The Top 4 Vineyards & Wineries Near Washington DC

If you’re yearning to get out of town for a quick, idyllic getaway serving award-winning wine, you’re in luck. Just an hour outside of the nation’s capital is DC’s Wine Country in Loudoun County. Here, the countryside promises to sweep you off your feet with an endearing local arts scene, gently rolling hills, horse farms—and picturesque vineyards. An easy weekend escape, Loudoun County offers overnight at one of the 30-plus adorable bed-and-breakfasts. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, pick and choose from the many charters and private car options or arrive by train using the city’s Metrorail Silver Line.

The thriving region of 40 years boasts a robust wine trail of more than 50 wineries that grow 25-plus varietals and annually produce over 2,300 tons of wine. Chock-full of exceptional vintages, the wines of the vineyards you’ll visit have medaled at international, national, and state competitions. Memorable wine tasting rooms, managed by some of the friendliest people on the planet, deepen the appeal of this creative community.

Since sipping is more fun with others, join up with a merry band of friends to experience this laid-back, unpretentious wine destination using the following winery suggestions to get you started.

Cana Vineyards & Winery; Photo by Miles Partnership/Neal Alfano Photography

CANA VINEYARDS & WINERY
Head to Cana Vineyards & Winery, a renowned women-owned estate to experience a glass of 2019 Unitè Reserve, winner of the Virginia Governor’s Cup in 2022, courtesy of Cana’s celebrated winemaker Melanie Natoli. The first female to win the cup, Natoli is a bit of a local celebrity and crafted this winning elixir using a combination of Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet. Natoli also worked with the First Lady of Virginia to unveil Cornus Viginicus to celebrate Virginia’s agriculture. Linger at the 43-acre family-friendly winery over a flight of three curated wines—with light fare on the side if you’re peckish. For a deep dive, reserve a guided wine tasting

BREAUX VINEYARDS
Breaux Vineyards is a sun-kissed farm unfolding across 404 acres of rolling land, the 1997 estate was founded by the Breaux family of Louisiana. The majestic wine tasting room channels Tuscan architecture and stays busy pouring award-winning wine made from 17 varietals grown onsite. Must-not-miss wines are the 2019 The Fog Nebbiolo Reserve, which recently won the 2024 Governor’s Case, and gold medalists Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and The Quarter, both of 2019. On warm days, enjoy a bottle of the popular sparkling rosé Breauxmance outdoors on Patio Madeleine and soak up views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Adding to their robust event schedule, the winery recently launched Read Between the Vines—where you can congregate with fellow “wineauxs” and bibliophiles.

Boxwood Winery; Photo courtesy of Boxwood Estate Winery and Visit Loudoun

BOXWOOD WINERY
Find yourself swept off your feet with the Cave Tasting Experience at Boxwood Winery, John Kent Cooke’s upscale adult-only winery in Middleburg. A lover of French wine, the former owner of the NFL Washington Commanders crafts five Bordeaux-styled blends with a Virginia influence at the architecturally noteworthy estate. Bring a jacket to revel in this enchanting wine tasting experience in the low-lit circular cave surrounded by French oak wine barrels. As the only cave experience in the area, Boxwood Winery allows you to linger in the rich ambiance while sipping and savoring the ample cheese and charcuterie spread. From grape to bottle, the exquisite blends of traditional Bordeaux varietals are 100% estate produced.

Tip: Don’t leave without tasting the 2015 Boxwood Estate Reserve, which enjoys a 93-point rating from revered critic James Suckling.

Stone Tower Winery; Photo courtesy of Rodney Brown/Visit Loudoun

STONE TOWER WINERY
Set on a rambling 300 acres with a lake and jaw-dropping mountain views, Stone Tower Winery is a multi-generation family-owned winery is an expansive operation with specially designated areas for active families and pets, club members, 21+, and weddings—plus, it offers nearby properties for overnight stays. There’s a full menu of food options, too, but the winery’s magic starts with exceptional vines that produce award-winning wines, a feat that requires wrestling with the challenging Virginia climate. The winery’s engaging bevvy of events, classes, and offerings ranging from the classic tasting “Signature Experience” to an estate tour on a golf-cart, and Women in Wine SOMMinar to Trivia Night, ensure that expectations of every stripe are exceeded.