Hidden gems that are off the beaten path

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Hidden gems that are off the beaten path

The Central Virginia region and especially in and around Charlottesville have been known, for sometime now, to house some of the states best vineyards/wineries. However, there are many more vineyards/wineries, in the area, that are off the beaten path and in their own unique ways, fabulous and worth the drive!! All around the areas of Madison and Culpeper you can find at least 14 hidden gems that are sure to wow, aww, shock, amaze and satisfy even the finickiest of wine lovers!!

Here, in no particular order, are 14 hidden gems that we'd love to introduce you to! Give us a call today to schedule your Culpeper or Madison County tour!!

Mountain Run Winery

Set on a 125-year-old farm, Mountain Run is a quintessential family-operated farm winery. Opened in 2016, Mountain Run quickly became known for its charming pastoral setting, friendly service, and wide range of award-winning wines, meads, and hard cider. Our one-of-a-kind tasting room is built in a 1950’s corn crib, complete with slatted walls that allow for the free passage of air through the building, and adjoining bays that have held tractors and hay wagons for the better part of the last century. As soon as you step inside the weathered oak walls of our buildings, you will feel the deep agricultural history of the setting come alive. Both kid and dog friendly, and with a playground to boot. Whether you are looking for a cozy couch indoors, a wooden table inside a 120-year-old barn, or a place under the shade of a black walnut tree, there is something for everyone at Mountain Run Winery.

Old House Vineyard

It was a rainy Mother’s day in 1998 when we discovered the 75 acres and abandoned farm house at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With the help of family, friends, and a local grape grower, we soon began working to transform the property into Old House Vineyards.

Today, the formerly overgrown alfalfa fields are lush vineyards producing grapes for our award-winning wines. The 1800’s farm house has been restored to an inviting gathering place for the enjoyment of good food and wine.

We couldn’t have imagined years ago the amount of labor or fun that would be involved in bringing this venture to life. We look forward to sharing the fruits of our labor with you.

Prince Michel Vineyard

Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, one of the east coast’s oldest and largest wineries, is passionate about great wine and a great wine experience. Now home to Tap 29 Brewery & Brew Pub enhancing the experience with local craft brews and homemade pub grub 7 days a week. It doesn’t matter if you can only visit us through our website or come to the winery. It is always our goal to make your experience with us exceptional.

Revalation Vineyard

Our tasting room is housed in a rustic log cabin featuring a wide stone fireplace, original log chinking and hand sawn floor boards, and the kind of mountain views that can only be seen in Hebron Valley. The cabin was originally built in 1830 on an estate in Southern Virginia, in Java near Gretna, where it was inhabited until the late 1940s. In 2016, Françoise and Julian bought the then-derelict structure, and had it restacked at the feet of the Blue Ridge Mountains. All of the original logs were used, and a few feet of vertical space were added to meet more modern height requirements; the fireplace and chimney were built using stones reclaimed from Virginia farmhouses.

The tasting room is beautiful in every season. In the colder months, the fireplace creates a cozy escape from brisk outdoor temperatures. As the weather warms, the wrap-around porch becomes the perfect place to sit and gaze at the mountains while enjoying a great glass of wine and the company of good friends.

Blue Quartz Winery

Located in Madison County, Virginia on scenic route 231, Blue Quartz Winery and Shotwell Run Brewing Co. share a Tasting and Tap room that features estate grown wines, hard cider, and craft beer. The spacious Tasting and Tap Room with expansive outdoor space sits on a knoll overlooking the beautifully maintained vineyard and Old Rag Mountain. We are both kid and dog friendly.

DuCard Vineyards

Savor the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you sip DuCard wine and enjoy the pure, fresh mountain air in our tranquil country setting.

DuCard is the perfect location for a day trip, a relaxing afternoon as part of a weekend getaway, a celebratory stop after a Shenandoah hike, or for hosting a special event.

Our unique LOVE sculpture greets you upon your arrival. Photo op!

Narmada Winery

Spread out and enjoy the views of our vineyard. Seating can be on our grassy picnic area or on our stonework area right by the tasting room. There is coverage from the elements and fans for those oh-so-hot Virginia summer days.

Gray Ghost Vineyards

Gray Ghost, a family owned and operated winery, is placing Virginia on the international wine map by producing internationally acclaimed fine wines from immaculate vineyards. All grapes are hand-picked and wine is aged in premium oak barrels. Full-bodied reds are unfiltered and lighter-styled wines are fermented at lower temperatures to enhance fruit character. This emphasis on quality resulted in Gray Ghost being named "Best of the East" by Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine four consecutive years!

Magnolia Vineyards

We like to refer to ourselves as a Mom & Pop, small production, boutique winery. We currently produce ~750 cases per year and our goal is to offer wines carefully crafted in traditional European styles.

The vineyard consists of ~7,000 vines of Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Merlot and Petit Verdot planted over ~7 of our 50 acre property.

We strive to integrate Olde World hospitality and charm with a casual, laid back and relaxing modern day atmosphere. We have interior seating for ~45, exterior picnic tables and porch seating for another 40 or so and, of course, plenty of open ground for picnickers with views of Old Rag and the Blue Ridge mountains.

Molon Lave Vineyards

Molon Lave Vineyards is a boutique farm winery specializing in producing handcrafted wines based on the principles of traditional European wine-making techniques. It is situated in the middle of 50 acres of land, just south of Warrenton, Virginia, surrounded by vineyards, forests and ponds. The winery offers majestic views of the Virginia countryside and a warm Mediterranean décor with sculpted wood furniture and antique wine making equipment. The sounds of soft music, inviting aromas of wood and wine, and soft, gentle lighting provide the perfect ambience for gatherings and relaxation.

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Morais Vineyards

The Morais family has been making wine for over a hundred years. In Portugal, the heritage of wine making has been passed down from generation to generation. Joining this age old family tradition with Virginia’s rich history of winemaking, the Morais family has built a legacy which has become an area landmark.

Rogers Ford Farm Winery

People struggle with the hectic pace of modern life. Rogers Ford Farm Winery is a peaceful retreat from the dizzying rush. Come share some wine, rediscover your friendships and reconnect with someone you love.

This winery is at the edge of nowhere. Leave the asphalt and concrete behind.Here it's quiet. Here it's dark at night. Here you can just be in the moment.

The Winery at Rapidan

We are a disabled, combat veteran owned small business and farm located in the town of Rapidan, inside historic Culpeper County. Breathtaking views of the Piedmont region of the Blue Ridge mountains dominate the horizon in all directions. Our farm sits on top of the remnants of an old Civil War hospital and stables. The area is rich in history and offers many attractions to see while you visit.

Our focus is to bring a new kind of craft to the community: one not focused on volume, but unequivocally dedicated to using the highest quality ingredients and locally grown organic fruits grown here on our Culpeper county line farm. we are completely solar powered, self-sufficient and use renewable resources while abiding by a strict recycling regimen that goes back into evolving our farm.

Early Mountain Vineyard

Having been voted the #1 tasting room in America, our space offers both high-end dining and lounging in comfy sofas while sampling wines from Early Mountain’s vineyards as well as flights and a curated selection of wines from the best vineyards throughout the Virginia commonwealth.