Wineries With Stunning Views of Virginia’s Autumn Beauty

The Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive. The Shenandoah Valley. The waterways of the Chesapeake Bay. From Virginia’s Eastern Shore to the Appalachian Mountains in Southwest Virginia, there is no shortage of scenic wonders in Virginia in the fall. But if you're looking to pair gorgeous views with critically-acclaimed wine, head to these Virginia vineyards to get your fill of excellent wine and stunning scenery. 

Stinson Vineyards—Crozet

With panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains aflame in autumn colors, Stinson Vineyards serves small batch, French-style wines on their family-owned estate winery. Make the most of this winery’s stunning surroundings with an overnight stay at The Inn at Stinson Vineyards, a classic country bed and breakfast that sits among the vines.

Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards—Bristol

Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards is located about ten minutes from downtown Bristol in Southwest Virginia, but the 450 acres of rolling farmland make you feel as if you’re miles and miles from anything. This solitude is especially golden in the fall, when the tucked-away tasting room is surrounded by awe-inspiring fall foliage. Visit on Saturdays during the fall for live music performances from local bands, then stay overnight at the inn or the farm’s luxury yurts for a once-in-a-lifetime getaway.

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards—North Garden

As the leaves change, the serene rolling landscape of Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard is framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a beautiful backdrop for wine tasting in the fall. As part of the Monticello Wine Trail, the winery creates award-winning wines, but the tasting room is also known for the food, with many dishes made utilizing ingredients from the on-site gardens.

King Family Vineyards—Crozet

The sprawling grass lawns of King Family Vineyards stretch towards the Blue Ridge, and these grounds offer an idyllic spot to set down a picnic blanket and sip on refreshing Virginia wines in the autumn. On Sundays through October, head to King Family to attend a polo match and sip on the latest wine releases—an iconic experience for fall in Virginia.

Blue Valley Vineyard—Delaplane

Fauquier County’s Blue Valley Vineyard sits atop a mountain, overlooking the amazing fall colors of the valley below. Indoor seating is just as magical, with large windows along the back wall allowing for clear views.

Southwest Mountain Vineyards—Keswick

Southwest Mountain Vineyards is nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside east of Charlottesville, and the tasting room is housed in a converted historic barn that dates back to 1903. On sunny warmer days, grab a seat outside on the adjacent patio to enjoy fall glory, or head to the upstairs tasting room if the weather is cooler—crackling fireplaces will keep you warm, and second-story views of fall foliage are visible for miles on clear days.

Glass House Winery—Free Union

Housed inside a tropical greenhouse, Glass House Winery’s tasting room is lovely year-round, but during the fall, the warmer temps inside the tasting room allow you to take in the fall foliage of the surrounding grounds without getting the slightest bit chilly. Opt for a box of the handcrafted chocolates to samples divine flavors in an exotic setting.

Barboursville Vineyards—Barboursville

Barboursville Vineyards, one of the oldest-running wineries in Virginia, is a historic estate winery comprised of roughly 1,200 acres between the world-famous presidential estates, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Madison’s Montpelier. The winery’s patio overlooks the Southwest Mountains, and epic views of the winery can be enjoyed from the historic ruins and on-site inn and cottages, which are both just a short walk from the tasting room.

Crimson Lane Vineyards—Linden

Built on the slope of a 1,400-foot ridge line, Crimson Lane Vineyards’ outdoor seating areas offer epic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially in the fall. Even from inside the 11,000-square-foot tasting room, massive picture windows afford views of autumn’s best colors, so visitors can appreciate the scenery on the chilliest days of the season. Sample everything from the incredible Albariño, not frequently produced in Virginia, to full-bodied reds like the Petit Verdot at the reservation-only winery, and don’t miss pairing the delicious vintages with fresh fare thoughtfully curated to reflect the current wine offerings.

Upper Shirley Vineyards—Charles City

Upper Shirley Vineyards sits on the banks of the James River about 30 minutes southeast east of Richmond. Fall colors reflect off the water’s surface, resulting in double the seasonal beauty.

Breaux Vineyards—Purcellville

In the charming small town of Purcellville, the 404-acre Breaux Vineyards estate offers visitors beautiful views and wines to match.  With 104 acres under vine, Breaux is the largest winery in Loudoun County in terms of production and acres planted.  Visitors can enjoy award winning wines from the property’s Cherry Hill Park (named for the surrounding cherry trees) while taking in views of Viognier and Nebbiolo vines climbing up to Short Hill Mountain.  The property also offers a great view of the sun setting over the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.

