As the weather gets warmer, we’re envisioning ourselves sitting outside at a Virginia winery, trying all of the greatest tastes this state has to offer. Lucky for you, the Inn at Meander is right in the heart of Virginia wine country, filled to the brim with various options for wine tastings with great views.
We have comprised a list of our top eight favorite wineries in the area. And they are all less than 30 minutes away from the Inn! Each has their own unique flare, but no matter which one you go to, you are guaranteed to taste some great wine and have some memorable experiences!
Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery (~15 minutes)
Just 15 minutes away from the Inn at Meander, Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery is one of the oldest and largest vineyards in Virginia. Because of their size and experience, Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery has the room and resources to create high-end “craft” wines, as well as their unique Rapidan River series, featuring Peach and Chocolate.
Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery lets you choose what kind of experience you want to have. They offer everything from self-guided tours to private barrel tastings to private tastings with food and more! Boasting one of the most scenic views in the area, Prince Michel invites you to taste the luxurious wines from the grapes that you see right outside of the window.
Tasting Room hours:
Sunday– Thursday: 10am – 6pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am – 7pm
Pet policy: Allows dogs that are well-behaved and on a leash. Handlers must pick-up and dispose of any waste.
Early Mountain Vineyard (~20 minutes)
From lounging on comfy sofas to high-end dining experiences, Early Mountain Vineyard has it all. It’s no wonder that they have been voted the #1 tasting room in America! And we love that it is only 20 minutes away from Meander!
Early Mountain Vineyard offers fantastic wine tastings and flights for you to try. But they don’t limit themselves to only wines from their vineyard. The best Virginia wines are hand-picked by Early Mountain Vineyard to be included in their repertoire. This vineyard promises wines that go above and beyond with their three tenants of elegance, accessibility, and exceptionality.
Tasting Rooms hours:
Wednesday– Monday: 11am – 6pm
Pet policy: Dogs are welcome in the large, lush outdoor area.
Old House Vineyards (~20 minutes)
Originally an overgrown alfalfa field, this now luscious vineyard produces award winning wines at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The weekends are when Old House Vineyards truly comes alive. With live music every Friday in the Taproom of the Brewery and food trucks on the weekends, this vineyards loves to bring the community together over a delicious glass of wine. So bring your pet and your friends to enjoy an afternoon at Old House Vineyards.
Tasting Rooms hours:
Mon, Wed, Thurs. Fri.: 12pm – 5pm
Saturdays: 11am – 6pm
Sundays: 12pm – 5pm
Pet policy: Dogs are welcome at Old House both on weekends and during the week; however, all dogs must remain on the grassy areas outside and on leashes held by their owners (not tied to tables or chairs).
DuCard Vineyards (~30 minutes)
DuCard Vineyards is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays all year round and even on holiday Mondays! Right to the east of Shenandoah National Park, DuCard Vineyards has been growing grapes at their location for over a decade. They’ve won numerous awards for their specialty wines, including the Virginia Governor’s Cup and Best Wine in the East.
As the weather is getting warmer, DuCard Vineyards has just re-introduced their Music on the Patio experience! Every Saturday from now until the end of the year, there will be local singer-songwriters and guitarists to create the perfect ambiance for you to enjoy DuCard wines on a sunny Saturday afternoon. There’s no cover for this event, and it’s a dog-friendly. Two things we all love!
But this vineyards doesn’t just have great tastes, it’s also known as the greenest winery in Virginia! Their use of compost, solar panels, recycling, reduction of plastic, and many more green practices have awarded them the Virginia Green Star Travel designation. As a business that is sourced directly from nature, DuCard Vineyards believes that it is their duty to protect the natural environment around them through sustainable practices. And we think they’re doing a pretty good job!
Tasting Rooms hours:
Friday– Sunday: 11am – 6pm
Holiday Mondays: 11am – 6pm
Pet policy: Pet-friendly with lots of room for dogs and family-friendly with kids’ games available.
Barboursville Vineyards (~30 minutes)
Barboursville Vineyards’ delicious wines are domestically and internationally renowned, consistently winning awards for their signature wine, Octagon. Gold Medal in the Virginia Governor’s cup, Critics Challenge competition, and Sommelier’s Challenge competition are only naming a few. And Barboursville Vineyards commitment to excellence expands into their cuisine as well. Their Northern Italian-style restaurant, Palladio, serves lunch and dinner, always expertly coupled with their favorite wines.
