Unicorn Winery

(Been there, checked it!)

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Unicorn Winery specializes in producing premium Virginia varietal wines.

Stop in sometime and take a stroll through the vineyard while you enjoy a glass of one of our award-winning wines. Picnic down on the banks of the Rappahannock river or relax on the deck overlooking our scenic koi-stocked pond. Our fully stocked wineshop features unique and hard to find wine accessories as well as bottles and cases of our delicious vintages.

Monday-Friday 12:00-5:00; Saturday-Sunday 11:00-6:00. Tastings cost $5.

We visited Unicorn Winery on 18 July. Here’s a link to Nancy’s post on our visit. It was Franc’s birthday the day we visited Unicorn, and like the exemplary tasting room host he is, he brushed off all the extra attention and instead focused on his guests. For some guests, that could prove problematic, since Franc’s sense of personal space is nearly non-existent. Sometimes, mere inches separate you when Franc decides you need a little extra attention. But we ate it up, especially when he gave us a little poke in the leg with his nose – lord knows, Franc loves a good scratch now and again. Being a schnauzer and all.

All photos from this winery

One of the things we liked best about Unicorn – besides Franc – is that the vineyard comes right up to the road, crowding you as drive onto the property, as if to say – hey, we’re small, but we’re aggressive, and we’re gonna win you over.

The new owners, Sandy and Richard LePage, bought the winery in mid-2008 and have been working hard to upgrade the vineyards and the tasting room, and to bring in some fresh energy with activities like their First Friday get togethers, when they stay open until 9PM and offer live music the first Friday of each month (April – September). Sandy also encourages guests to bring a picnic down to the banks of the Rappahannock river, or relax on the deck overlooking the koi pond.

Twelve wines were available when we stopped by, including the popular Slightly Embarrassed blush ($14), the 2005 Chambourcin ($16), and the Crimson Sunset ($15) – an off-dry Chambourcin that Unicorn calls “red wine with training wheels,” and recommends serving chilled.

That’s what’s great about Unicorn. They’re not afraid to give you a little extra attention – or a poke – when you need it.

Pinot Gris; Chardonnay; Table Rock White (Chardonnay, Seyval, Vidal Blanc, and Traminette blend); Traminette; Slightly Embarrassed blush (Seyval, Chardonel, and Chambourcin blend); Merlot; Chambourcin; Cabernet Survignon; Cabernet Franc; Crimson Sunset (Chambourcin). The winery also had a Meritage (their blend is Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cab Franc) and Obsidian port-style desert wine that were available for sale only (not for tasting).

Note: Our iPhone had no AT&T cell signal at Unicorn Winery, so make sure you have your GPS or directions fired up before you go!

Directions from Washington D.C.
Head West on I-66 to the Gainesville exit. Go West on Route 29 to the Warrenton exit (Route 29/211). Follow Route 211 West for approximately 7 miles towards Amissville. Make right onto Route 622 (Old Bridge Rd.), Unicorn Winery entrance will be on right.

Directions from Richmond
Take I-95 North to Route 17 North (Exit 133). Follow Route 17 North taking exit onto Route 29 North. Take the first Warrenton exit (Route 29 business), then take Route 211 West towards Amissville (Approx. 7 miles). Make right onto Route 622 (Old Bridge Rd.), entrance will be on right (Approx. 1 mile).

Directions from Charlottesville
Go North on Route 29 and take first Warrenton exit (29 business). Go West on Route 211 for approximately 7 miles towards Amissville. Make a right onto Route 622 (Old Bridge Rd.), entrance on right.