Staunton-Area Wineries with Views

---

(Published 04/20/2023)

The Shenandoah Valley has always been known for its views. And more recently, it’s been making a name for itself for its wines. According to Richmond Magazine, “The relatively cool, dry, and gentle climate of the Shenandoah Valley produces a wider breadth of more resilient varietals, leading to bright wines that pack bright acidity.” So why not celebrate this abundance by pairing one of these wonderful wines with some stunning scenery at one of our Staunton-area wineries with views?

Barren Ridge Vineyards

Start your exploration of area wineries with views at Barren Ridge Vineyards. Formerly an apple orchard, the vineyard is situated on a small rise that looks out over rolling hills with grape vines. The Blue Ridge Mountains rise in the distance. Try a tasting of Barren Ridge’s best, including chardonnay, traminette, cabernet franc, or a blend like the popular Red Barron. Next, follow it up with a glass or bottle. Pack a picnic or enjoy lite fare like cheese and crackers, which can be purchased onsite. This vineyard is child and dog-friendly. Regular events like Wine Down Wednesdays, Third Fridays, Sunset Saturdays, and Sunday Live bring musical talent to the vineyard.

Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery

Raphine’s Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery offers beautiful countryside scenery with 17 acres of grapes growing on rolling hills. These farm-grown grapes are pressed with other local grapes to produce a number of award-winning wines. Choose from a selection of minimally processed wines and small-batch craft beers made onsite. Popular wines include rrosé, chardonnay, cabernet franc, and syrah. Relax in the laid-back atmosphere, and grab some cheese, salami, crackers, and popcorn from the gift shop. You can also bring snacks from home or attend a Sunday afternoon Uncorked event that feature live music and food trucks.

Bluestone Vineyard

Family-owned and operated Bluestone Vineyard produces award-winning small-batch wines made from estate-grown grapes. Perched on top of a hill, the tasting room and heated outside patio look out at the Allegheny Mountains. This view is especially scenic as the sun sets. Enjoy wine by the glass, bottle, tasting flight, and even growler to enjoy at home. Bluestone offers “wines that range from sweet, semi-sweet, fruit-forward reds, light red blends to bold dry reds.” The vineyard has a small menu of meats and cheeses, and outside food is welcome. Visit on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month May through September for the Toast the Weekend concert series. If you like to learn the history of the wine you’re drinking, attend a Wine Amongst Friends event on the first Friday of each month.

Downtown Staunton

If you prefer to pair an urban view with your wine, enjoy a glass at one of Staunton’s tasting rooms. The Ox-Eye Vineyards tasting room is just steps away from downtown shopping, dining, and the Staunton Farmers’ Market. The locally-grown wines can be enjoyed as a tasting or by the glass, and you can leave with a bottle or two for home. There’s outside seating and even an art gallery upstairs. Accordia, Yelping Dog Wine, and The Green Room aren’t wineries, but they have a wide selection of delicious wines to choose from. If you visit on the weekend during Shop and Dine Out Downtown, you can take advantage of outside seating and admire Staunton’s historic Victorian architecture. Not quite 2 miles from downtown, you will find Seed to Tail Kitchen and Market, where you can sip a glass of wine or purchase a bottle of vino for any occasion.

Cross Keys Vineyards

You’ll love the views of the Blue Ridge at 125-acre Cross Keys Vineyards. You’ll also love the estate-grown wine that’s available in 13 different varietals. These include award-winning Joy White, petit verdot, fiore, and chardonnay. Relax in the Tuscan-style villa or take a seat on the large patio and enjoy a meal from the onsite Bistro. Follow it with a 30-minute tour to learn about Cross Keys’s history, how they grow their grapes, and all the steps involved in making the wine.

Afton Mountain Vineyards

Afton Mountain Vineyards is a wonderful spot for tasting several varietals of Virginia wine and reveling in the beauty of the Blue Ridge. Wines include the albarino, bollicini, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, enjoy the heated and cooled glass pavilion. Otherwise, snag a seat on the patio or spread a blanket on the large lawn where there’s plenty of room for your kids to play. You can buy cheese, meats, and crackers, but visitors may also pack their own picnics. Not sure what you want to drink? Taste several with guided or self-guided tastings.

Marceline Vineyards

Marceline Vineyards offers eleven different wines and a picturesque setting of gardens, patio seating, and grapevines. Wines include traminette, viognier, rosé, cabernet sauvignon, and the Ti Amo peach traminette. Buy a bottle or sample several types with a tasting. If you’re looking for a special treat on a hot day, a wine slushy tasting might fit the bill! Accompany your drink with a charcuterie board, chocolate, or cheesecake.

Above Ground Winery

Above Ground Winery’s tasting room opened to the public in 2021, but it’s been creating Virginia wine since 2010. Both the views from the property and on the drive to get there are spectacular. Above Ground serves chardonnay, riesling, merlot, cabernet franc and a several wines made with a blend of grapes and other fruit. They specialize in lighter, juicier styles. Looking for discounts, special events, and access to special wines? Check out the perks of the Season Ticket Wine & Social Club.

12 Ridges Vineyard

There are views and then there are views! 12 Ridges Vineyard is perched high in the Blue Ridge at MP 25 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 12 Ridges is a new vineyard, serving its own small-batch,  high-elevation wines as well as other complementary high-elevation wines from around the world. You’ll love both the complexity of its wines and the incredible 365-view from the terrace and lawn. Enjoy the breads, cheese boards, chips, and charcuterie available at the vineyard, or bring your own picnic.  

Purple Wolf Vineyard

You won’t see wolves as you sip your wine at Purple Wolf Vineyard, but you’ll definitely see (and smell) lavender. Named with the acronym for White Oak Lavender Farm, the vineyard offers a selection of delicious wines, including lavender-infused wine, sangria, and wine slushies. Seating choices include a heated deck and patio seating with purple chairs and fire pits. Visitors can explore both the vineyards and the lavender farm.