Where to Stay (and Sip!) in Virginia Wine Country

In Virginia, wine lovers can explore celebrated wine trails, visiting award-winning vineyards, take in the stunning and varied landscapes of the Commonwealth, and of course enjoy delicious wines. Virginia is known for its understated and subtle beauty that reflects the best of its historic features.

To showcase Virginia’s best, here is a collection of favorite scenic country inns. Plan a weekend getaway featuring Virginia’s finest inns and most wonderful wineries.

The Farmhouse at Veritas—Afton

30 miles from the heart of Charlottesville, you'll find The Farmhouse at Veritas. The charming inn sits on 250 acres of farmland on the outskirts of Afton Mountain. Established in 1839, the authentic and timeless inn was originally the Hodson family home. It opened its doors to the public in 2012 and has since become known for its wine, chef-prepared cooking, and farmhouse comfort.

With rooms that overlook the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding vineyards, farmhouse dinners featuring comfort cooking like chilled corn bisque, rack of lamb, and smoked salmon, the inn is the perfect place for a luxurious and peaceful getaway.

What to Do Near Veritas

The farmhouse is part of a larger undertaking—Veritas Vineyard and Winery. Founders Andrew and Patricia Hodson are at the head of this family endeavor. While guests enjoy the elegance the farmhouse has to offer, they can also tour the vineyard and fully appreciate Andrew and Patricia’s vision for this land rich in history and beauty. Their three children all actively participate in the vineyard venture, which is one of the most successful in the region. 

Within a short drive, Afton Mountain Vineyards provides a similar escape with owners Elizabeth and Tony Smith running the show with their hands-on work ethic during harvesting seasons. For other wineries that focus on Virginia’s roots, Flying Fox Vineyards, Pollak Vineyards, and Blue Mountain Brewery are a few other beauties to tour nearby.

Goodstone Inn & Restaurant—Middleburg

The famed Hunt Country of Middleburg is home to fox hunting and steeplechases as well as the exquisite Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, a 265-acre estate and tranquil rest stop for weary travelers hoping to explore a hidden gem of Virginia. Originally owned by Jamie “the Scot” Leith, who supposedly sold provisions to the Continental Army in the 1700s, this northern Virginia land has a distinct place in Virginia history.

Today, guests can choose to stay in sumptuously appointed rooms at the inn or reserve one of the charming luxury cottages scattered throughout the gardens. With award-winning dining, this incredible property is a foodie’s dream. The farm provides much of the fresh produce and flowers for the property and is home to an assortment of charming farm animals.  

What to Do Near the Goodstone Inn

Consider a visit to Cana Vineyards, a 43-acre wine estate enveloped by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their winemaker, Melanie Natoli, was the first woman to win the Virginia Governor's Cup in the competition's modern history. And staying true to Middleburg’s equestrian spirit, the town hosts the Middleburg Spring Races every April in Glenwood Park, where you can enjoy one of the town’s oldest traditions. Also held nearby are the world-class Upperville Colt and Horse Show and the International Gold Cup.

The Inn at Willow Grove—Orange

Doubling as a wedding venue and relaxing retreat, The Inn at Willow Grove accentuates the area’s ties to wine country and noteworthy history. Located in Orange and featuring 18th-century architecture, the inn has four-star dining, luxurious and meticulously decorated rooms, and extensive farmland. Farm-to-table gourmet meals in their on-site restaurant, premier suites with private patios, and a 3,000-square-foot spa mirroring a bucolic red barn with a saltwater pool await you at the Inn at Willow Grove.

What to Do Near the Inn at Willow Grove

Within a 15-minute drive, any traveler can easily locate James Madison’s home at Montpelier, where colonial Virginia history comes to life. Afterwards, visit the Market at Grelen, a 1,000-acre property open to the public that includes miles of walking trails, berry picking, an adorable café and shop, and a nursery carrying all sorts of interesting plants grown on-site.

A trip to this region is not complete without wine tasting. Luckily, there are three amazing vineyards within a short drive. Barboursville Vineyards, the region’s most awarded winery, showcases Virginia’s terroir with award-winning wines and fine Northern Italian dining at the elegant Palladio Restaurant. At the nearby Horton Vineyards, you can sample a surprisingly vast array of wine varieties created by the nationally recognized Horton family. And lastly, Early Mountain Vineyards, founded by Jean and Steve Case, has based their visitor experience on an excellent pairing of local foods and wonderful wines.

L’Auberge Provençale—Boyce

In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, this French country B&B offers Provençale-style rooms and suites. Each morning, enjoy a fresh breakfast featuring a blend of French and American cuisine at its restaurant, La Table Provençale. The vibrant rooms, aromatherapy steam showers, and views of grassy meadows complete the French feel. The inn is perfect for guests searching for a calming getaway that delivers the flavors of France on this side of the Atlantic.

What to Do Near L'Auberge Provençale

Nearby, the famed Inn at Little Washington, the only three-star Michelin restaurant in the D.C. area, dazzles every customer with its distinguished American Cuisine personally crafted by Chef Patrick O’Connell. Don't miss neighboring Patty O’s Café, which will delight gourmands with dishes from O’Connell’s childhood.

For oenophiles, wineries within an easy drive include Philip Carter Winery, whose owners have three centuries of family history in Fauquier County, and RdV Vineyards, known for showcasing the best flavors all the way from Bordeaux, France.

Wineries with immense thought and passion behind them and B&Bs with a unique vision and dedicated staff await on your next trip to Virginia.

Want more Virginia wine? Consult our full guide to Virginia wineries for can't-miss destinations, unique activities, and the best wine trails in the Commonwealth.