Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries
More than 500,000 people visit Virginia wineries each year. To understand why, visit the wineries near Orange, Virginia! As part of the Monticello American Viticultural Area, Orange County, Virginia produces more grapes used for making wine than any other county in Virginia. The Holladay House Bed and Breakfast is in the heart of Virginia wine country.
Vinifera varieties are the primary grapes grown in the Monticello Appellation, although a number of Virginia vineyards also grow native varieties such as the Norton grape. The Norton grape is a true American hybrid grape, introduced commercially by Dr. D.N. Norton of Richmond, Virginia in 1830 (approximately the same time the Holladay House was built!). Several nearby Virginia wineries offer excellent Norton wines, and we recommend trying each one!
Many Virginia wineries offer more than wine to entice visitors. For example, Barboursville is the site of the Barboursville Ruins, King Family Vineyards sometimes hosts polo matches on Sundays, and Keswick Vineyards has "Yappy Hour" for those traveling with a four-legged friend!
Stay tuned for more information about the local microbreweries in the region, 5 of which are conveniently listed on The Brew Ridge Trail website. We will also add information about the local distilleries Cactoctin Creek, Copper Fox and Belmont Farm.
The Monticello Wine Trail, the Central Virginia Wine Trail, Official Virginia Wine Lover Magazine, and the Blue Ridge Wineway all provide excellent guides to Virginia wineries in our region. However, we have some personal favorites:
Keswick Vineyards
(16 Miles): Keswick Vineyards is located at the historic 400-acre Edgewood Estate in Keswick, Virginia. According to their website, “The land was part of the original 1727 Nicholas Meriwether Crown Grant that comprised nearly 18,000 acres on the east side of the Southwest Mountains.” Their tasting room is in a picturesque, park-like setting that promotes a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Keswick is also a pet-friendly winery, with a nice outdoor area where you can enjoy a glass of wine, and your pet can enjoy the Virginia outdoors. We like the 2005 Viognier Estate Reserve, the2006 Touriga, and the 2005 Norton. If you like dessert wine (and we do!), the Keswick 2005 Royale is spectacular.
Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery (20 miles): Located northwest of Orange, Prince Michel creates excellent Virginia wines. Producing some of the most widely distributed Virginia wines, Prince Michel produces both the Prince Michel wines and the Rapidan River wines. The atmosphere is friendly, the staff is helpful, and they have a great gift shop.
Barboursville Vineyards
(13 Miles): Barboursville Vineyards defines the essence of Virginia viticulture. Established by Gianni and Silvana Zonin in 1976, Barboursville is the oldest and most well-known commercial wine producer in Virginia. Their renowned winemaker, Luca Paschina, hails from Piemonte, Italy, where his family has been making wine for generations. Barboursville Vineyards is also the home of Palladio, one of Virginia’s finest Italian restaurants. To generate even more interest, Barboursville is the site of one of the more unusual and fascinating historic homes in Virginia: the Barboursville Ruins. Octagon is Barboursville’s signature wine. The Cabernet Franc is a Virginia classic, the Pinot Grigio 2006 is extremely flavorful, and theCabernet Blanc is an excellent semi-sweet blush.
Burnley Vineyards (14 Miles): As a family-owned business, Burnley Vineyards provides its visitors with a rustic and comfortable family atmosphere. One of the most experienced Virginia farm wineries, Burnley is a short country-drive from the Holladay House and Orange, Virginia. In addition to the Burnley Vineyards wines, this Virginia farm winery produces Daniel Cellars wines. Burnley has several creative and unique wines, the likes of which you will not find anywhere else.
Old House Vineyards (25 miles): French winemakers Matthieu Finot and Damien Blanchon are creating award-winning wines at this delightful Virginia winery. The tasting room is a restored Victorian farmhouse dating to the 1890s. Located in Culpeper, Virginia, Old House Vineyards provides a relaxing and rewarding experience to its patrons.
Gray Ghost Vineyards and Winery (40 miles): Although farther away from the Holladay House than the other wineries listed here, Gray Ghost produces some of our favorite wines. We thoroughly enjoy their Reserve Chardonnay. Many of our guests visit Gray Ghost on their way to or from the Washington, D.C. metro area. Located in the picturesque environs of Amissville, Virginia, Gray Ghost will not disappoint. The scenic drive between Orange and Amissville alone is worth the trip!
Pearmund Cellars (49 miles): Like Gray Ghost, Pearmund Cellars is farther away from the Holladay House than other wineries listed here. However, their tasting room is delightful and family-friendly, and we enjoy a number of their wines. The Vin de Sol Reserve is a unique aperitif, the Late Harvest Vidal is delectable with dessert, and the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is one of our favorite reds.
