Steeped in history, Virginia has over 400 years of viticultural tradition and it has become a fast-rising star of the international wine world. Designated wine trails wind through the Commonwealth, comprised of diverse terroirs from the Atlantic shores to the mountains and valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains and everything in between. It is the diversity of the state’s terrain, mild climate and the dedication of wine professionals here that make Virginia a viticultural gem.
Of the over 300 wineries in the Commonwealth, 65 won a total of 127 Gold Medals in our state’s 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup competition. While other wine competitions are equally notable, we choose to highlight the Virginia Governor’s Cup specifically because this competition involves only Virginia wines and it is the competition that our wineries participate most in.
Our experts have divided Virginia into the following wine regions and created useful maps to make it easy to locate wineries, dining, shopping, places to stay and attractions all along your route. The Virginia Wine & Country Maps are the perfect way to explore the gold medal wineries: Central Virginia Wine Region, Northern Virginia Wine Region, Shenandoah Valley Wine Region, West & South Virginia Wine Region, Coastal Virginia Wine Region.
Central Virginia | Northern Virginia | Shenandoah Valley
West & South Virginia | Coastal Virginia
All of the 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition gold medal winning wineries are noted on the following maps. The key is as follows:
♛ = Governor’s Cup Case Winner
★ = Gold Medal Winner & Wine & Country Life Sponsored Partner
# = Alternate Award Winner & Wine & Country Life Sponsored Partner
While we focus on primarily the gold medaling wineries in this Wine & Country Gold Book, you’ll find all Virginia’s many other wineries at VirginiaWine.org.
Central Virginia Wine Trails
The Central VA region is home to Virginia’s oldest AVA. The Monticello AVA and Monticello Wine Trail are located near Charlottesville, aptly named for the historic impact of wines grown at Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello. The hilly, mountainous land on the slopes of the Blue Ridge have fertile granite-based clay. Differences in altitude, soil composition and weather patterns across Central Virginia allow for the cultivation of a wide variety of grapes. This region is home to over 80 wineries, as well as a multitude of cideries, breweries and distilleries. Noteworthy varietals include Viognier, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
Also Explore
Monticello, UVA, Historic Downtown Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Virginia Wineries Map – Central Virginia
Off Northern R-29 Corridor Map
1 ★ Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery, Leon
2 DuCard Vineyards, Etlan
3 ★ Early Mountain Vineyards, Madison
4 Moss Vineyards, Nortonsville
5 ★ Horton Vineyards, Barboursville
6 ♛ ★ Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville
7 ★ Chestnut Oak Vineyard, Barboursville
R-22 Keswick Area Map
8 ★ Castle Hill Cider, Keswick
9 ★ Keswick Vineyards, Keswick
Off Southern R-20 Corridor Map
10 Jefferson Vineyards, Charlottesville
11 ★ Eastwood Farm & Winery, Charlottesville
12 ♛ Trump Winery, Charlottesville
13 ♛ Michael Shaps Wineworks, Charlottesville
14 Mount Ida Reserve, Scottsville
Off Southern R-29 Corridor Map
15 Albemarle CiderWorks, North Garden
16 ★ Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, North Garden
17 ♛ Wisdom Oak Winery, North Garden
18 Delfosse Vineyards & Winery, Faber
19 Lovingston Winery, Lovingston
Crozet Area Map
20 ♛ Stinson Vineyards, Crozet
21 Grace Estate Winery, Crozet
22 King Family Vineyards, Crozet
23 ♛ Pollak Vineyards, Greenwood
R-151 Afton Area Map
24 Flying Fox Vineyard, Afton
25 ★ Veritas Vineyards & Winery, Afton
26 Afton Mountain Vineyards, Afton
Lodging, Dining and Attractions
A-3 ★ Early Mountain Vineyard cottage & dining, Madison
A-1 ★ Tap29 Brewery & Pub and suites at Prince Michel Winery, Leon
B Montpelier, Montpelier Station
C-8 ★ Castle Hill Cider cafe, Keswick