Stone Tower Winery—Leesburg

Situated atop Hogback Mountain in southwest Leesburg, Stone Tower Winery offers some of the most beautiful vineyard and mountain views in the area.  The second level deck of the newly finished winery building provides the best views of Viognier and Chardonnay vineyards atop surrounding rolling hills.  Visitors can enjoy views of the Bull Run Mountains (a range of the Blue Ridge Mountains) from most spots on the expansive 306-acre property.

Bluemont Vineyards—Bluemont

Bluemont Vineyards sits at 951 feet elevation on an eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The tasting room at Bluemont Vineyards is the highest in Loudoun County offering visitors a panorama of the Loudoun Valley and Washington, DC, on clear days.

Ankida Ridge Vineyards—Amherst

Located in Amherst about an hour southwest of Charlottesville, the vineyards at Ankida Ridge sit on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Ankida, an ancient Sumerian word that means ‘where heaven and earth join,’ is one of the most special places to take in Virginia’s spectacular views.  From the deck of the tasting room at 1,450 in elevation, visitors have an up-close view of Pierce Mountain and Tobacco Row, a chain of hills that run parallel to Route 29 south to Lynchburg, in the distance.   Owners Christine and Dennis Vrooman have recently cleared a new vineyard site at Ankida Ridge, at 1,800 feet elevation, with sweeping views east and south.

Early Mountain Vineyards—Madison

If you’re looking to visit a winery this fall that excels at both wine and seasonal foods, head to the Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison, just north of Charlottesville. The winery patio provides views of Tippets Mountain and other Blue Ridge foothills.  Visitors will find a broad range of Virginia wines available as part of Early Mountain’s ‘Best of Virginia’ program, which features wines from many of the state’s most notable wineries.

Afton Mountain Vineyards — Afton

Situated atop rolling hills at the foot of the Blueridge Mountains in the scenic town of Afton, VA, about 25 miles west of Charlottesville. The 82-acre Afton Mountain Vineyards property is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the region and boasts some of the most beautiful views.  The views are equally stunning from the deck patio of one of four rental cottages available property.

Stone Mountain Vineyards—Dyke

Approximately 25 miles northwest of Charlottesville in Greene County, Stone Mountain Vineyards is perched 1,700 feet above sea level in the Blue Ridge foothills.  The Stone Mountain tasting room is the highest in Virginia.  The expansive views of Greene County and the surrounding foothills from the observation deck are breathtaking.

Glen Manor Vineyards—Front Royal

Glen Manor Vineyards is situated on the western side of the Blue Ridge Mountains about 75 miles west of Washington, DC. The vineyards are planted on the steep slopes of Hodder Hill, named for owner and winegrower Jeff White’s grandfather. Visitors can relax in Adirondack chairs with friends and some of the finest wines in the region while enjoying sweeping vineyard views and the beautiful foliage of Dickey Ridge. Part of the Shenandoah National Park, Dickey Ridge climbs to 2,400 feet; about 1,000 feet beyond Glen Manor’s vineyards.  

Saudé Creek Vineyards—Lanexa

About 35 miles east of Richmond, Saude Creek offers wine enthusiasts some of the best views in the Tidewater region.  From the upper deck of the tasting room, visitors have views of Chambourcin vines with the Pamunkey River and town of West Point in the distance.

Chatham Vineyards—Machipongo

Visitors to the historic Chatham Vineyards property (patented in 1640 under English law) on Virginia’s Eastern Shore won’t see mountain ranges rising from valleys speckled with colorful foliage. Here, visitors will experience the attractions of the Chesapeake Bay.  A short walk from the Chatham tasting room, visitors will find Church Creek, which backs up to the property (actually the front).  Here, standing on the edge of the Creek, visitors have closeup views of birds nesting on Rabbit Island, salt marshes, blue crabs passing by in the water, and water birds like yellow-crowned night herons, blue herons, osprey, and belted kingfishers along with other wildlife.  Visitors may see oystermen pulling oysters from their beds in Church Creek or further up on Nassawadox Creek.  

These are just a few of the wineries and cideries that provide views of Virginia’s epic natural beauty. Share your favorites in the comments below!