Virginia’s Fauquier County, with more than 27 wineries and vineyards, is a great place to sample some of the state’s iconic wines. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and only 45 minutes southwest of Washington, DC, it’s an easy day trip or overnight experience.
The region is on the same line of latitude as Napa, California and Southern Italy, and can grow a wide variety of grapes. Some of the varietals you might sample include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Petit Verdot, Roussanne, Tramminette, Tannat, and Gruner Veltliner.
If you’re going to plan a day trip to the wineries in Fauquier County, we suggest that you concentrate on just one part of the county at a time. The western sections, closer to the mountains, will boast bucolic scenery but also some hilly, winding roads not for the faint of heart and sometimes iffy internet access. The southern section is close to Route 29, a two-lane highway and one of the main thoroughfares running North to South through the middle of Virginia. This area may be a good bet if you want easier access to the wineries or a wine tasting pit stop while traveling through.
Here are a few of the wineries in Fauquier County that we spotlight, with other nearby ones we recommend to round out your visit.
West: Linden Vineyards
Linden Vineyards, in Linden, is one of the oldest and best wineries in Virginia, This is a winery not to be missed. Owned by Jim Law, one of the leaders of Virginia wines, it’s best known for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Bordeaux variety red blends. You feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. It’s beautiful, and the wines are outstanding.
The winery provides tastings to nonmembers only by reservation, and does so the old-fashioned way, with personalized service, extensive education about what you’re tasting, and a lot of fun. We were lucky enough to meet Mr. Law at our last visit.
Other nearby wineries we’ve enjoyed include Philip Carter Winery and Chateau O’Brien at Northpoint Winery and Vineyard.
Northwest: Arterra Wines
Just a little north of Linden but also in Western Fauquier County is a cluster of wineries near Delaplane worth a trip. One of our recent favorites is Arterra Wines, right near the Appalachian Trail and Shenandoah River. It’s up a long road, so don’t get discouraged. Arterra uses native yeast, neutral oak, and no additives. The atmosphere – but not the wine – is rather earthy. The owners, Sandy Gray-Murray and Jason Murray also own and operate their art studio and gallery, Hawkmoth Arts, at the winery.
Other wines near Arterra that we’ve enjoyed include Three Fox Vineyard and Brewery, Delaplane Cellars, and Naked Mountain Winery and Vineyard.
South: Morais Vineyards and Winery
Another part of Fauquier county with some interesting wineries is the southern region near Warrenton. Of these of wineries in Fauquier County, we recommend you visit Morais Vineyards and Winery, in Bealeton, right off Route 29. The owner’s family is originally from Portugal; the last time we visited the wine tasting included cups of the delicious Portuguese cherry liquor Ginjinha. The winery is pretty (it holds weddings and other events); It’s also picnic-friendly, even in its tasting room. We have on occasion decided to have an impromptu picnic there and dashed to a nearby supermarket to stay awhile at the winery.
To round out a trip to this area, we suggest visiting Molon Lave Vineyards, Granite Heights Winery, and Permund Cellars.
We hope you find these recommendations on how to prioritize your visit to the wineries in Fauquier County helpful. Please feel free to contact us and share your thoughts on your favorite wineries in Fauquier County.
To learn more about the 300 wineries in Virginia, go to Virginia Wine in my Pocket or Virginia Wine Pass.
Have any suggestions or feedback? Don’t hesitate to send us a message at info@winewithourfamily.com.
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