Updated on October 4, 2024 by Julie McCool
Sip, relax, and soak in beautiful Northern Virginia winery views at these vineyards close to Washington DC. Enjoy views of a historic battlefield, rolling hills, distant mountains, peaceful ponds, stunning sunsets, and leafy vineyards along with delicious Virginia wines.
These spectacular winery views change with the seasons, offering beautiful Northern Virginia winery views all year long. In spring, wildflowers dot the fields and low humidity means clearer skies. Summer brings green fields and leafy vines into view. Fall foliage colors the vineyards and surrounding hills in Autumn. And snow-covered vineyards offer a romantic backdrop in winter.
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Most Northern Virginia wineries offer a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor decks and lawns allow room to spread out and soak in the view. Indoor tasting rooms and covered patios provide a place to escape the heat on steamy days or warm up in chilly weather.
Northern Virginia Vineyards are spread out over a wide area. You won't be able to visit all of the wineries on our list in one day. So point your designated driver at a few of the options listed below.
Prefer to let someone else do the driving? This highly-rated Virginia winery tour from Washington DC is a full-day trip for up to 6 people in a private SUV to visit 3 wineries.
Favorite Northern Virginia Winery Views Near DC
Some of the best wineries in Virginia are only an hour's drive from Washington DC. Most Northern Virginia wineries are located in Loudoun County, but one of the wineries on our list is in Fairfax County. Follow the direction links in each listing for a map to the Northern Virginia wineries listed here.
Bluemont Vineyard, Bluemont
Plan your visit with our guide to 15 Fantastic Things to Do in Bluemont Virginia.
Featuring one of the most sensational views in Virginia wine country, Bluemont Vineyard sits high in the foothills of Blue Ridge Mountain. Two levels of covered and open patio seating offer sweeping views across the Virginia Piedmont. An additional patio with picnic tables provides additional room to spread out.
There is plenty of seating inside and out, with great views from all levels. The upstairs tasting room and porch are only open to club members but the views downstairs are just as beautiful.
The winery is open daily and also offers a nice menu of flatbreads and other food. Bluemont Vineyards is about 60 miles from DC.
- Take your time and head to Bluemont on a scenic drive through Loudoun County on the historic Snickersville Turnpike.
- If you have beer lovers along, visit Dirt Farm Brewing, right next door, for the same spectacular view and some very tasty brews. A dirt road connects the two properties.
Twin Oaks Tavern Winery, Bluemont
Also in Bluemont, Twin Oaks Tavern Winery catches the westward view from the other side of the ridge. The historic site was once a tavern, welcoming DC residents who headed to Bluemont to enjoy the fresh country air. The Twin Oaks tasting room commands a stunning view of the vineyard and mountains with lots of room to spread out.
Arrive late in the day to enjoy one of the best sunset views in Northern Virginia. Or take a Bear's Den Overlook hike to enjoy a similar westward view and sunset.
Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery, Delaplane
Another excellent choice for a mix of beer and wine lovers is perched on a hill in lovely Delaplane. Children and dogs are welcome at the winery. In fact, The Wine Enthusiast once called Barrel Oak “the most family-friendly winery in the world.”
The outdoor tables at Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery command a pretty view of the surrounding hills and woods which brighten when fall foliage colors emerge. That view shows a bit of history too. The white house you see on a nearby hill belonged to founding father John Marshall. During winter, snuggle up by the cozy fireplace in the large tasting barn.
Our favorite way to reach Barrel Oak Winery is on a scenic drive through Virginia Hunt Country. The winery is open daily and is about 53 miles west of Washington DC.
Fox Meadow Winery, Linden
Fox Meadow Winery offers a gorgeous mountain view toward Manassas Gap to the south. Their tasting room is a great option on chilly days because you can enjoy the same view from inside, or out on the porch. Visit in late April or early May to see a stunning wildflower display on the Trillium Trail nearby.
While you relax with your wine, contemplate what the area was like during the Civil War. Manassas Gap was a strategic connector between the Piedmont and the Shenandoah Valley, and the site of multiple skirmishes. The winery is open daily, and is about 65 miles from Washington DC.
Stone Tower Winery, Leesburg
Located on Hogback Mountain, the scenic drive to Stone Tower Winery is part of the fun. Once you arrive, you'll love the view of rolling hills and vineyards from the expansive patio. The tasting barn is perfect on chilly (or hot) days, with lots of comfy seating.
Views from the upstairs Tower View Tasting Room (restricted to visitors 21 and over) are also stunning. Stone Tower Winery is open Thursday through Monday. Stone Tower Winery is 45 miles from Washington DC.
Hillsborough Winery, Hillsboro
Hillsborough Winery is located in Loudoun County, on land once owned by George William Fairfax, a close friend of George Washington. In 2018, Hillsborough added a brewery, so now you can sample tasty brews and wine at this lovely location.
The winery has a pleasant tasting room in a historic 1840s stone barn. But the best views are outside. Fortunately, two patios and a long pergola offer plenty of outdoor seating.
