Virginia is home to plenty of wineries that are family friendly. But if you’re looking to sip some local vino in peace and without interruption, these nearby vineyards are exclusively for visitors 21 and older. Many offer wine-making sessions, live music and vineyard or cellar tours. Here are seven worthy destinations for your next kid-free tasting excursion.
50 West Winery
Sit high on a bluff, sipping a 2021 Aldie Heights Cuvee (a bold and rich red blend with notes of black fruit, dark chocolate and cedar) as you take in the views of the Bull Run Mountain Range. For something crisp and summery, try the Rose of Sangiovese, with notes of hibiscus, or a fruity Viognier with hints of yellow peach and apricot. One of the larger farm vineyards in Virginia, 50-West grows fruit on five separate properties. Relax on the porch or the sprawling lawn, where furry friends are welcome. Snacks at this solar-powered winery included cheeses, ciabatta and spreads. Try the guided wine tasting menu for $22 per person at the bar or $30 per person tableside. 39060 Little River Turnpike, Middleburg, Virginia
Boxwood Winery
Owner and proprietor John Kent Cooke is the former owner and president of the Washington Commanders (then known as the Redskins). He and his wife, Rita, purchased the historic Boxwood Farm in 2001 with a goal of producing Bordeaux-style wines with a Virginia expression. The 26-acre vineyard now produces multiple reds, cultivating its grapes on on French-certified vines. It is also the only East Coast winery with a cave. A special cave tasting experience features five curated wine pours, paired with cheese, charcuterie and chocolate. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended for any of the winery’s experiences, including the cave tasting, estate pairing (4 pours of high-end wines paired with hors d’oeuvres) or a celebration experience (a guided 5-wine tasting, deluxe cheese and charcuterie board and complimentary gift bag.) 2042 Burrland Lane, Middleburg, Virginia
Effingham Manor
Nestled in the countryside of Prince William County, a 250-year-old manor house is the centerpiece of this estate. Inside are three tasting bars and upstairs parlor rooms. Sample a 2021 Merlot that took home the silver medal at the American Wine Society, or the 2021 Meritage, which earned gold at the Virginia Wine Invitational. Guests can choose a traditional wine tasting of six, 1-ounce pours or a self-guided tasting of three, 2-ounce pours. Relax with your glass at a picnic table, on one of the many porches or on a patio overlooking the koi pond. Make a reservation if you want to be sure your favorite table is available. Upcoming events include an International Chef’s Table with a Thai-themed menu, a Latin-fusion food truck night and a paint ‘n sip. 14325 Trotters Ridge Place, Nokesville, Virginia
Fleetwood Farm Winery
For a verdant escape from the burbs, pass through Fleetwood Farm’s stone archway to enter a lush garden and rows of vines. Owners Skip Edgemond and Jamie McClellan bought the property intending to use it for a landscaping business, but decided the historic Manor House and grounds were too special not to be shared with the public. The winery makes Spring House Red, Huntmaster and Tally Ho estate wines, made with Norton grapes grown on the property. It also serves wines produced elsewhere exclusively for Fleetwood Farm, most of which are made with Loudoun County grapes. Take a progressive tasting through the 200-year-old manor, sip in the tasting room or dance to live music on the patio. Fleetwood offers beer, cider and wine cocktails, as well as a menu of seasonal offerings. The winery does welcome children on Sundays and at private events. 23075 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, Virginia
Pearmund Cellars
The oldest vineyard in the state of Virginia, this winery says education is part of its DNA. Learn to pair summer whites with Pearmund’s resident sommelier, or make your own red wine at a blending competition—they give you the materials and education, you do the mixing. (Win the competition and you’ll get a case of Pearmund Cellars’ 2024 Ameritage with your name on the label.) Guests can enjoy guided flights with tasting notes, compare wines from around the world or just chill with their favorite glass or bottle on the terrace. Opt for a preselected 6-wine tasting ($18) or a wine flight ($15). Summer weekends bring food trucks, or the vineyard will fire up its pizza ovens. 6190 Georgetown Road, Broad Run, Virginia
The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm
This self-described “adult playground” serves wine, beer, cider and seltzer, and it has a rotating calendar packed with live music, comedy acts, food trucks and movie nights. The woman-owned, family-operated farm offers waterfront views from the shores of Lake Manassas in Gainesville. It’s actually a 16+ establishment, meaning older teens are welcome to join their parents. Relax on a plush couch by a fireplace, or plant yourself on a wraparound porch surrounded by climbing hydrangeas. Try a glass of the 2021 Viognier (scents of cantaloupe, vanilla cream and dried wildflowers,) the 2022 Pinot Gris (bright, crisp notes of Asian pear and clean citrus,) or the 2020 Riesling (jasmine and citrus giving way to hints of peach and cantaloupe). On a hot day, enjoy a cooling wine slushie. Come back when the weather turns chilly and warm your belly with a steaming cup of mulled wine. 15850 Sunshine Ridge Lane, Gainesville, Virginia
Three Creeks Winery
Grab a seat or bring your chairs and set up along one of this winery’s three namesake creeks. Head to the tasting barn, built in 1908, to taste European style wines, several of which are Virginia Governor’s Cup and Loudoun Wine Award winners. Grape varietals planted here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Manseng, Merlot, Chardonnay and others. Tastings are $21 per person. Check the events calendar for the live music lineup on Fridays and Saturdays. Infants 6 months old and younger are welcome, and well-behaved, leashed dogs may visit the outdoor parts of the property. 18548 Harmony Church Road, Hamilton, Virginia