The Best Virginia Wineries to Visit

Not to say that this mountaintop winery in Amherst is remote, but they advise you to print driving directions since your GPS may fade out. And the fact that it is only open for tastings from noon to 5 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for most of the year (it's only open on weekends in February and March), may prove to be another discouragement. But those who persevere in getting to the top of the 1,800-foot promontory will be greeted with not only gorgeous views but also the Vrooman family's paradigm-altering wines. In a state whose vineyards are Bordeaux-leaning, the Vroomans have planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in an area they call "little Burgundy." Given the recognition both are getting from competitions and wine lovers, your trip will likely be rewarded. ankidaridge.com

Arguably Virginia's most famous winery, Barboursville was founded outside Charlottesville back in 1976, though the estate dates to the 18th century. Barboursville is owned by the Zonin family, from Italy's Veneto, which brought Old World know-how, stubbornness, and talented winemaker Luca Paschina to the project. The result is a path-breaking winery that has received high recognition for numerous wines, starting with the flagship Octagon red Bordeaux blend, but extending into whites as well, including Viognier and Chardonnay. The winery is also a well-established attraction for wine tourists, who can stroll the extensive grounds, including the ruins of the mansion Thomas Jefferson built for the original owner. The tasting room is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sundays starting at 11 a.m., and there are cottages, an inn, and dining all on-site. bbvwine.com

The touch of star power now gracing the Virginia wine industry includes Blenheim Vineyards, owned by musician Dave Matthews. Though the main winery building and upstairs tasting room (designed by Matthews himself) is new, Blenheim's property is dotted with historic structures, including the 1730 "Claim House" that the original owner built to secure his land grant. Seated tastings indoors are by reservation only Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and last an hour, though outside accommodations are available for walk-ins. The flagship bottlings here are the Painted Red Bordeaux-style blend and the Painted White Chardonnay/Viognier/Sauvignon Blanc blend, both with poster-worthy retro labels. blenheimvineyards.com

Founder John Kent Cooke (son of the onetime owner of Washington's football team) recruited famed Bordeaux consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt to help make the wines at his ambitious Virginia estate, in Middleburg's horse country. (The 18th-century property once belonged to aviation pioneer Billy Mitchell.) The property produces delicious wines from its 28-acre vineyard, particularly Bordeaux-style red blends like Topiary and their highly regarded Sauvignon Blanc. boxwoodwinery.com

Here's something you rarely find in wine country: a tasting room that pours not only its own wines, but also those of many of its top competitors (a little Barboursville, a little Linden). This elegant winery on the Monticello Wine Trail in Madison aims to be both a standout on its own and to boost the "Best of Virginia." That extends to food as well: The Marketplace serves locavore meals and snacks. It's worth checking the website for the active calendar of events, including concerts. Reservations are encouraged for tastings, available Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. earlymountain.com

The first priority for founder David King was a massive, flat field for the polo matches that are now played here every Sunday from Memorial Day through mid-October. Polo lessons are available, too. He approached the winery, in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Crozet, with the same determination. This included bringing in French winemaker Matthieu Finot, who has had particular success with Bordeaux-style reds, including the vineyard's flagship Meritage, but he produces a range of wines, including the intriguing, experimental Small Batch Series, bubbly, and more. Reservations are required for the daily tastings (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), which start at $12 for the Classic Tasting, and go up from there. kingfamilyvineyards.com

Owner Jim Law is not only one of the state's acknowledged Chardonnay masters, but he makes very fine Bordeaux-style reds at his Linden winery as well. He planted his Hardscrabble Vineyard high in the Blue Ridge Mountains back in 1985, and today his 4,000-case production consists of wines that have won over professionals and consumers alike. Law's sought-after Chardonnays are often held back well beyond other wineries' release dates for added maturation. He is determined to maintain the peace and quiet of the property, so visitors are advised to read up on the various restrictions (and seasonal hours) before arriving. Tastings are by reservation only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. lindenvineyards.com 

This substantial, well-funded winery 45 minutes south of Washington D.C., in Stafford, offers a range of attractions, including the spacious tasting room and live music in the bistro on Friday evenings. The ambitious Le Grand Cru Bistro is a local destination, ample picnic space is available, and tastings are by reservation on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. potomacpointwinery.com

John and Marialisa Delmare and their 12 children relocated from Saratoga Vineyards in California's Santa Cruz Mountains to a panoramic spot in the foothills of the Blue Ridge in Huntly back in 1998. Along the way, they've evolved a business model that makes sales to their wine club a major factor — among other things, wine club members have access to club-only bottlings. They encourage non-club members to drop in as well for daily tastings from noon to 6 p.m. rappahannockcellars.com

In a state marked by ambitious, well-heeled winery owners, Linden alumnus Rutger de Vink stands out, not least because he has brought in a dream team of consultants from Bordeaux, headed by enologist Eric Boissenot. His lovely contemporary winery in Delaplane turns out excellent wines, and the property provides one of the most elaborate tasting experiences in the state. Visits to this luxury hillside operation are by appointment only, Friday through Sunday. The RdV Experience, which includes a vineyard tour, Champagne, and comparative wine tasting, as well as cheese and charcuterie, is $120 per person. rdvvineyards.com