Virginia’s wineries all serve up incredible wines, but a few take that service to the next level with an amazing on-site restaurant. These tasting rooms offer carefully curated menus that will elevate your wine tasting to an unforgettable culinary journey. Make reservations at one of these foodie-focused vineyards to sample savory dishes alongside award-winning Virginia wines. 

Barboursville Vineyards

Barboursville Vineyards in the Fall

Barboursville Vineyards

Located at Barboursville Vineyards, one of Virginia’s most celebrated wineries, Palladio Restaurant offers a dining experience inspired by the renowned hospitality found in Italy’s rural communities. The simple yet elegant cuisine of Northern Italy comes to life with locally grown ingredients, letting the bounty of Virginia’s Piedmont shine while honoring traditional Italian culinary roots. Don’t miss the wine pairings here–especially Octagon, a Bordeaux blend that is consistently awarded in national and even international competitions. 

Stone Tower Winery

Opt for a meal at the Tower View Tasting Room at Stone Tower Winery and enjoy refined dishes such as lamb ragout, steak frites, and mussels, as well as a selection of wood-fired pizzas and shareable appetizers. The 21-and-up tasting room provides the perfect place for a memorable meal, whether it’s a romantic anniversary or an adults-only group outing. When weather allows, grab seats on the patio for a scenic view of the rolling landscape blanketed in acres of vines. 

Narmada Winery

Indian cuisine may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of wine tasting, but the fare at Narmada Winery will quickly make you a believer. Staff can advise on the optimal pairings, serving dishes such as butter chicken, vegetable samosas, and saag alongside varietals like chambourcin and viognier. 

Early Mountain Vineyards

Early Mountain Vineyards Food Spread with Wine Bottle

Early Mountain Vineyards

Photo Credit: Anna Kariel, @anna_kariel

Executive Chef Tim Moore helms the kitchen at Early Mountain Vineyards, creating exceptional meals that range from upscale picnic fare to prix-fixe seasonal menus built to complement current wine vintages. The restaurant works with nearby farms to source seasonal ingredients picked at their peak, ensuring the menu reflects the surrounding landscape. Trained under acclaimed Michelin-starred Chef Patrick O’Connell, Moore brings an elevated touch to the dining experience while maintaining a warm, inviting atmosphere. 

Williamsburg Winery

The menu at Gabriel Archer Tavern at Williamsburg Winery focuses on seasonal ingredients, local seafood, and produce from the winery’s own garden, making the food feel closely connected to the surrounding land. Dine beneath the wisteria-covered terrace with vineyard views, and to make it a full getaway, book a room at the property’s luxurious inn, Wedmore Place, just steps away from the restaurant and winery. 

The Dog & Oyster Micro-Vineyard at the Hope & Glory Inn

Coastal flavors take center stage at The Dog & Oyster Micro-Vineyard and Oyster Bar at the Hope & Glory Inn in Irvington, Virginia. The restaurant has earned a reputation as one of the best fine dining spots on Virginia’s Northern Neck, with a three-course menu that reflects the season’s bounty. Don’t miss tasting the world’s first dessert oyster–it sounds odd, but the pairing of lime sorbet, dill, and a fresh Chesapeake Bay oyster just works. 

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Photo Credit: Monticello Wine Tour & Coach Co.

The elegant on-site dining room at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards overlooks the famed Blue Ridge Mountains, marrying two of Virginia’s most celebrated things–superior wines and awe-inspiring mountain views. Settle in for a cozy meal inside or enjoy sweeping views of the vineyards with a backdrop of the mountains from the patio. With a menu reflecting local flavors and dishes made with ingredients from the restaurant’s gardens, the kitchen at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards crafts fresh, inspired farm-to-table meals. 

Nicewonder Farm & Vineyard

Located about fifteen minutes north of downtown Bristol, Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards is not just a winery, but a luxury resort, spa, golf course, and fine dining destination. Eat at the tasting room for a more casual meal, with fare ranging from seasonal salads to an array of pizzas, or head to Hickory, the resort’s main restaurant, for upscale Appalachian cuisine. Consider splurging on a room or one of the opulent yurts to make your dinner an incredible weekend getaway. 

CrossKeys Vineyard

The Bistro at CrossKeys Vineyard is a Shenandoah Valley gem, pairing delicious wines with a robust menu that includes shareable starters, sandwiches, burgers, and entrees like roasted salmon and filet mignon. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, dessert is a must–the winery offers a handful of decadent treats, including cannolis, cheesecake, and affogato. Visit on Sundays to experience The Bistro’s brunch; pair classic brunch dishes, such as chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits, with a mimosa flight. 

Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard

Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard

Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard

Most people remember their visit to Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard because of the quirky decor, but the food is apt to be high on the list of memorable aspects as well. Order one of the paninis inspired by the season’s flavors, or opt for artisan pizzas with unique toppings like chorizo and speck. Bringing kids along for the day? The vineyard has a children’s menu featuring picky-eater-approved items such as grilled cheese and soft pretzels. Finish the meal with Virginia-sourced desserts, including Nightingale ice cream sandwiches and Albemarle Baking Company’s princess cake. 

 

In addition to these wine and food destinations, many Virginia wineries serve light fare like charcuterie boards to complement the wine tastings or work with local restaurants to offer food delivery options. Check with individual wineries before your visit to find out about their current menus.