C-6 ★ The 1804 Inn & Palladio Restaurant at Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville
(D) Charlottesville Downtown Mall
★ Aberdeen Barn steakhouse
★ Caspari shop, Charlottesville Downtown Mall
★ Charlottesville Albemarle Visitors Center
★ Schwartzchild, Keller & George
★ University of Virginia, Charlottesville
E-11 ★ Eastwood Farm & Winery Grill, Charlottesville
E James Monroe’s Highland, Charlottesville
E Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Charlottesville
F-16 ★ Pippin Hill Farm & Culinary Vineyard, North Garden
G Roseland Polo Grounds, Crozet
H-25 ★ Farmhouse at Veritas Inn & Restaurant, Afton
I ★ Devils Backbone Brewing Brewpub, Roseland
Northern Virginia Wine Trails
The wines produced in Northern VA are very fresh, bright and fruit-forward. With this region’s terroir, white wines are more prominent, and the Norton, Albariño, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Viognier are common grape varietals. Because of better soil drainage, it’s also a premier region in the state for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. Bordering on the metropolis of DC, this region is home to over 90 farm wineries, multiple designated wine trails and also includes the historic cities of Arlington and Leesburg. While hosting a number of cities and towns, most of the land in this region is covered by rolling farmland and is home to one of the state’s fastest growing AVAs. The Middleburg Virginia AVA is framed by the Potomac River to the north, mountains to the east, south, and west and composed largely of granite and sandstone soils.
Also Explore
Town of Middleburg, equestrian events, Mount Vernon, The Inn at Little Washington and nearby Washington DC.
Virginia Wineries Map – Northern Virginia
Hillsboro Area Map
27 ♛ Maggie Malick Wine Caves, Purcellville
28 Bozzo Family Vineyards, Purcellville
29 868 Estate Vineyards, Purcellville
30 Breaux Vineyards, Purcellville
31 The Wine Reserve at Waterford, Waterford
32 The Barns at Hamilton Station, Hamilton
33 The Winery at Lost Creek, Leesburg
34 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, Leesburg
35 ★ Bluemont Vineyard, Bluemont
Middleburg Area Map
36 ♛ 50 West Vineyards, Middleburg
37 ♛ ★ Cana Vineyards & Winery, Middleburg
Near I-66 Map
38 Fox Meadow Winery, Linden
39 Delaplane Cellars, Delaplane
40 The Winery at Bull Run, Centreville
41 Paradise Springs Winery, Clifton
42 Lost Boy Cider, Alexandria
Off Southern R-29 Corridor Map
43 Gadino Cellars, Washington
44 Granite Heights Winery, Warrenton
45 Old House Vineyards, Culpeper
Lodging, Dining and Attractions
A ★ Locke Store gourmet deli & The Buttery restaurant, Millwood
B-35 ★ Bluemont Vineyard Cottages & Dining, Bluemont
C ★ Red Fox Inn & Tavern, Middleburg
C ★ Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, Middleburg
C National Sporting Library & Museum, Middleburg
D Inn at Little Washington, Washington
E Great Meadows Equestrian Park, The Plains
E ★ Hunt Country Kitchen & Bath, Marshall
F George Mason University, Fairfax
G Wolf Trap National Park for the Arts, Vienna
H Mount Vernon, Mt. Vernon
Shenandoah Valley Wine Trails
The Shenandoah Valley AVA, Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail and the Virginia Mountains are known for their Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and the new Austrian red varietal, Blaufränkisch/Lemberger. Protected by mountain ranges on either side of it, the Shenandoah Valley stays drier and cooler than any other region in the state. The Virginia Mountain region also benefits from the cooler temperatures and lower humidity of a high altitude – ideal for growing grapes. In these regions, grape growers are vigilant to protect crops from late frosts and harsh winters. With 360 views of both the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, visitors will find themselves stunned by the views from towns throughout the area. With over three dozen wineries and spectacular natural tableaus, any one of these Shenandoah Valley wine trails are wonderful for a tasting tour
Also Explore
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, The American Shakespeare Center, Shenandoah National Park.
