Photo courtesy of winery
There is nothing like a wine-fueled getaway with your best girlfriends.
While trips out of town a few years ago consisted of running around seeing site after site, these days, I find myself craving slower vacations. To me, the best vacations are those that include late-night chats over delicious bottles of wine, long walks in nature, and satisfying meals at local restaurants.
As a DMV native, I only discovered Virginia Wine Country recently. In fact, I went on my first girls trip in VA Wine Country last year. Since then, I have returned to the region a number of times, discovering new wineries each visit.
If wine is a must on your next girls’ trip, here’s a list of some of my favorite wineries across the commonwealth. I’m no wine connoisseur, but I know a good time when I see it.
Stone Tower Winery
9925 Hogback Mountain Road, Leesburg
If you’ve ever heard of Virginia wine country, you have probably heard of Stone Tower. This winery is known for its commitment to world-class wines made from its estate vines. In addition to delicious wines that consistently score in the high 80s to 90s by Wine Enthusiast, the winery itself has everything you need for a fantastic visit, including guided tours and a number of spaces to accommodate you and your party.
Hours are Thursday-Monday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. with last pour at 5.30 p.m. Guided tours and specialty tastings require a reservation.
Glen Manor Vineyards
2244 Browntown Road, Front Royal
One of my favorite wineries in Virginia is Glen Manor Vineyards. This unfussy winery feels homey and welcoming, and has some of the best wines I have tasted from the region. The winemakers are friendly and knowledgeable and are happy to walk you through your tasting. While Glen Manor has a small deck and some snacks available for purchase, my favorite part is the open grounds. Bring your own picnic and enjoy the lush grounds and scenery, a must-see while you’re here.
The vineyard is open for visits Wednesday-Monday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Groups of up to four allowed from Friday through Sunday and up to six from Monday through Wednesday. *Please note that Mondays are only open to members.
Walsh Family Wine
16031 Hillsboro Road, Purcellville
This winery is aptly named: As soon as you enter, the folks here make you feel like family. The self-guided tastings are perfect to enjoy in the airy indoors or out on the west-facing patio that overlooks the vineyards. As for the wines, make sure to savor each glass. It is evident that the winemakers put a lot of care and thought here while honoring the taste profiles of Virginia wine. In fact, I sometimes forget I am in Virginia, not in Bordeaux!
Open every day from noon-6 p.m., and noon-8 p.m. on Fridays. Outdoor seating is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Groups larger than eight require a reservation for indoor seating.
Bluemont Vineyard
18755 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont
This winery has views that you’ll be running home to tell everyone about. Bluemont Vineyard, nestled up on a mountain, offers a beautiful indoor tasting room and outdoor deck that overlooks the vineyards. Enjoy wine flights and snacks on the deck; my personal favorite is their 2021 Albariño.
The 951 Tasting Room is their most popular space and is open daily, Sunday -Thursday from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.. Check out their website for availability for other spaces.
Greenhill Winery & Vineyards
23595 Winery Lane, Middleburg
Greenhill has sprawling grounds overlooking a stunning tree-line backdrop. The views are even more special during autumn and harvest season as the leaves start changing colors. The winery produces a range of reds and whites, from buttery chardonnays to cabernets that rival those found in Napa. Further, the vineyard is conveniently located near charming Middleburg, where you can stop by for dinner at the Red Fox Inn or King Street Oyster Bar.
The tasting room is open Monday-Thursday from noon-6 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from noon-7 p.m. from May to September. From October to April, hours are daily from noon-6 p.m. Please note that this winery is for visitors 21+ only.
Zephaniah Farm Vineyard
19381 Dunlop Mill Road, Leesburg
Named as one of the top 25 wineries in the US by Travel and Leisure, this family-run winery has a long history in the Leesburg area. The wines are blended by the family and are offered up at the tasting room, which is inside the family’s historic 1819 home. The expansive farm also has space for picnics, if you choose to bring your own blankets and lawn chairs.
Wine flights, glasses, and bottles are offered at the tasting room on Fridays from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from noon-5:30 p.m.
READ MORE: Virginia Wine: 6 Things You Need to Know If You’re a Newbie
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