Chrysalis Vineyards

Pay for your tasting in the small shop when you arrive, then, at the appointed time, head down the hill to one of several designated tasting areas in the big winery building. It’s not the most intimate of settings, but they manage the crowds well and keep things moving. (A new tasting room is in the plans.)

Bring your bbq fixings, because Chrysalis has a picnic pavilion just for you. Two large grills can be fired up for your weenies and burgers. A separate dining patio seats 40, so there’s room for all here.

After nearly a decade in business, Chrysalis is well regarded for its unusual Spanish and French varietals on 71 acres of vineyards, including Albarino, Tempranillo, and Graciano. Chrysalis also has the world’s largest planting of Norton, Virginia’s hometown grape.

Chrysalis sells light snacks for picnicking, or bring your own (note that picnicking is restricted to wine-buying customers); weddings and events are welcomed here, and the tasting room is available for rent, too; group tours are welcome with reservations (and reservations are also required for bus or RV parking); pet friendly.

About children, here’s what Chrysalis requests: “”We have provided a spacious and beautiful area, front and center overlooking our pond, and designated it as The Family Area. This area is specifically for parents who come with their children to picnic while they taste and drink our wine and we simply ask that the children be supervised and consideration given to others. Please keep your child well behaved and with you at all times in the Family Area ONLY while at [the winery] Locksley Estate.”"