Paradise Springs

(Been there, checked it!)

Located in the quaint town of Clifton, Virginia and bordering Bull Run River, Paradise Springs Winery and Vineyard is the closest winery to Washington DC and the first in Fairfax County. Serving as the gateway to Virginia Wine Country, the property features an 1800’s log cabin, which was renovated in 1955 by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. Tastings, tours, wine dinners, and much more can be found at this intimate, family run, destination winery. Come experience the old world country nestled only a stone’s throw from Washington DC.

Over the next year our beautiful production facility will begin to come to life. Come check up on its progress and sample the great wines we have already produced. 100% Virginia. Relaxation is always available……..

Tastings cost $7 per person (groups $10 per person).
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11-7. Happy Hour on Friday from 5-9 (most Fridays – call to confirm – $1 off all glasses of wine from 5pm-8:30pm, Summer Sangria available. Live acoustic music on the lawn). Call for reservations for a private tasting.

We just visited Paradise Springs on Saturday, 10 July. Here’s a link to Nancy’s post on our visit. Paradise Springs’ reputation preceded it: immediately upon telling Fairfax County friends and neighbors about the “150 in 150″ tour, they insisted we check out Paradise Springs. A lovely log cabin, circa 1800, hosts a small tasting bar upstairs and larger one down. (A new, “green” production facility with a 40 foot bar is slated to open in 2011.)

All photos from this winery

The waymarker signs hadn’t yet gone up when we visited, and depending on where you enter Yates Ford Road you may encounter a “No Outlet Ahead” sign (maybe a disgruntled community coalition’s idea of a prank?). But press on, and mind the speed bumps. On the cabin’s tiny front porch, we stepped around two couples – new friends who’d clearly sampled a few too many of the goods – and we were optimistic that this was a happy, friendly, lingering sort of place.

We forked over $14 for two tastings (with a promise that we could keep the glass). Rick sipped and spit his 8 wines responsibly, Nancy less so. Visitors tend to favor the Norton, Sauvignon Blanc, and Vidal Blanc, according to our knowledgeable and patient (they were getting ready to close) attendant, Jordan. (We bought the Norton.)

Sauvignon Blanc; Viognier; Chardonnay; Vidal Blanc (blend of vidal blanc, traminette, viognier, petit manseng, and chardonnay); Rose (blend of Cab. Sauv., Cab. Franc, and Tannat); Cabernet Franc; Cabernet Sauvignon; and Norton.

From Washington, DC and areas East:
Take I-66 West (I-495 will intersect) to exit 55 for Fairfax County Parkway South toward Springfield.
After about 2 miles take the Braddock Road exit.
Turn Right onto Braddock Road and follow for about 2 miles.
Turn Left onto Clifton Road and follow for about 3.5 miles.
Bear to the right as you come into the town of Clifton.
Go over the railroad tracks, through the town, and straight through the stop sign.
Turn right onto Yates Ford Road at the four way stop sign.
Paradise Springs Winery will be on your left after about 1.5 miles.

From Richmond and areas South:
Take I-95 North to exit 160B for Occoquan / Lake Ridge (VA-123N).
Stay on 123 North, over the Occoquan Bridge for about 8 miles.
Turn Left onto Clifton Road (Burke Lake Road turns into Clifton Road).
Follow for about 4 miles (Through 1 stop sign where a gas station is on your left).
Turn Left onto Yates Ford Road (Before the town of Clifton) (HARD TO SEE!!!!).
Straight through a four way stop sign.
Paradise Springs Winery will be on your left after about 1.5 miles.

From Fairfax and areas North:
Take Ox Road (Route 123) South.
Continue for about 5 miles south of George Mason University.
Turn Right on to Clifton Road.
Follow for about 4 miles (Through 1 stop sign where a gas station is on your left).
Turn Left onto Yates Ford Road (Before the town of Clifton) (HARD TO SEE!!!!).
Straight through a four way stop sign.
Paradise Springs Winery will be on your left after about 1.5 miles.

From Gainesville and areas West:
Take I-66 East to exit 52 for US-29 toward Centerville.
Keep right at the fork and continue onto US-29 East.
Follow US-29 for about 2.3 miles.
Turn Right onto Clifton Road and follow for about 3.5 miles.
Bear to the right as you come into the town of Clifton.
Go over the railroad tracks, through the town, and straight through the stop sign.
Turn right onto Yates Ford Road at the four way stop sign.
Paradise Springs Winery will be on your left after about 1.5 miles.