, limestone soil like that found in Europe and favorable growing conditions makes this region a top producer.
Brix & Columns began with Petit Verdot and Viognier in its vineyards and now crafts wines from its estate and other local grapes working with Michael Shaps Wineworks. The winery is highly dog friendly and visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics to pair with the Hallelujah Sparkling White or Rosé wines, Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup gold medal Petit Manseng, and other offerings. In 2024 the winery earned gold in the Virginia Governor’s Cup competition with their delicious 2019 Cabernet Franc.
COMMON WEALTH CRUSH CO. TASTING ROOM
(Waynesboro, VA)
When grape growers don’t have the ability to make their own wine, they can turn to a custom crush facility that takes care of the winemaking for them. Common Crush—founded in part by brothers Tim Jordan (former winemaker at Barren Ridge) and Ben Jordan (former winemaker at Early Mountain)—is Shenandoah Valley’s first custom crush facility.
The facility has a tasting room where the public can get a taste of what the facility is crafting. It serves wine and light snacks from Common Wealth Crush’s house label and also some of its clients, including Lightwell Survey, Midland, and Star Party.
CROSSKEYS VINEYARDS
(Mt. Crawford, VA)
In 2001, Bob and Nikoo Bakhtiar began the work of turning a thick forest into a vineyard. Now the family-owned Crosskeys Vineyards has all winery visitors could want—panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a gourmet farm-to-table Bistro, plenty of space for private events, and award-winning, quality 100% estate wines. On weekdays, Crosskeys also offers a daily vineyard and winery tour where guests glimpse behind the winemaking scenes.
With estate wines that do very well in the Virginia Governor’s Cup, including its 2020 Blanc de Noir and 2019 Ali d’Oro (a dessert wine) that both won gold medals in the 2023 competition, there’s a lot to explore at Crosskeys. In 2024, Crosskey’s Blanc de Noir was honored by inclusion in the Governor’s Cup Case. This sparkling wine was fermented in neutral barrels and swirled weekly for 7 months. It was bottled and matured for 14 months before being disgorged. The wine has a lively acidity and juicy aromas like orange peel and apple.
ECCO ADESSO VINEYARDS
(Fairfield, VA)
The buzz about one of Shenandoah Valley’s newest wineries has been overwhelmingly positive. The vines are so new that its vineyards aren’t yet producing mature grapes for winemaking, but it’s still worth the visit. Owners Cierra & Michael Weatherly chose to partner with Virginia’s Early Mountain Vineyards, Barren Ridge Vineyards, and others to bring guests tastes of the region until they can offer guests a taste of their own vineyards.
Sure, these wines are available elsewhere, but the property’s beautiful wine pavilion, mountain views, and hiking trails with views of waterfalls must be experienced. As do Ecco Adesso’s four scenic, private, overnight accommodations that allow guests to relax while enjoying all Ecco Adesso has to offer.
MUSE VINEYARDS
(Woodstock, VA)
At the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition—the largest competition of North American wines—of all the Roussane entries, Muse Vineyard’s 2021 Roussanne came out on top, winning Best of Class. In recent Virginia Governor’s Cup competitions, Muse also took home golds for its 2019 Clio and its 2019 Nebbiolo. These honors barely scratch the surface of the long list of awards Muse’s fine wines have won, many of which owners Owners Robert Muse and Sally Cowal name after the Greek Muses.
The winery and its estate vineyards sit at the North Fork of the Shenandoah River in the heart of the valley. Visitors to Muse find beautiful panoramic views of the valley and should they choose to poke around a bit, the grounds have a self-guided nature trail.
SHENANDOAH VINEYARDS
(Edinburg, VA)
Shenandoah Vineyards is where the modern winemaking movement in the valley began. Founded in 1976, it’s the region’s oldest vineyard and Virginia’s second-oldest operating winery. Respected Virginia winemaker Michael Shaps purchased the winery in 2018 and planted Alsatian varietals like Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc alongside the existing grapes that have done well there for decades.
Located in the foothills of Edinburg with beautiful views of the valley, the historic winery produces award winning Rieslings, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, but really, all of the wines at Shenandoah are winners. Want evidence? Just take a look at the winery’s five gold medals in the 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup: 2019 Petit Verdot, 2019 Riesling, 2020 Cabernet Franc, 2020 Riesling, and 2021 Riesling.
