The New Wine Review commends Virginia winemakers for their innovative spirit, enabling them to thrive despite unconventional growing conditions. As a result, wine lovers from around the globe are now eager to sample our wines. Food and Wine has declared Virginia as “one of the most surprising and exhilarating wine-producing states in the nation.” Visitors traveling to Staunton can easily access various vineyards while enjoying the area’s natural beauty and vibrant cultural scene. Join us in celebrating Virginia Wine Month by exploring our favorite spots to sip, purchase, and experience our local wines.
Staunton Tasting Rooms
Discover where to enjoy Virginia wine in the walkable districts of downtown Staunton.
- Ramulose Ridge has opened a charming new tasting room in Staunton’s historic Wharf district. You can relax in the courtyard by the fountain, settle at a high-top table, or lounge on a sofa. This family-owned winery, located in Monetta near Smith Mountain Lake, produces a variety of dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wines to cater to diverse palates. Additionally, you can order sangria, sweet wine flights, or margaritas. Consider adding a charcuterie board to enhance your wine experience. The tasting room is welcoming to dogs, both inside and outside.
- Plan a private tasting at Star Party Winery, affectionately known as the “Sky Bar” for its beautiful indoor and outdoor rooftop seating. Since 2021, Star Party has focused on producing “low-intervention, natural wines” sourced from the Shenandoah Valley. Their single-varietal and blended wines offer wonderful flavors, and the winery is committed to minimizing its environmental impact. During your tasting, inquire about carbonic maceration, biodynamic wine, and “Zero-Zero” wine.
- Located in Augusta County, Ox-Eye Vineyards has been producing 100% estate-grown wines since 2010. Their Staunton tasting room is perfect for visitors eager to learn about the winemaking process and sample varietals that are unique to Virginia. Tastings are conducted by knowledgeable staff. After your tasting, enjoy a glass or bottle of your favorites on the covered patio, or admire local art in the upstairs lounge. Pair your wine with an Ox-Eye charcuterie board or bring your own snacks from home or a local eatery.
- Nearby, Accordia offers guided tastings of wines from Barren Ridge Vineyards as well as selections from around the globe. This shop is dedicated to wine education, ensuring you come away with a deeper understanding of wine production and perfect pairings! Accordia also features an international and European-inspired food menu, plus regularly hosts live music and poetry nights. Don’t miss their Oktoberfest celebration on October 6, featuring German-themed food and drink specials along with live music.
Other Wine Stops in Staunton
While these locations don’t specialize exclusively in Virginia wine, you’ll often find it on their menus.
- Unwind at The Green Room, a cozy venue where friends can enjoy a curated selection of wine, craft beer, and cider, complemented by sandwiches and cheese boards.
- Indulge in a glass of wine along with a gourmet grilled cheese at Yelping Dog, or select a bottle from over 1,500 options sourced locally and internationally.
- Seed to Tail Kitchen and Market focuses on dishes made from local, seasonal ingredients. They offer an extensive selection of both local and international wines, available by the glass or bottle. Look out for weekly wine tastings paired with featured pasta, as well as special wine dinners.
- Cranberry’s provides local beer and wine, including selections from Crosskeys and Barren Ridge Vineyards. They also stock natural foods and serve breakfast, lunch, and coffee.
- You can also discover Virginia wines at several Staunton restaurants such as Second Draft Bistro, 1924 Lounge, Zynodoa, Mill Street Grill, and Queen City Bistro. Be sure to ask your server for wine pairing recommendations!
Vineyards Nearby
- Barren Ridge Vineyards, situated on the grounds of a former apple orchard, offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains over rolling farmland. Enjoy a tasting flight, glass, or bottle of their selection, which includes the popular Touriga and Red Barron blend while seated on the patio. Feel free to bring your favorite snacks, and rest assured that the vineyard is family and pet-friendly. Check their schedule for live music events.
- Just north of Staunton, family-owned Bluestone Vineyard produces small-batch wines from estate-grown grapes. The tasting room and patio offer breathtaking views of the sunset. Nearby, Purple Wolf Vineyard presents several delightful options, including lavender-infused wine, sangria, and wine slushies, along with opportunities to explore both the vineyards and lavender farm.
- Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery is renowned for its award-winning, minimally-processed wines and beautiful scenery of the Shenandoah Valley. Weekend visitors can bring a picnic and enjoy live music. Perched high on the Blue Ridge, Afton Mountain Vineyards is a lovely spot to sample various Virginia wines while relaxing on the patio or lawn, watching the kids play.
- Other scenic area vineyards include: Ecco Adesso Vineyards, CrossKeys Vineyards, Veritas Vineyard & Winery, Marceline Vineyards, Above Ground Winery, 12 Ridges Vineyard, and Jump Mountain Vineyard.
Wine Experiences
Enhance your visit with these wine-focused experiences.
- On October 5, Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery will host its annual Harvest Festival featuring music from Little Walter And The Convictions and Greenhouse. Enjoy a selection of beer, wine, apple cider slushies, and delicious food from the Island Wheels Caribbean fusion food truck. Check the vineyard’s schedule for additional live music and fun events like painting sessions.
- The Blackburn Inn offers a Sip, Stay, and Explore package that combines luxury accommodations and gourmet dining with a private winery tour and tasting at Barren Ridge Vineyards.
- Virginia Scenic Railway excursions feature a variety of wines from Wisdom Oak Winery, located just south of Charlottesville.
- For a romantic escape, consider a weekend at the Iris Inn, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Shenandoah Valley from luxurious private cabins. The inn offers wine and spa packages, including the Wine Down and Relax package.
- The Historic Staunton Foundation and Hotel 24 South organize an annual Winter Wine Festival in February, showcasing a dozen local vineyards.
What are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Staunton and experience some exquisite Virginia wine today!
