Barboursville Vineyards

(Note – Geo Coords listed here are not personally confirmed. This is according to Google maps and/or another web source; your mileage may vary!)

Through the years, the winery has led in establishing the credibility of the Virginia appellation with an array of vitis vinifera wine varietals, cultivating wines of a European heritage which wholly justify this new terroir. We are conscious of a joyful debt to that cultural and culinary tradition, not merely in grape cultivation, but in crafting wines of inherent food-friendliness.

We have shown how the most probing articulation of the exceptionality of this terroir, will always come from wines bearing a universally recognised varietal frame of reference. Here, then, are wines showing no contradiction between the most beautiful commemoration of place, and the honoring of expectations embraced by time.

Tasting fee $5. Open Monday-Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 11am-5pm

“Many – very many – people consider Barboursville to be Virginia’s premier winery.

Barboursville’s Octagon, a Merlot-based blend of Bordeaux grape varieties, is often held up to be the exemplar of Virginia’s wine aspirations. The price – between $50 and $75 a bottle, depending on vintage – destines many of us to speculation rather than actual tasting.

All photos from this winery

The historic winery is a 900-acre destination that warrants a relaxed settling-in. The tasting room is modeled after a Northern Italian farmhouse where more than 15 wines are available for sampling. The bright and airy restaurant, Palladio, is open for lunch Wednesday – Sunday, and for dinner on Friday and Saturday (reservations recommended for both). And the 1804 Inn offers a half dozen suites and cottages, if you’d rather not drive home.

Barboursville is about as centrally-located as they come, with Charlottesville just 15 miles south, Monticello 20 miles north, and James Madison’s Montpelier a nice 8 mile drive away.

 Weddings and private parties welcomed; picnic area and snacks available; Palladio, the winery’s renowned restaurant, is open for lunch Wednesday – Sunday (reservations recommended), and for dinner on Friday and Saturday (reservations required); kids welcome at the winery.

Wines include Italian varietals such as Barbera, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese joining the usual suspects: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Viognier, and Riesling.  An unusual-for-Virginia Sauvignon Blanc is also available, along with sparkling wines and a couple of dessert wine options, including Phileo, a classic Northern Italian Moscato blend.”

From Washington DC and North: Follow I-66 West to Route 29 South, Exit East on Route 15 (“Orange”), into Orange. Turn right at the traffic signal for Route 20 South, “The Constitution Highway,” and follow Route 20 directly past James Madison’s Montpelier Plantation, 8 more miles to Route 33. Turn left (east) on Route 33 for 1/4 mile, right (south) on Route 20, and you are in Barboursville. From Route 20 South, take the first left (Rt 678), follow the signs to the driveway of Barboursville Vineyards, less than 1 mile.

From Richmond and East: Follow 1-64 West to Exit 136 (“Orange”), turning immediately north on Route 15 approximately 12 miles into Gordonsville, turning left (west) on Route 33 West to the “T” intersection with Route 20 South, then follow directions as from Washington.

From Charlottesville and South: Go East from Charlottesville on Route 250 (bypass), to Route 20 North, “The Constitution Highway,” proceeding 16 miles northeast. Barboursville Vineyards will be visible on your right, turn as directed by the signs into Route 678 to the estate.