Holiday Cheers: Give the Gift of Virginia Wine

The holidays are in full swing in Virginia, but if you’re still struggling to find that perfect gift for a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor, consider gifting a few bottles of Virginia wine. You’ll not only be choosing an excellent gift, but also supporting Virginia’s amazing wineries.

There are over 300 wineries around the Commonwealth, but we’ve chosen a few notable wineries that stand out for their exceptional Virginia wines. Grab a couple of bottles from these distinctive vineyards to share holiday cheer and check off your gift list.

Michael Shaps Winery—Charlottesville

Michael Shaps is a well-known figure in the Virginia wine industry, with a background at award-winning wineries like Jefferson Vineyards and King Family Vineyards. In 2007, he opened what is now Michael Shaps Winery, his own tasting room and wine production facility in Charlottesville. In the years since he has consistently been at the forefront of great Virginia winemaking, expanding his operations and welcoming guests from near and far. 

How to Buy: Buy bottles at Michael Shaps Winery, at sister wineries Shenandoah Vineyards and Maison Shaps, or shop online.

Rockbridge Vineyard—Raphine

Rockbridge Vineyard has long been a significant wine producer in Virginia, winning Best in Show in the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition and taking home the prized Virginia Governor’s Cup twice. Winemaker and owner Shepherd Rouse has worked in vineyards in Germany, California, and Virginia, establishing Rockbridge in 1992 with his wife, Jane Millott-Rouse. 

How to Buy: The winery ships to many states. For curbside pickup or shipping within Virginia, call the winery to place your order. 

Delaplane Cellars—Delaplane

Delaplane Cellars has been a staple in Northern Virginia Wine Country since 2007. Even through a change in ownership, Delaplane honors the winemaking traditions that made it a must-try for Virginia wine lovers, producing singular vintages that make for fantastic presents. 

How to Buy: Purchase wine online, or swing by the winery for curbside pickup, available on select days. 

Barboursville Vineyards—Barboursville

Between owner Gianni Zonin and world-renowned winemaker Luca Paschina, Barboursville Vineyards has an abundance of viticultural knowledge that has resulted in yearly gold medal wins (and in most years, featured in the prestigious Cup Case) at the Governor’s Cup Awards for nearly a decade. While Octagon is the annually-produced wine they are best known for, there are many superior wines worth sampling at this Central Virginia winery. 

How to Buy: Stop into the winery tasting room to pick out bottles, or order online. Get 10% off when you purchase 12 or more bottles. 

Shenandoah Vineyards—Edinburg

Another endeavor of renowned winemaker Michael Shaps, Shenandoah Vineyards is the second oldest active winery in Virginia, established in 1988. Shaps acquired it in 2018, recognizing the high quality of the soil and growing conditions in the region. His vast knowledge and decades of skill in the winemaking industry have contributed to the continued success of the winery, and he has added several new grape varietals to the vineyard to expand their offerings.

How to Buy: Order online or visit the winery to pick up bottles for your friends and family. 

Pollak Vineyards—Greenwood

A Governor's Cup favorite, Pollak Vineyards is used to producing award-winning wines. The family-run operation has focused on traditional French varietals since its founding in 2003. 

How to Buy: The winery offers pick up in the tasting room on select days, or shop online. 

868 Estate Vineyards—Purcellville

Another star in the Northern Virginia wine industry is 868 Estate Vineyards, established in 2012. The winery has several notable varietals, including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Meritage, and Chardonnay, as well as carefully crafted wine blends like their Grandale, a balanced blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. 

How to Buy: Shop online or purchase a gift card so the recipient can pick out a bottle for themself.

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards—North Garden

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is run by husband and wife team Dean Andrews and Lynn Easton, but the man behind the wine is none other than Virginia wine extraordinaire Michael Shaps. His vision shines through in all the wines you’ll find at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.  

How to Buy: Shop online for individual bottles and themed wine bundles. 

Lake Anna Winery—Spotsylvania Courthouse

Lake Anna Winery has been growing grapes since 1983, when the owners started the vineyard with about 2,000 Seyval Blanc and 250 Cabernet Sauvignon vines. With over 30 years in the winemaking industry, Lake Anna Winery produces a diverse lineup of rich, complex wines that are thoughtfully blended.

How to Buy: Order online and get a 10% discount on cases, or purchase bottles on-site at the winery.

Afton Mountain Vineyards—Afton

The owners of Afton Mountain Vineyards both grew up in Charlottesville and have lifelong ties to the region, even getting married at the University of Virginia Chapel. These strong local bonds led them to open the winery in 2009, and their deep understanding of the terroir found around the Blue Ridge Mountains has resulted in plenty of Governor’s Cup medals.

How to Buy: Browse online or order a bottle at the winery tasting room. 

Thirsty for more? Check out this year's Governor's Cup honorees for more gift ideas. Plus, nearly all of Virginia’s wineries offer pickup, and many will provide direct shipping, allowing you to get your holiday gifts without ever leaving the house.

Order a few bottles from your favorite wineries to support Virginia’s vineyards and give one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season!