Best Orange County Wineries
In search for one of the most prominent wine regions on the East Coast that offers alluring mountain views, compelling history, and award-winning wines?
Orange County in Central Virginia offers something for everyone. You will find wineries with old world influences as well as modern viticulture practices. There are so many exceptional wineries all within driving distance of each other
Several of Orange County vineyards are grown within the Monticello American Viticulture Area (AVA) recently awarded “The Wine Region of the Year” in Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Star Awards.
The following Orange County wineries provide a range of events and tasting experiences all year round.
Barboursville Vineyards
Barboursville Vineyards is one of the oldest and most prestigious vineyards in Virginia known for its innovative viticulture and wine practices to improve wine quality and sustainability. Barboursville offers an extensive visitors experience with educational winemaking classes, on site cottages for accommodations, award-winning gourmet restaurant, and wine tasting options. Do not forget to taste their flagship wine, Octagon, whose 2020 vintage received 93 points from James Suckling. A Bordeaux style blend worthy of aging.
Horton Vineyards
Horton Vineyards represents three generations of winemaking excellence and innovation. As one of the pioneer wineries that laid the foundation for the Virginia wine industry, Horton was the first to plant Viognier in the region, a grape that has since become Virginia’s signature grape. This multigenerational family legacy continues to push boundaries by introducing and cultivating lesser-known grape varietals that thrive in Virginia’s unique terroir. Today, Horton Vineyards offers an exceptional selection of over 50 different wines to try while enjoying the view from their beautiful tasting room.
Reynard Florence Vineyard
Reynard Florence Vineyard is a family-owned boutique winery offering hand crafted and small batch wines. Their mission is to produce wines in the style of Bordeaux and Loire regions that respect the grape from bud to harvest to bottle. The vineyard is known for Viognier, Petit Manseng, Petit Verdot, among other varietals. Perfect stop for an intimate relaxing wine tasting with a countryside setting.
Honah Lee Vineyard
Honah Lee Vineyard has ideal terroir including well-drained soils and a climate perfect for grape growing. This allows grapes to express well-balanced acidity, sweetness and intense flavors. This makes Honah Lee a sought-after vineyard producer that collaborates with other Virginia wineries, providing them with high quality grapes within the Monticello AVA. Stop into their scenic tasting room and farm market market that sells fresh produce, jams, sauces, baked goods, and crafts.
Chateau MerrillAnne
Chateau MerrillAnne offers a tranquil and relaxing setting. This family-owned vineyard focuses on craftsmanship, producing a wide variety of wines and wine styles, and is the only winery in Virginia to win 7 or more medals in each of the last 5 years at the prestigious Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition. In their cozy barn and tasting room, visitors are welcome to ask questions and engage in conversations with owners and staff. The fun, relaxed atmosphere extends to their outdoor deck with meadow views amid the working farm. Wine slushies and sangria are served on the weekends to cool off on hot summer days.
Well Hung Vineyards
Well Hung Vineyards – don’t let this brand-name fool you. This vineyard was founded by three women who recognize the value of a good joke supported by quality wine. Respecting the relationship between wine and local cuisine, they offer a diverse range of wines, including reds, whites and rosés. More than any other winery in the area, Well Hung Vineyards functions like a restaurant! That’s because it is a restaurant! And a darn good one too, right in the center of Gordonsville, with delicious food pairings to complement their wines. As you can imagine, the combination restuarant-tasting room is a fun inviting atmosphere. Well Hung also offers a variety of brand merchandise that are great gifts and souvenirs.
Woodbrook Farm Vineyards
Woodbrook Farm Vineyard is family-owned and operated with a legacy of horse racing champions in Virginia. Their portfolio of wines ranges from robust reds to crisp whites, each crafted with care. Nestled in picturesque Orange County, the vineyard offers spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to slow down and savor the moment. Guests are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy alongside the award-winning wines in The Training Barn Tasting Room—a perfect gathering place for friends and family.
The Barn at 678
The Barn at 678 offers a rustic ambience that is a very comfortable setting in Barboursville Virginia. The barn itself is it casual restored space offers a unique setting for wine-tastings and events. The Barn at 678 hosts a variety of events throughout the year including live music and wine and food dinners. Their sparkling white and rosé are a must try for everyday celebrations.
Orange County, Virginia, has so much to offer with scenic beauty, historic significance and high-quality wines.
Orange County wineries host of variety of events throughout the year.
You can find live music, educational tours, food and wine pairings, and wine tastings
throughout the county. What I like most about Orange County Vineyards is their
commitment to sustainable and environmental farming practices. These practices enable the health of the vineyard and the surrounding ecosystem, contributing to the long-term viability of their grape production in Orange County, Virginia for years to come.
True lovers of Orange County wines will enjoy the annual Corks & Caps Celebration. Collect 7 stamps from any of the vineyards described above, or visit several of the region’s breweries or distilleries, and submit to win a free t-shirt! We are reminded that libations and raiment pair nicely together!
Make sure to check out our interactive map here for locations and directions detailing the wineries listed above.
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About the Author
Former Wine and Spirits Industry leader, the late Mari Kelly originally penned this review of Orange County wineries. It has been subsequently updated by the Charlottesville GUIDE team.