Fun fact: the town of Hillsboro is the birthplace of Susan Koerner Wright, whose sons Wilbur and Orville invented the airplane. Open daily, Hillsborough Vineyard is just over 50 miles from Washington DC.
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, Leesburg
The oldest winery in Loudoun County, Willowcroft Farm Vineyards sits atop Mt. Gilead with pretty views of the distant Blue Ridge Mountains. The first acre of vineyards was planted in 1981 when Virginia wine production was just beginning.
The beautiful view is only available from the outdoor seating area, so Willowcroft is a great warm-weather destination. When it's too cold outside, you can enjoy your wine in a historic red barn that predates the Civil War.
Willowcroft is about 45 miles from DC and they are open Friday to Monday, year-round.
Doukenie Winery, Purcellville
Doukenie Winery sits at the foothills of the Blue Ridge, so your view is up into the hills rather than down into the valley. This makes the view from the patio and yard especially gorgeous when fall foliage takes over the hills. This is a great winery to combine with a visit to nearby Sweet Run State Park in Hillsboro.
When the weather is nice, opt for a seat out by the pond or near the gazebo. There is plenty of open lawn to spread out and find a private space, or have room for active kids. Open daily. Doukenie Winery is about 50 miles from DC in the town of Purcellville. Allow time to visit the cute town of Purcellville for shopping, craft beer and spirits, and local dining.
8 Chains North, Waterford
The patio at 8 Chains North offers serene views of the vineyard set in the rolling hills of the Piedmont. The large tasting room has lots of seating and large windows, so it's a good alternative on cold weather days. And when the weather is good, allow time to explore the small historic town of Waterford.
8 Chains is very family and dog friendly. They have a dedicated dog park where pets can be off-leash, and leashed pets are welcome throughout the property. 8 Chains is open daily and is about 55 miles from DC, near route 9 in Leesburg.
The Winery at Bull Run, Manassas
The Winery at Bull Run offers a nice view with an interesting history. The Winery property includes the remains of buildings from the 1800s, including a stone patio that was present during the Battle of First Manassas.
The Battle of First Manassas, the first major conflict of the Civil War, started right next to the Winery at Bull Run property. Picnickers from as far away as DC sat on the hillside to watch the battle. Some spectators got too close and were caught up in the chaotic Union retreat. At least one picnicker, New York Rep Alfred Ely, was taken prisoner by the Confederates.
There are lots of options for relaxing with your wine. Rockers line the patio, and there are two large outdoor areas with picnic tables—one for adults and one for families with children. There is also a large tasting barn with indoor seating and some interesting displays of artifacts found on the property. Open daily and only 35 miles west on Route 66.
Hike the First Loop Trail at Manassas National Battlefield to learn more about the battle as you walk the property where it took place. For a shorter walk, stop at the historic Stone Bridge, right next to the winery entrance. A pretty boardwalk extends over the marsh just past the bridge.
This is the closest Northern Virginia winery view to Washington DC on our list, however, there is one winery closer to DC. Paradise Springs Winery, the first winery to open in Fairfax County, is a lovely stop on a visit to the charming town of Clifton.
Where to Stay in Virginia Wine Country
While the wineries below make a great day trip, we suggest a longer getaway to relax and explore the countryside. Looking for unique getaway lodging in VA Wine Country? Check out the lovely Windswept Inn cottage rental we found in Virginia Wine Country. Or choose from our round-up of highly-rated Northern VA Wine Country Vacation Rentals and Airbnbs.
Want to stay closer to Washington DC? Find even more unique and beautiful Northern Virginia Vacation Rentals here.
Leesburg is another great base if you want to visit several wineries in Loudoun County. Plan a Leesburg weekend getaway and stay at the Lansdowne Resort and Spa. There are some excellent Leesburg restaurants, historic sites, and antique shops when you're ready for a wine break.
Wineries in Charlottesville Virginia
We love the spectacular Northern Virginia winery views on our list, but there are many more Virginia wineries worth a visit. The vineyards and wineries near Charlottesville are stunning. Watch a polo match as you sip at King Family Vineyards in Crozet. Or head to Jefferson Vineyards for wine tasting and scenic views of Mt Alto, after a visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.
Plan your visit with our big guide to our favorite places to play and stay on a Charlottesville getaway. We also rounded up excellent Local Charlottesville Restaurants that we've enjoyed. When you're ready, check prices and availability for Charlottesville hotels. For example, we like The Draftsman Hotel for its comfortable rooms and central location near the pedestrian mall and UVA.
Tips for Visiting Northern Virginia Wineries
- If dogs and wine are you idea of a perfect pairing, check ahead for winery dog policies. Leashed dogs are welcome at many wineries, but rules vary.
- If a winery sells food, they usually don't allow you to bring your own picnic. Follow the links to double-check on food policies at the Virginia wineries you plan to visit.
- You may not bring outside alcohol onto any winery property, per Virginia law.
- Most wineries host live music and special events, especially on weekends. The extra fun can mean extra crowds, so arrive early if you're counting on visiting a particular winery.
- This travel Journal offers a nice introduction to favorite Virginia grapes, winery maps, and lists by region.
Virginia wine country is full of wonderful wineries and so many amazing views.
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