Virginia Wineries Map – Shenandoah Valley
Off Northern I-81 Corridor Map
46 Old Town Cidery, Winchester
47 Saga Meadery & Winery, Front Royal
48 ★ Muse Vinyards, Woodstock
49 ♛ Shenandoah Vineyards, Edinburg
50 Cave Ridge Vineyard, Mt. Jackson
51 The Winery at Kindred Pointe, Mt. Jackson
Off Southern I-81 Corridor Map
52 ★ Bluestone Vineyard, Bridgewater
53 ★ Brix & Columns Vineyards, McGaheysville
54 ★ CrossKeys Vineyard, Mt. Crawford
55 Barren Ridge Vineyards, Fishersville
56 ♛ ★ Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery, Raphine
Lodging, Dining and Attractions
A Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Winchester
B Luray Caverns, Luray
C James Madison University, Harrisonburg
C-35 ★ The Bistro at CrossKeys Vineyard, Mt. Crawford
D Grand Caverns, Grottoes
E ★ Waynesboro Visitor’s Center, Waynesboro
F The American Shakespeare Center, Staunton
F Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton
G ★ The Omni Homestead Resort & restaurants, Hot Springs
H ★ The Georges Inn & Haywood’s Restaurant, Lexington
H ★ Lexington Rockbridge Visitor’s Center, Lexington
I Natural Bridge State Park, Natural Bridge
West & South Virginia Wine Trails
In Western and Southern Virginia, cooler temperatures and higher elevation give the grapes a longer growing season favoring the production of Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, Traminette and Riesling grapes. In Southern VA, the warmth of the area causes the growing season to begin and end much earlier, but the mix of sandy loam and clay soils are fertile for growth. Vintners on these wine trails are adapting with disease-resistant varietals that can withstand humid conditions. This region is also producing many fruit wines, cider and meads.
Also Explore
Virginia Tech, Roanoke’s Art Center in the Square and the Crooked Road Music Trail.
Virginia Wineries Map – West & South Virginia
Near 1-81 Map
57 Beliveau Farm Winery, Blacksburg
58 Tumbling Creek Cider Company, Abingdon
Martinsville Area Map
59 Hamlet Vineyards, Bassett
Lodging, Dining and Attractions
A The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail, Abingdon
B Virginia Tech, Blacksburg
C Center in the Square, Roanoke
D Martinsville NASCAR Speedway, Martinsville
E Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Lynchburg
Coastal Virginia Wine Trails
Due to their proximity to the ocean and the protection of the Chesapeake Bay, Coastal Virginia wine trails remain at a warmer temperature throughout the year. The sandy loam soils produce bright wines, particularly from the Chardonnay, Albariño and Cabernet Franc varietals, while Petit Verdot ripens well in the longer growing season. The terroir produces wines that pair well with fresh seafood.
Also Explore
Richmond, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Virginia Beach and Colonial Williamsburg.
Virginia Wineries Map – Coastal Virginia
Near I-95 Map
60 James River Cellars Winery, Glen Allen
61 Black Heath Meadery, Richmond
62 Garden Grove Brewing & Urban WInery, Richmond
63 Ashton Creek Vineyard, Chester
64 Upper Shirley Vineyards, Charles City
Near I-64 Map(East of Richmond)
65 Jolene Family Winery, Quinton
66 New Kent Winery, New Kent
67 Silver Hand Meadery, Williamsburg
68 The Williamsburg Winery, Williamsburg
Near Coastal R-17 Map
69 Ingleside Vineyards, Oak Grove
70 Zoll Vineyards, Dutton
Lodging, Dining and Attractions
(A) Richmond/Henrico
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Virginia Commonwealth University
Black History & Culture Museum
Science Museum of Virginia
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
(B) Williamsburg
Busch Gardens amusement park
Colonial Williamsburg
Jamestown Settlement
William & Mary University
(C) Norfolk
Chrysler Hall
Old Dominion University
(D) Virginia Beach
Veterans United Home Loans
Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Ocean Boardwalk