Things to Do in the Shenandoah Valley
With over 30 wineries to visit in the Shenandoah Valley, visitors could spend all their time traveling from one winery to the next, but the region is also culturally vibrant, a haven for those who love the outdoors, and a destination for food and drink enthusiasts. These few suggestions are jumping off points for all there is to discover in the valley.
Arts & Culture in the Shenandoah Valley
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival, Orkney Springs, VA
This seasonal, outdoor venue has the Great North Mountain as its backdrop. Each season, both famous and tribute acts entertain the crowd. Best of all, ticket holders can bring their favorite Shenandoah wines with a picnic to enjoy with the music.
American Shakespeare Center, Staunton, VA
A well-established institution in Central Virginia, this intimate classical theater (the world’s only recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor Blackfriars theater) highlights the works of the Bard and his old and new contemporaries and hosts educational programs.
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester
With a mission to preserve and enrich the cultural life and heritage of the Valley, the museum has permanent and rotating art galleries and 6 acres of gardens to explore. Wednesdays are always free.
Outdoor Activities in the Shenandoah Valley
Luray Caverns, Luray, VA
The great outdoors go underground in the largest cavern in the Eastern US. Family-friendly guided tours take adventurers deep underground while above ground, a Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village, and Toy Town Junction wait to be explored.
Shenandoah National Park, Luray, VA
Hike to the apex of Mary’s Rock for breathtaking views or camp in 200,000 acres of protected lands that are a haven for native flora and fauna.
Shenandoah River Adventures, Shenandoah, VA
Canoe, tube, kayak, or camp along the shores of the Shenandoah River.
Natural Chimneys Park, Mount Solon, VA
Hundreds of millions of years ago, the same limestone that makes the soils so good for growing grapes created seven rock formations. They were once under the sea but now stretch to the sky—some 120 feet tall. All are visible from an easy 1.9-mile hiking loop through the park.
Great Food in the Shenandoah Valley
The Shack, Staunton, VA
James Beard nominated chef Ian Boden combines Jewish eastern European roots with the traditions of the Shenandoah Valley for a menu that focuses on local and seasonal ingredients. Reservations required.
L’Auberge Provencale, White Post, VA
Located in a bed and breakfast but open to the public, this fine dining restaurant mixes regional cuisine with French flair. In season, dishes feature ingredients from its own gardens and local farms.
Woodstock Café, Woodstock, VA
For quality casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner in wine country, this is the place to go. It’s also the place to hit for cold sandwiches and snacks to take to wineries that allow guests to bring in food.
Places to Stay in the Shenandoah Valley
The Georges, Lexington, VA
In the charming town of Lexington, you’ll find The Georges, an award-winning inn steeped in history. It’s a welcoming establishment that serves classic Virginia hospitality and wonderful food. It’s a must-see destination, nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley. The Georges is composed of three historic buildings resting on the opposite sides of Main Street in the heart of downtown Lexington. Each of the elegantly appointed guest rooms has its own custom-designed space that is outfitted to resemble a luxury home. Ann Parker Gottwald, who owns the Inn with her husband, brings in local color by supporting regional artists when choosing decor. There are also multiple dining choices at the Georges Inn. At the TAPS restaurant diners can relax in a relaxed homey atmosphere. Or, diners can soak up the “jazzy” neighborhood feel of Haywood’s Piano Bar & Grill. Haywood’s Piano Bar, which has a classically fun atmosphere, was named after Gottwald’s father and features live music many times per week. It is also suitable for private parties, breakfasts and lunches, and nighttime gatherings.
The Shenandoah Valley is not only a burgeoning wine scene but also a captivating destination that offers stunning natural beauty with its picturesque mountains and lush landscapes, along with a thriving wine scene featuring charming vineyards and tasting rooms. Rich in history, the valley boasts Civil War sites and quaint towns filled with local culture, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, and wildlife watching in the nearby Shenandoah National Park. With farm-to-table dining, vibrant arts, and cozy accommodations, the valley provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for all visitors. ~
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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