Loudoun 101: Loudoun Wines

Source: Loudoun County Convention & Visitors Association

 Western Loudoun is home to many of the Commonwealth’s vineyards, bringing wine enthusiasts the opportunity to cozy up with a glass of wine – or two, or three – next to a fireplace, on a veranda or in a gazebo, overlooking the beautiful scenery of Loudoun County.

The Loudoun Independent’s “Loudoun 101” guide features several wineries running throughout the county, but know that they are only a fraction of the county’s vineyards. To view a full interactive map of the wineries in Loudoun County, check here.

The Loudoun County Department of Economic Development has assembled a Loudoun wineries passport that visitors can print out and have stamped following each of their wine tastings. After receiving nine different stamps from each of the county’s 21 participating wineries, wine enthusiasts can submit their passport in exchange for prizes.

FABBIOLI CELLARS

15669 Limestone School Road Leesburg, VA 20176 703-771-1197

Owned by Colleen Berg and winemaker Doug Fabbioli, Fabbioli Cellars focuses on high quality and low production of red wines. The small, family-owned and operated winery also offers wines from local up-and-coming wine producers. Educational wine tastings and seminars for families or small groups are also available. WINES: Tre Sorelle (Bordeaux blend), Chambourcin, Raspberry Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Pear and Black Raspberry port-style wines, Rosé.  TOURS/TASTINGS: August through November, Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; December through July, Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day. 

COSTS: Wine tastings cost $5 per person to taste 8 to 9 wines. Groups of 8 or more need a reservation, and tickets increase to $10 per person per tasting, but includes a glass that guests may take home.

For more information, visit http://www.fabbioliwines.com/. 

HIDDEN BROOK WINERY

43301 Spinks Ferry Road Leesburg, VA 20176 703-737-3935

Located seven miles north of Historic Leesburg on Route 15, this log cabin winery specializes in dry to semi-sweet wines. Opened in 2002, its dining area seats up to 50 and the tasting room hosts a number of parties, weddings, rehearsal dinners and bridal showers. Feel free to bring your own lunch to enjoy there, as well. The winery also has a cozy fireplace and a veranda that seats 12, perfect for watching the sunset.

WINES: Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Merlot, Sweet Amber, Reserve.

TOURS/TASTINGS: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday, Thursday, and Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment. Closed New Year's, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas.

For more information visit www.hiddenbrookwinery.com. 

LOST CREEK WINERY

43277 Spinks Ferry Road Leesburg, VA 20176 703-443-9836

Boasting outdoor patios and gazebos, as well as a fireplace and gift shop, the Lost Creek Winery has something for everyone to enjoy. The family owned and operated winery offers wines, cheeses, breads, salami and light fare, or bring your own lunch to eat around the fireplace in the tasting room or on the covered patios overlooking the vineyards. The venue is open for special events and has a private room and a bride's room.

WINES: White - Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Sweet Summer, Springtime; Red - Chambourcin, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Reserve; Rosé - Late Harvest, Courtney's Christmas Blend

TOURS/TASTINGS: Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by appointment.

COSTS: Tickets for tastings cost $5 per person. Call in advance for groups larger than 15 people.

For more information and an events schedule, visit www.lostcreekwinery.com. 

TARARA WINERY

13648 Tarara Lane Leesburg, VA 20176 703-771-7100, Metro DC 703-478-8161 

Celebrating its 20th year of winemaking, Tarara Winery is among the older local vineyards. This 475-acre farm on the bluffs of the Potomac River features award-winning wines, a deck above the river, a tasting room and gift shop. The winery brings new grapes in every year to make truly unique products. The tour of the facility highlights the 6,000-square-foot Winemaker’s Cave, constructed for excellent wine storage. WINES: Meritage, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, Rosé, Long Bomb-Tribute Wine

TOURS/TASTINGS: January through May, open daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; June through December, open Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

COSTS: Tickets for tastings start at $10 per person for the classic tasting. Reservations are required for groups larger than 12. The winery also offers a “premier tasting experience” for $20, and reservations are limited to groups of 8 or fewer.

For more information and schedules, visit www.tarara.com.

Three Fox Vineyards

Three Fox Vineyards 10100 Three Fox Lane P.O. Box 9 Delaplane, VA 20144

540-364-6073

Sitting on 50 rolling acres, Three Fox Vineyards draws inspiration from Italian and French wineries. The winery is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along with you. In nicer weather, the venue’s outdoor tasting bar is very popular, as guests stroll along the brick patio.

WINES: Leggero Chardonnay, Springlot Reserve Chardonnay, Calabrese Pinot Grigio, Gatto Bianco, La Boheme Viognier, Appassionata Vidal Blanc, Cano Pazzo Rosé, Il Signor Sangiovese Reserve, Il Volpe Sangiovese, Maestro, Alouette Cabernet Franc, Piemontese Nebbiolo, Rosso Dolce Chambourcin

TOURS/TASTINGS: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Other times by appointment. Sundays feature the “Winemaker Walkabout” tour, where guests can stroll through the vineyards. The winery can accommodate groups of up to 50 people.

COSTS: $15 per person for the Walkabout tour, which includes a souvenir wine glass. Private tastings go for $10 per person, including a souvenir wine glass.

For more information, visit http://www.threefoxvineyards.com.

Veramar Vineyard

905 Quarry Road

Berryville, VA 22611

540-955-5510

Surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Veramar Vineyard is a staple in the Bogaty family, with three generations bringing the family’s winemaking tradition from the Italian Alps to the Virginian countryside. The Vineyard puts together wedding packages for couples looking to tie the knot with a scenic backdrop and rural, picturesque touch.

WINES: Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Riesling / Vidal, Rose, Estate Club Merlot, Norton¸ Estate Club Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, D'Ora, Mourvedre, Rooster Red

TOURS/TASTINGS: Open daily year-round, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please make reservations for groups of 10 or more.

COSTS: Regular Tasting $5 per person; Reserve Tasting $15 per person; Private Tasting and Tour call for per person price.

For more information, visit http://www.veramar.com.

Doukenie Winery

14727 Mountain Road

Purcellville, VA 20132

 540-668-6464

Located at the base of Short Hill Mountain, the Doukenie Winery boasts a 500-acre property, complete with horse pastures, grazing cattle, and a vast vineyard. Cozy up to the fireplace in the barn with bookshelf-lined walls as you sip your vino. Feel free to bring a picnic to enjoy alongside their pond, or try some of the winery’s specialty cheeses. Be sure to check out the winery’s special events, the Taste of Greece in May and the Taste of Italy in September.

WINES:  Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Mandolin, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zeus, Vintner's Reserve, Hope's Legacy (formery Hope's Raspberry Merlot), Nichola's Blackberry

For more information, visit http://www.doukeniewinery.com.