Wine Country: A Multi-Sensory Experience

Napoleon once said, “Wine is inspiring and adds greatly to the joy of living.” There's no better place to relax, have fun, and enjoy some of Virginia’s finest wines than in Loudoun County. It is truly a multi-sensory experience that includes breathtaking scenery, the unmistakable scent of grapes in the air, and the tasting of remarkable, award-winning wines.

In less than 25 years, Loudoun County's wineries have emerged as leading Virginia producers of vinifera and New World grape wines. With 336 acres, Loudoun County ranks second in Virginia in wine grape acreage planted. Soil conditions, temperate climate, and skilled winemakers all contribute to Loudoun's growing reputation as wine country. And our wineries have the national awards to prove it.

One County, Twelve Wineries.

Loudoun County's wine country is now home to twelve wineries, featuring rolling hillsides dotted with vines and unique tasting rooms located in historic barns, Mediterranean-like villas, and caves. Tarara, housed in a 6,000 square foot man-made cave designed by owner, Whitie Hubert, sits in the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains and overlooks the Potomac River. Close by, Lost Creek and Hidden Brook wineries are owned by two generations of the Hauck Family who share vineyard chores, but each produce their own distinct varieties.

To the south of Leesburg at the end of a long winding mountain road, Willowcroft's tasting room is located in an old red barn high atop Mount Gilead and offers spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the heart of horse country, Chrysalis Vineyards, featuring the American varietal Norton grape, and Swedenburg Vineyards, located on a historic 130-acre farm, are close enough to enjoy in one afternoon, with an additional stop for shopping and lunch or dinner in Middleburg.

To the north of the hamlet of Hillsboro, Breaux, Hillsborough, and Windham wineries offer magnificent scenic mountain views. Breaux is one of the largest wineries in Northern Virginia led by Winemaker David Collins. Hillsborough offers a tasting room situated in a restored stone barn originally erected in 1840. And Doukenie Winery, which offers shady spots to enjoy the scenery and pond, includes a tasting room lined with book-filled shelves and family portraits.

Minutes from the Quaker town of Waterford, the glass-walled tasting room of Loudoun Valley Vineyards with its wrap-around decks and magnificent views across the valley, is a great place to enjoy a glass of wine and gourmet foods. Relative newcomer Waterford Vineyards, whose tasting room is located in a 200-year old house, produced its first vintage in 2004. Loudoun's newest winery, Village Winery and Vineyards, is located minutes from historic Waterford and is set in a restored farm structure.

The Ultimate Road Trip

The best way to experience Loudoun's wine country is along the Wine Trail. Pick up a copy of the brochure at the Loudoun County Visitors Center and spend a day or more traveling along scenic byways as you visit each winery. Look for the grape cluster signs along the roadways to assist you on your wine tour.

As you visit the wineries, be sure to participate in their Passport Program. Visit all twelve wineries and have your passport stamped and receive a complimentary Loudoun Wine Trail corkscrew.

Festival Fun

Throughout the year many wineries offer special events to make your visit more memorable. Tarara hosts a kite festival, blackberry days festival, and live music by their scenic lake. Breaux conjures up Cajun spirits at their annual Cajun Festival and Crawfish Boil. Windham brings the best of Europe to their tasting room with their Italian and Greek festivals. And Hillsborough gets groovy with their Caribbean Nights featuring a steel drum band and a Halloween Costume Party. Check out our events for more information regarding winery events.