You may have realized that I have no issues going to wineries alone, and actually love going during the week when it's quiet. Luckily that allows me to scope out some quiet spots that are perfect for a date or deep conversation with your BFF!
Today I’m focusing on the sweet spots of my Northern Virginia winery visits - not just places with beautiful views because that would just be too hard, but also wineries with little hidden spots that are perfect for some alone time or getting to know someone.
The good news is there’s never not a good time for a love-filled date to a Virginia winery - whether it’s your partner, love of your life, or BFFL!
Here’s my Top 5 Stacy’s Standouts based on my visits:
Hillsborough Vineyards (Hillsboro, VA) - It’s been a while since I’ve visited, but it’s one of the prettiest wineries I’ve been to! Not only is it tucked away on a hill, but there’s also romantic seating options - a sit-down wine tasting so you can really enjoy your visit, followed by a vine covered section outside or picnic tables that are a little more secluded.
My visit: Had the Rosé and some yummy cheese!
Pearmund Cellars (Broad Run, VA) - This is one of the more popular wineries in the area so be aware of that on the weekends, but there’s still several great spots!
My visit was on a weekday so I got to check them all out - there’s comfy seating just outside the tasting room with fire pits, then more spaced out picnic tables with a view of an old, pretty barn and the chance to
walk through some of the vines (which you can’t do very often!). However, my favorite is a walk past the barn and through some trees, where there’s a butterfly seat and a wooden swing that’s perfect for a picnic in your own forest paradise!
My last visit: 2015 Ameritage
Veramar Vineyard (Berryville, VA) - This pick is all about the views - while the pictures I have were on kind of a cold and foggy day, but they were beautiful in their own way! In addition to the numerous Instagram opportunities with the fountain (and rainbows), there’s also a cigar lounge and more relaxed, secluded seating further down the hill.
As a bonus, Berryville is an adorable town with an old-fashioned county fair in August and a folk/bluegrass festival in September.
My Visit: D'Ora peach dessert wine
Effingham Manor (Nokesville, VA) - This winery has the same owner as Pearmund Cellars, so I’m sensing a theme! However, this winery has a very different vibe with an 18th century manor as its main attraction rather than the land around it. It’s 21 and up only too, making it a great date night getaway (especially on Comfort Food Fridays!).
What makes it perfect for a love-fest is first, their multiple options for a tasting - in their tasting room, or at two different counters in the manor itself so you're not rushed. Second, in addition to the outside porch seating that totally takes you back to antebellum Virginia, there’s several rooms upstairs with tables and games where you can have some quiet time (and it’s perfect for winter days like the one below!). This is a great winery to go to if you’re still get used to the taste of wine, too.
If you want to add history to your date, visit the Historic Brentsville Courthouse or Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park.
My last visit: King's Ransom - Bordeaux blend but very good balance!
NON-NOVA Honorable Mention: Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard (North Garden) - This Charlottesville-area gem is one of the go-to wineries in Virginia for weddings, so naturally I had to put it on the list! I was lucky and went the day after Christmas on one of those odd 70-degree days that always come up in Virginia during the holidays, so it was even less busy and more idyllic than usual. The tasting room is small but charming, and there’s few things that are better that sitting on a grassy hill on a warm day with a glass of wine, your loved one, and a beautiful view.
My visit: Chardonnay
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