We love Barboursville Vineyards. Not only because of their award winning wines and commitment to excellence, but also because of their deep respect and admiration for the history of their vineyard. At the vineyard, guests are encouraged to explore the Landmark Ruins, an architectural masterpiece designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. The structure evokes the same elegance as Jefferson’s Monticello. Its refreshing structural balance constantly informs the wine-making process at Barboursville Vineyards. Their Tuscan Tasting Room is open every day of the year (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Years’ Day), so head on over!
Tasting Room hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Pet Policy: Leashed dogs allowed in main tasting room. Dogs not allowed in library tasting room.
Reynard Florence Vineyard (~30 minutes)
This family-owned winery prides itself in their ability to provide personal attention to both their wine-making and each one of those who visits the vineyard. Growing and creating are the family’s passion and lifestyle. They put great care into the process, and it really shows through the quality of their wines.
Come to Reynard Florence Vineyard if you are looking for an intimate winery experience coupled with breathtaking views! And don’t forget to try their new wine named after the family’s beloved dog: Ti Rey Rosé!!
Tasting Room hours:
Fridays: 12pm – 5:00pm
Saturdays & Sundays: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Holiday Mondays: 11:00am – 5:00pm
*Also open by appointment
Pet policy: Allows dogs that are well-behaved and on a leash.
Horton Vineyards (~30 minutes)
The vineyard’s founder, Dennis Horton, studied intensively to figure out which kinds of grapes would produce the best wines in the humidity of Central Virginia. After studying in southern France and California, Dennis established the beautiful vineyard that we know today as Horton Vineyards. From its stone underground cellar to its Blue Ridge Mountain views to the grandeur of its vaulted ceiling tasting room, Horton Vineyard is guaranteed to create an unforgettable experience.
Starting now and extending throughout the summer, Horton Vineyards is the place to go for all kinds of fun events. They have an event for everyone: from playing board games on National Scrabble Day (April 13) to their Mother’s Day Tea event. Check out Horton Vineyard’s Facebook page for more of these unique opportunities!
Tasting Rooms hours:
open daily from 10am – 5pm
Pet policy: Dogs can go inside and outside at Horton Vineyards & Winery. Only large dogs or dogs that aren’t well controlled must be on a leash. Treats and water bowls are offered for your four-legged friends.
Gray Ghost Vineyards (~45 minutes)
This vineyard is a little farther away from the Inn at Meander than others, but we promise you it’s worth it! Serving you exceptional and internationally acclaimed wines with Southern hospitality, Gray Ghost Vineyards is family owned and operated. Their attention to detail and immaculate vineyards has earned them “Best of the East” by Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine four years in a row!
In April, Gray Ghost is having their Vertical Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting. Book your ticket now for this long-awaited, candlelit evening.
Starting in May, visit Gray Ghost throughout the summer months for live music! Bring a picnic and relax on the lawn while you sip on some great wine and listen to some great music.
Tasting Rooms hours:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Federal Monday Holidays: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Pet policy: Pets are permitted on the grounds of Gray Ghost. Pets are not permitted indoors.
Bonus: Bald Top Brewing Co.
Now, we know the this isn’t actually a vineyard, but you’re going to want to make sure that you get over to Bald Top Brewing Co. Constantly inspired by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bald Top Brewing Co. brews fresh, great-tasting beer that they love to share with the local community. Crafted with their locally grown hops and other farm fresh ingredients, this brewing company offers you an experience that takes you out of the hustle and bustle of city life to fully escape into the beauty of Central Virginia.
Join the fun in Madison, VA for live music, food trucks, open mic nights, trivia and so much more at Bald Top Brewing Co. As the weather keeps getting warmer, you’re going to love sitting outside with a local beer, listening to great music, and experiencing some of the best views we know.
Hours:
Thursday: 5pm – 9pm
Friday: 4pm – 10pm
Saturday: 12pm – 10pm
Sunday: 1pm – 6pm
Pet policy: Friendly dogs always welcome!
While you explore all of these vineyards, wineries, and breweries, don’t forget to book a stay at the Inn at Meander, a center point surrounded by the best vineyards and wineries Virginia has to offer. We promise you will ever run out of things to do!
And we haven’t even mentioned the best part: for guests of the Inn at Meander, coupons are available for all of these experiences and more! Ask our innkeepers about these coupons and more when you book your stay with us.
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