A location steeped in history and charm, Middleburg, VA, is nearly 50 miles from Washington, D.C. but seems to be worlds apart with its delightful villages dotting the roadways lined with equestrian properties and stacked stone fences. It is located in the heart of Loudoun County nestled in the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the wineries near Middleburg VA offer tranquillity and luxury.
Middleburg is known as the “Nation’s Horse and Hunt Capital” for its steeplechases, foxhunting and large estates. The soil and climate enable vintners to produce superior wines at all of the Loudoun county wineries, of which Middleburg has a total of 24. The oldest of the Virginia wineries is Chateau Morrisette which is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Let’s take a look at more of the best Middleburg wineries that are well with checking out when you’re in this part of the world.
Boxwood Estate Winery
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Boxwood Estate Winery, one of the best Middelburg wineries, takes inspiration for their wines from the French Bordeaux combined with the Virginian. Seven varieties of grapes produce the three types of red wine which Boxwood Estate Winery specializes in. The magnificent vines which span 26.5 acres exemplify the beauty that Middleburg is known for.
From its first vintage in 2006, Boxwood has earned high praise for its smooth red wines. Wines can be sampled at the Tasting Room and you can take a vineyard tour, which includes a tasting, and which you should book in advance online.
Wines on offer include:
- RESERVE: a delicious wine representing the vintage’s best Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot
- TOPIARY: a sophisticated blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
- TRELLIS: lighter in style, predominantly Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
- ROSÉ: a dry Saignée wine produced from Boxwood’s red varietals
- SAUVIGNON BLANC: a white Bordeaux blend with Sauvignon Gris
Opening hours at Boxwood are Thursday – Sunday 11am-6pm.
Barrel Oak Winery
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At Barrel Oak Winery, there is no need to book for the bar, the tasting room or the patio. You can enjoy flights or tastings at the bar or outside in the beautiful, tranquil setting. Barrel Oak also offers curated tasting experiences with food pairings. You can sit indoors in the lounge or at the outdoor picnic tables. You can enjoy the ‘Friday Night Flites’ around the fire pits: complimentary tasting flights from 5pm-8pm. Pets and children are welcome at this chilled winery which also hosts events and their opening hours are Mon-Thurs: 12pm-5pm, Fri 11am-8pm and Sat & Sun: 11am-6pm.
Chrysalis Winery
A champion of Virginia’s native Norton grape, Chrysalis is one of the area’s largest wineries near Middleburg VA. There is an onsite shop that sells regional specialities and a bar where you can order wine by the glass or bottle as well as cheese and bread and you can eat and drink at the tables on the lawn. Tastings are on offer at all times and take place in a converted barn. Chrysalis also offers musical festivals and other special events. Opening hours are Monday Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 12pm-6pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm-8pm and Sunday 12pm-7pm.
Wines include:
- Albariño: Dry and crisp, this wine has the rich, bracing flavours of citrus, almonds, apricots, and peaches.
- Albariño Verde: A dry, crisp white wine that pays homage to the green wine of Portugal: Vinho Verde. It is light-bodied with a natural effervescence.
- Borboleta: Chrysalis Vineyard’s Port-style wine made from 100% Norton grapes is rich and sweet and makes a perfect aperitif.
- Buttorfleoge: Chrysalis Vineyards’ first sparkling wine.
- Mariposa: A blend of Tannat, Petit Verdot, Norton, this wine is a refreshing, fruity, and slightly sweet wine that pairs well with food.
Cana Vineyards & Winery
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When you visit Cana, you will be able to relax and take in the stunning views of the Bull Run and Blue Ridge Mountains while you imbibe their award-winning wines. With 43-acres of farmland, a beautiful tasting room and a pavilion set on the hillside, Cana Vineyards and Winery is a wonderful place to visit. The passionate and dedicated team who produce excellent wines have won the Virginia Winery of the Year three times in a row at the New York International Wine Competition.
Cana Vineyards and Winery specialise in making small batches of wine with world-class equipment. They were one of the first Middleburg wineries to do barrel fermentation of most of their red wines. A visit to Cana guarantees a friendly and warm environment for guests year-round, with brilliant customer service and plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces. Children and dogs are welcome on the first floor and surrounding grounds and the facility caters for events such as weddings, private parties and corporate meetings. Opening hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday 12pm-6pm and Saturday 11am-6pm.
Greenhill Winery & Vineyards
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Greenhill is the principal boutique winery in Loudoun County, Virginia, delivering phenomenal wine served by friendly and professional staff in a farm wine setting that can only be described as breath-taking. The 128-acre site features Little River, a natural pond and a Club House. The owner, David Greenhill, fell in love with the stunning grounds and beautiful buildings located at Greenhill. The winemaker, Sébastien Marquet, does not produce wine from conventional wine-making principles, preferring instead to “start from scratch and get a feel for the soil.” This has resulted in several outstanding wines which you can enjoy with food pairings. They are open every day of the week from 12pm-6pm.
The tasting room at Greenhill Winery & Vineyards is spacious, bright and welcoming with modern finishes and it offers beautiful views of the vineyards. The magnificent manor house is what makes Greenhill stand out from the rest: it contains enormous private rooms with state-of-the-art décor, resulting in a perfect atmosphere in which you can relax and enjoy wine tasting. While you are there, have a glass of Greenhill’s Chardonnay – a refreshing wine with pineapple, fig and apple flavours.
Middleburg Museum
If you need a break from visiting the best Middleburg wineries, there’s even more to explore. Loudon County has a long equine history and has a reputation as the capital of hunt country. The first fox hunt took place in 1840 by the Piedmont Fox Hounds – a private hunt club in Middleburg.
Middleburg pays homage to the history of the hunt by showcasing the hounds and horses at the National Sporting Library & Museum – an institution dedicated to preserving the historic sports that define Virginia Hunt Country. The museum houses literature, artefacts and art in its mission to preserve the traditions of sports such as polo, shooting, foxhunting and horsemanship.
Middleburg Wineries and A Whole Lot More
Middleburg is the epitome of a small town and has a main thoroughfare where you can shop, eat and explore to your heart’s content. There are also plenty of activities that you can enjoy in the vast outdoor areas surrounding the town.
Located less than one hour from DC, Middleburg offers spectacular views, wonderful outdoor spaces and most importantly, world-class wines.