The days are getting longer, the weather in the DC region has been hovering just above 75, and even the busiest Washingtonians have felt tempted to play hookey from work and bask in the sunlight. Enter: winery season. What better time of year to take a trip out to the rolling hills of wine country and slow down for a day? With our Wine Season Bhlen Link, we’ve got you covered!
The Winery at Bull Run (Centreville, VA)
The Winery at Bull Run is the closest winery to Washington, DC–so if you want to escape to a picturesque vineyard without breaking the bank on an Uber, it might be a great option for you! Furthermore, with its proximity to Bull Run, it’s steeped in history, and the split rail fences surrounding the property set the scene for a rustic time. If you’re a wine enthusiast with kids, the Family Lawn is the perfect spot for you to unwind on a nice day. They’re a grape-to-glass farm winery, and their dedication to the craft shows–many of their wines are award-winning.
The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm (Gainesville, VA)
Lovingly dubbed “an adult playground” by their owner, The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm mixes the exceptional craft of winemaking with other exciting events and experiences, truly offering something for everyone. This woman-owned business hosts an ever-changing array of live music, comedy nights, and of course, weddings. Join the Founder’s Club to enjoy discounts on your tab, room rentals, and even get the exclusive invite to member-only events.
Windridge Vineyards (Darnestown, MD)
This family business has been creating premium wines on its estate for over 50 years. Their three vineyard sites showcase the unique qualities of the Piedmont region of Maryland and what it means for a family to strive toward perfection of a craft. Not only is the wine exceptional and bespoke–the setting will take your breath away as well.
The Winery at La Grange (Haymarket, VA)
One of the oldest wineries in the region–La Grange dates back to the 1600’s as a part of Robert Carter’s Bull Run Tract. George Green built a red brick building around 1790, and it still stands today. Prince William County has a long, celebrated history of winemaking in the region. As early as the 1800s, Christian Heineken was making wine at Mill Park near Haymarket, and nearby Robert Portner won an award for a port-style Virginia Wine at the 1900 Paris Exposition. Today, the Winery at La Grange offers a wide variety of reds, whites, and specialty wines, including an aromatic port and an award-winning Petit Manseng.
Stone Tower Winery (Leesburg, VA)
Stone Tower is a Loudoun County classic. Nestled on a mountain down a stone path, you really have to see the views of this winery to believe them. Their Harvest Barn offers the original educational wine tasting experience, and they welcome walk-ins for groups under 8 in their expansive space. Although they do not allow outside food, they offer their own flavorful menu of food options for wine enjoyers. Their Tower View room is an exclusive perk for wine club members–which you might want to become once you’ve had a sip of their unforgettable wine.
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard (Dickerson, MD)
If you want to feel like you’re drinking French wine without leaving the DMV, then look no further. Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard in Maryland embraces the perks of their unique microclimate at the base of a mountain by growing French vinifera clones grafted to American roots. Since 2006, making wine has been more than an art for viticulturist Lucie Morton; it has also been a science. Come check out the completely one-of-a-kind whites and reds, some of which have been aged in French oak barrels. It’s a little romantic sip of France without the stress of finding parking at Dulles.
Creek’s Edge Winery (Lovettesville, VA)
As the name suggests, this winery in the historic neighborhood of Taylorstown sits on the banks of Catoctin Creek. With its dramatic exposed-beam interiors, stone archway, and waterfall, it’s no wonder this breathtaking winery doubles as a wedding venue. Beyond their mouth-watering charcuterie boards, they also offer a full gourmet food menu from their kitchen. Their event calendar is packed with exciting live music events. What could be better than sipping on award-winning wine in the sunshine, jamming out to covers of your favorite tunes on a summer day?
Negus Winery (Alexandria, Virginia)
Negus Winery is an Ethiopian-owned Winery, Meadery, and Tasting Room–in fact, it is the first and only honey wine tasting room in the US. Master winemaker Gize Negussie was formerly a successful beer maker, brewing beers inspired by his homeland. When the pandemic hit, he began experimenting with creating Tej (honey wine). With his mother’s help, he worked to preserve the traditional craft of making honey wine while infusing it with modern twists. After opening in fall 2023, Negus Winery, Meadery, and Tasting Room is now open to guests to enjoy tastings and flights, and an array of bottles of honey wine are available for purchase.
