The Best Wineries and Breweries to Visit

A weekend away at The Holladay House includes homemade breakfast and treats while surrounded by history and Southern charm. One of the most popular activities that guests do while visiting is venture out to some of Virginia’s best wineries and breweries. The following wineries and breweries are some of our guests’ favorites and are all within driving distance of The Holladay House. To make it extra easy and safe for you to imbibe, we have packages (like Wine Your Way Around and Cheers for Beers) that include transportation to and from many of the places listed below.

Wineries

1. Barboursville Vineyards: Barboursville Vineyards is a short drive from Orange and provides the ultimate winery experience. This spot has beautiful views, unique architecture, and offers a separate and exclusive tasting experience in the Library. If you are partial to red wines, the world-renowned Octagon is consistently voted the best in its class year after year. If a sweeter dessert wine is to your liking, their Phileo is an incredible balance of flavor, sweetness and acidity.
   
2. Hammerstone Cellars: A smaller, family-owned winery, Hammerstone is better known for its white wines, with the Cuvee Blanc being a favorite of our guests. If you are a white wine lover, this unique and refreshing option will not disappoint!
   
3. Chateau MerrillAnne: Those looking for a more intimate experience should visit Chateau MerrillAnne. They incorporate a working farm into the environment and sell their wine out of a charming restored barn that is original to the property. One of our guest favorites from here is a delightful red called Founded 1734.
   
4. Honah Lee Vineyard: This spot always has awesome events going like Fireside Fridays from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on varying Fridays from November-January. Weather permitting, you can enjoy wine by the fire, with s’mores, hot dogs, and charcuterie boards available. Honah Lee loves a fun twist, and their habanero infused Meade is a personal favorite. Their wine is top-notch, and one of their many homemade jams or jellies always have to make the trip home with you.
   
5. Horton Vineyards: Horton Vineyards offers over 40 wines so it’s a great place to visit with a group of wine lovers who have varied tastes, as there is something for everyone to enjoy. The unique architecture and views make it a top destination. Horton Vineyards also offers large seasonal events throughout the year and donates proceeds from sales to various causes including breast cancer and dyslexia.
   
6. Well Hung Vineyard: This place just opened a wonderful new tasting room in Gordonsville, only a ten-minute drive from The Holladay House. It offers a great menu to complement their wines and would be perfect to visit with a group of girlfriends.

Breweries

1. The Light Well (Willow Spring Brewery): The first brewery in Orange County, located just two blocks from the Holladay House. They brew four of their own beers, with a wide variety of bottled and tap craft beers. Lunch, dinner, and brunch are all served, complete with local Virginia wines, creative bar drinks, and Orange Roasters Coffee.
   
2. Unionville Brewing Co.: Just 15 minutes away from the Holladay House and almost ready to open. Unionville Brewing Co. specializes in high-quality, traditional German and Belgium beers and is currently constructing a Biergarten. They also plan to offer spiked seasonal teas, lemonades, and specialty beer cocktails from locally sourced products.
   
3. Far Gohn: Go here for that local, small-town feel! Located on a quaint corner, Far Gohn uses local ingredients to brew German-inspired beers. You can also be a Mug Club Member, getting your own inscribed stein that they will leave hanging on the ceiling just for you to return. They rotate what is on tap and have great homemade pizza, which makes for the perfect laid-back experience.
   
4. Beer Hound Brewery: A nano-brewery with all the beers named after dogs they know and love. This micro-brewery serves their locally brewed beers straight to their customers and it is the perfect place to enjoy a pint.
   
5. Bald Top Brewery: This farm brewery offers a cool barn and tasting room, with beautiful views and even better beer. They are constantly hosting great events, with a full schedule throughout the Fall. Plan this as a stop on your next visit for a great time with unique experiences, food trucks and live music.

Book today for the ultimate private winery and brewery tour experience, plus a fabulous two-night stay at the historic Holladay House.