Autumn is whispering through Northern Virginia’s vineyards—crisp air, golden light, and the promise of cozy tastings. Just a short drive from Ashburn, several exceptional wineries offer unique settings, award-winning wines, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re planning a romantic date, a relaxed weekend with friends, or simply want to soak in late-season beauty, here are the best picks — and what makes each standout.
1. Fleetwood Farm Winery – Leesburg, VA
Set within a beautifully restored colonial-style manor (dating back to around 1765), Fleetwood exudes history and tranquility. The original home was built by William Ellzey, a gentleman-farmer who famously promoted early Virginia wine production. The contemporary owners, Skip Edgemond and Jamie McClellan of Reston, brought bold landscaping flair (Edgemond owns a landscaping business) and warmth to the venue, transforming it into a “garden winery” where stone archways open into lush gardens.
Special Wines & Food
Fleetwood offers a rotating selection that began with blended estate and leased grapes sourced from Fairfax and Fauquier Counties. The tasting experience goes beyond wine: it includes elevated food pairings, think charcuterie boards and seasonal bites, and an atmosphere alive with live music, trivia nights, and an aesthetic blend of rustic and refined.
Why Visit as Fall Arrives
Imagine sipping a crisp Rosé or a rich Chardonnay amidst turning leaves and garden pathways, it’s autumn relaxation embodied.
Website: fleetwoodfarmwinery.com
2. Stone Tower Winery – Leesburg, VA
Perched on Hogback Mountain atop a dramatic 300-acre estate, Stone Tower takes its name from twin turrets in a Belgian fortress where co-owner Mike Huber’s father once worked. Owned by Mike and Kristi Huber (also behind Belfort Furniture), it’s a family-owned venue imbued with hospitality and visual grandeur.
Special Wines & Food
Their signature Viognier, first planted in 2009, is a standout, blended with Roussanne (3–4%), barrel fermented, oak-aged (about 30% new), and lees-stirred monthly for added complexity. The winery also benefits from the skill of acclaimed winemaker Benoit Pineau, with rich international experience.
Why Visit as Fall Arrives
Panoramic vineyard views glitter with early fall colors; combine that with expertly crafted whites and reds for a picture-perfect seasonal tasting.
Website: stonetowerwinery.com
3. Bluemont Vineyard – Bluemont, VA
Established in 2007 by the Zurschmeide family, farmers for decades in Loudoun County, Bluemont presents a family hearted blend of agriculture and winemaking. Located on the first ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, its 951-foot elevation and sweeping valley vistas make every sip feel immersive.
Special Wines & Food
This boutique vineyard produces approximately 5,000 cases annually, with varietals like Viognier, Norton, and Cabernet Franc. The vineyard’s sensory profile—cherry and raspberry notes—reflects the surrounding farm’s crops and honeybee activity.
Why Visit as Fall Arrives
Fall’s crisp air enhances tasting experiences on their expansive patio. The views, combined with small-batch wine craftsmanship, create a memorable escape.
Website: bluemontvineyard.com
4. Breaux Vineyards – Purcellville, VA
Launched in 1997 by real estate entrepreneur E. Paul Breaux Jr., Breaux Vineyards began as a hobby before blossoming into one of Virginia’s largest estate-grown wineries. Now run day-to-day by his daughter Jennifer Breaux Blosser and her husband Christopher, the operation blends entrepreneurial vision with family-driven hospitality.
Special Wines & Food
Breaux is best known for its Viognier (celebrated in Oz Clarke’s 250 Best Wines—#87 in 2012) and its bold Nebbiolo, rare in Virginia. On PBS’s Un-Wine’d (2024), Jen Breaux highlighted the winery’s culinary offerings from Grillades with Grits to pomodoro pizzas drawing on their Cajun roots. (Checkout this video from PBS).
Why Visit as Fall Arrives
Structured reds like Nebbiolo pair beautifully with chillier evenings and scenic wooded surroundings, now dressed in autumn hues.
Website: breauxvineyards.com
5. The Winery at Bull Run – Centreville, VA
Why It’s Unique
Opened in 2012 by Jon Hickox on historic land adjacent to the Manassas National Battlefield Park, this grape-to-glass farm winery doubles as a living museum of 19th-century Americana. Hickox’s deep-rooted farming lineage and love of history are reflected in both the culture and decor—walls are adorned with Civil War artifacts that history buffs cherish.
Special Wines & Food
Though specifics weren’t listed in the sources, the winery focuses on artisanal Virginia wines, offers a wine club with exclusive quarterly selections and access to premium seating like the “Generals Deck”.
Why Visit as Fall Arrives
It’s the perfect fall outing: open-air vineyard grounds, fairy-lit evenings, live music, and the resonance of history, all wrapped in the colors of autumn.
Website: wineryatbullrun.com
Bonus Mentions: Middleburg Wineries Worth the Drive
If you’re up for a scenic drive (~30 minutes beyond Ashburn), Middleburg’s winemaking region offers some standout spots:
- Boxwood Winery: Features a terroir exhibit, underground “Cave” tasting room, and scenic “Pavilion” views.
- Cana Vineyards: Home to award-winning rosés, with a hillside tasting room that opens to breezes and vine vistas.
- Greenhill Vineyards and 50 West Vineyards: Offer picnic vibes and bluff-top settings near the Bull Run Mountains.