Virginia’s Wine Country Might Be The USA’s Best Hidden Gem

4,000 Acres of Lush Virginia Grapes

Few realize it, but Virginians have been producing award-winning wines for decades — centuries, if you count attempts by early settlers and Founding Father Thomas Jefferson. A geographically diverse region with centuries of history within the land, Virginia boasts eight American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), with some of the most scenic AVAs only a few hours' drive from Washington, DC, and other major cities near the South and East Coast.

Elegant tasting rooms and European-style wine estates offer a range of opportunities to discover Virginia wines in upscale settings right near the capital. The rolling foothills of the Charlottesville region offer some of the state's oldest wineries, with acclaimed wines and plenty of history to explore alongside picturesque towns in the rolling hills.

Unlike the typical "wine country" escapes on the other coast, Virginia winemakers are often on-site, participating in vineyard tours and tasting experiences. The chance to discuss winemaking directly with the winemaker is not to be missed, as that firsthand commentary on the story behind each varietal can deepen appreciation of the wine itself.

For the most popular wineries, reservations are a good idea, but smaller wineries throughout the state welcome walk-ins during any season. While the well-established American wine regions of Napa and Sonoma dominate the narrative from the West Coast, Virginia's wine regions are just two to four hours' drive from several East Coast cities, making them an ideal destination for a weekend getaway that feels a world away.

Northern Virginia Wineries & Salamander Middleburg

A stay at Salamander Middleburg puts you near several top-rated Virginia wineries like Boxwood Winery, Keswick Vineyards, or Cana Vineyards while offering a variety of luxurious accommodation options, from standard guestrooms featuring double, queen, or king-sized beds to grand suites. Most rooms feature stone terraces overlooking the grand lawn. The Salamander is dog-friendly and offers a variety of activities, including horseback riding, fire pits, and indoor and outdoor pools. Harriman's Restaurant, the Gold Cup Wine Bar and a full-service spa round out the resort's offerings. A paved walkway leads directly into the adorable town of Middleburg for more dining and shopping options.

Boxwood Estate, founded by former Washington NFL team owner Jack Kent Cooke, offers gorgeous views and a range of tasting opportunities—from a standard tasting to special experiences including food pairings and a chance to sample varietals in the estate's wine cave.

The nearby Slaters Run Vineyards produces single varietals, blends, and SO2-free "alt" wines from its 100% solar-powered facility. Enjoy tastings indoors or out, nibble on gourmet charcuterie and bread boards and explore the vineyard's collaborations with local artists.

Cana Vineyards, a woman-owned winery just down the road from the resort, offers tasting experiences featuring their whites, rosés and reds, as well as gourmet charcuterie, pizzas, gelato and espresso. The Salamander Middleburg can arrange a private driver for you to visit these nearby wineries so that you can fully enjoy your experiences.

Keswick Hall and the Monticello AVA

Keswick Hall, a historic luxury resort nestled in Virginia's Monticello AVA, provides a comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding vineyards and wineries. Featuring elegant guest rooms and suites, a variety of onsite dining options from upscale to casual, a full-service spa and an 18-hole golf course, there is plenty to keep you busy on the property. The resort can also arrange a private driver so you can explore nearby wineries in comfort.

Nearby Keswick Vineyards produces still and sparkling white wines like Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, and Viognier, along with red varietals and blends—including Virginia's own Norton, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot—with tastings and small bites available. One of Virginia's oldest wineries, Barboursville Vineyards offers elegant tastings spanning the full lineup in the Discovery Tasting Room, older vintages paired with food in the Library 1821, or light picnic fare to enjoy on a stroll around the property.

Local favorite King Family Vineyards produces sparkling wines, white varietals and blends, the James Suckling 90-point Crosé rosé, red varietals, blends, and dessert wines—truly a wine to suit every palate. They also host polo matches on Sundays from May through the end of October. From self-guided wine flights to guided tours, tastings, and even a "founder's farm and vineyard tour" by appointment, King Family Vineyards is truly a one-of-a-kind experience highlighting one of Virginia's best wine regions.

The Lodge at Primland & Blue Ridge Mountain Wineries

A standout luxury property in its own right, The Lodge at Primland Auberge Collection offers unique accommodations, from standard guest rooms and suites in The Lodge to the chalet-style suites and Tree Houses of Fairway Cottages (with complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your door and an included wine tasting experience from Flowers Vineyards and Winery).

For larger groups needing more space, the Hawk Eye Residence offers four bedrooms in the main building, a 2-bedroom guest house, a games cottage, outdoor kitchen, private heated pool, two hot tubs, a concierge, a grocery stocking service, and complimentary use of a Jeep Grand Wagoneer. From golf and ATV excursions to a ropes course, fishing and horseback riding, as well as a full-service spa to help you wind down, there's something to suit every guest. With several upscale and casual dining venues, including the Stables Saloon with live local music, the resort also features wine and bourbon tasting experiences onsite.

If you'd like to venture further afield, Virginia's oldest winery, Château Morrisette, is only a 30-minute drive away by private driver, which the resort or your agent can arrange. Featuring dogs on many of its wine labels, this dog-friendly winery produces white varietals such as Vidal Blanc, Petit Manseng, and Chardonnay, along with white blends, red varietals like Chambourcin and Cabernet Sauvignon, red blends, dessert wines, and fruit wines—plus special holiday offerings. As if their wine offerings aren't enough, this vast tasting experience isn't complete without a visit to the winery's French-Appalachian-fusion restaurant to enjoy panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains over a glass of wine.

Virginia Beach Wineries & Cavalier Resort

For those seeking ocean breezes and sand between their toes, Virginia Beach's Cavalier Resort — built in 1927 — is an upscale oceanfront property offering well-appointed guestrooms and suites, three onsite restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, an onsite distillery, a full-service spa, and a private beach club.

Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Cavalier is the perfect base for lazy beach days and nights, or to indulge in a tasting at Tarnished Truth Distillery, where you can explore bourbon, vodka, gin, moonshine, bourbon cream, and both canned and freshly prepared cocktails.

There are also several wineries to explore nearby. For fruity wine slushies, sparkling wine on tap, and a fun, beachy vibe, check out the Virginia Beach Winery. National chain Cooper's Hawk, also nearby, provides an opportunity to discover their wide range of varietals and blends and enjoy delicious food. Mermaid Winery and Restaurant, a short drive away on Shore Drive, offers tasting menus pairing food and wine, as well as a variety of wine flights, from sweet to New World to white and red. Local wine bar Love Song has an impeccable wine list, with many choices from Spain, served alongside tapas and small bites.

Whatever your budget or preferred wine varietal, Virginia offers a wealth of upscale accommodations and wine experiences to discover. Your LuxRally Travel advisor can plan your weekend wine getaway, a weeklong immersive wine experience, or anything in between. Connect with me below to get started.