Bluemont
Nestled on the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Village of Bluemont, founded as Snickersville in 1824, was once a fancy mountain retreat for DC residents, the last stop on the Washington & Old Dominion railway line. Today, its wineries, breweries, family-focused farm tours, hiking trails, annual fall fair and B&Bs draw discerning tourists and creative new residents.
The Best Ways to Experience Bluemont
Bluemont Vineyard, a mountain-side winery and tasting room of the pioneering Zurschmeide family, features award-winning, Burgundy-style vintages in a breathtaking setting with views of the Virginia countryside. Also, be sure to check out Bluemont Station Brewery & Winery to try farm brews and wine, dine and lounge with friends, get cozy around a fire pit and take in the sounds from live music acts.
Bluemont is home to arguably the two most scenic breweries in the Mid Atlantic. Bear Chase Brewing Co. on the crest of the Blue Ridge is a wildly popular tap room near the Appalachian Trail (AT), with acres of lawn dotted with firepits and Adirondack chairs. Try the aptly named AT Hefeweizen. Equally beautiful, Dirt Farm Brewing has a tap room in a restored stone hunting lodge. Try a cold glass of the Farm Use pale ale and soak in those stunning views.
With its wagon rides, fruit and pumpkin picking, putt-putt, corn maze, mining sluice, farm store and ‘roosteraunt’, Great Country Farms immerses the whole family into Loudoun’s rich agricultural roots.
Opened in 2019, Henway Hard Cider is the artisanal cidery of the Zurschmeide family, using apples from neighboring Great Country Farms. Order a glass of the crisp, semi-sweet The Coop cider, take a seat on the banks of the pond out front and soak up the country scene.
Take in spectacular, west-facing views of the Shenandoah Valley and river from the rocky outcrops of Bears Den Overlook, alongside the Appalachian Trail.
Bluemont General Store is a classic, small-town grocery in the heart of town serving coffee, ice cream and good gossip. Take a seat on the porch and watch village life go by.
- The Bluemont Fair (September): The main event on the Bluemont social calendar, this lively fall festival has taken place in Loudoun since 1970. Adults enjoy the live music, arts, crafts and beer and wine garden; kids love the Children’s Fair, pony rides and petting zoo.
- Lighting of the Vines (November/December): Around the holidays, Bluemont Vineyard strings 15,000 holiday lights through 10,000 grapevines on the slopes of the property, blanketing the hillside in a glorious glow. No better way to get in the mood for the holidays.
FAQs About Bluemont
Where is Bluemont, Virginia?
Bluemont is located in western Loudoun County in Northern Virginia. The small, scenic village is tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, about 16 miles west of Leesburg.
How far is Bluemont from Dulles International Airport? From Washington, DC?
Bluemont is approximately 31 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). The drive varies based on traffic, usually taking between 30-50 minutes. From Washington, DC, Bluemont is approximately 53 miles. The drive varies based on traffic, usually taking between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes. Find information about getting around Loudoun.
What are some the best things to do in Bluemont?
Bluemont is one of Virginia’s most picturesque wine destinations. Savor views of rolling hills and valleys while sipping wine at charming family-owned wineries. For an active adventure, park at Bears Den Overlook to hike along the Appalachian Trail, known for its panoramic vistas. Come winter, see the town sparkle with holiday magic during the annual Lighting of the Vines celebration, where thousands of twinkling lights transform Bluemont Vineyard into a festive wonderland.
What wineries are in Bluemont?
Bluemont Vineyard is a farm winery with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. Enjoy award-winning, estate-grown Virginia wines from a tasting room or deck perched high above Loudoun’s rolling hills. There’s an all-day menu of light bites and specials, live music and seasonal events. Just down the road, Bluemont Station Brewery & Winery blends craft beer and wine in a laid-back farm setting with spacious patios, fire pits and family-friendly gathering spaces. Explore more of Loudoun’s wineries.
Can you go hiking near Bluemont?
Yes, Bluemont is a great base for hiking. One of the most popular nearby spots is Bears Den Overlook, part of the Appalachian Trail, offering short to moderate hikes with dramatic Blue Ridge views. Bluemont is also close to Snickers Gap and additional segments of the Appalachian Trail. The area blends vineyard scenery with forested ridgelines, making it easy to pair outdoor adventure with nearby wine and farm experiences. See more about hiking in Loudoun.
What other nearby towns are worth visiting?
The Appalachian Trail runs just west of Round Hill, giving the charming town an active, outdoorsy atmosphere – it’s also a great spot for artisanal products and fresh produce. To the east in Purcellville, you’ll find great dining options, a popular distillery and access to the W&OD Trail, a 45-mile paved recreational pathway. Discover more experiences across Loudoun’s top towns.
Fun Facts
The original town name (Snickersville) was deemed too unattractive to appeal to tourists.
Opened by White House Chef Jules Demonet, the Inn was destroyed by fire in the 1910s.
Bluemont appeared in several episodes of the iconic political drama.
Author of "Joy of Drinking" was a long time resident.
