Casanel Vineyards & Winery Review

One of the biggest things about many of Virginia’s vineyards is that they are proudly family-owned. Casanel Vineyards & Winery is truly no exception — family is at the heart of everything there which makes it such a special spot to add to your Virginia winery bucket list. This guide will dive into what makes Casanel Vineyards & Winery, such a special and inclusive spot to visit.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

Casanel Vineyards & Winery Review

Northern Virginia Travel Guides

If you’re traveling to the Northern Virginia Wine Country anytime soon, then look no further than my Boxwood Estate Winery Estate Pairing Review, 868 Estate Vineyards Review, Effingham Manor Winery Review, The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm Review, Old Farm Winery at Hartland Review, The Winery at Bull Run Review, and Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery Review. To plan your own wine tour, check out my experience with Cork & Keg Tours. For more Washington, DC Wine Country wineries to visit, there are many listed out in this guide as well as this dog-friendly wineries guide!

Besides wineries, for things to do in Northern Virginia, including thrift stores, pumpkin patches, and garden centers, then check out this master list as well as a guide on George Washington’s Mount Vernon. For dining options in Northern Virginia, look no further than these Old Town Alexandria dining, brunch, wine bar, and cafes guides as well as this Arlington wine bars guide, Burke restaurants guide, and Fairfax brunch guide. 

If you are looking for an activity to do pair with visiting a Northern Virginia winery with some nature, then I would highly recommend taking a scenic drive and go leaf peeping at Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive (read here for Fall Foliage predictions!). In addition to leaf peeping, Northern Virginia has several incredible pumpkin patches (which I list here!). If visiting Northern Virginia, then book one of many excellent hotels in the area!

Getting There

Located just about 10 minutes outside of Leesburg, Casanel Vineyards truly feels as if it’s in another world away! It is worth noting that Casanel Vineyards is located off of gravel roads. To spend less time on the gravel roads, then it is suggested to plan your travel via Business 7/East Colonial Highway instead of Routes 15 and 704.

At the same time, it is highly suggested that you drive to reach the vineyard. Luckily, Northern Virginia has several rental car options to choose from. If coming from Washington, DC without a car, the nearest Metro stop is Ashburn Metro Station. Ashburn is the last stop on the Silver Line and about a 25+ minute drive away.

Address: 17952 and 17956 Canby Road, Leesburg, VA 20175

About Casanel Vineyards & Winery + Plan Your Visit

Shaped in their three core values of people, passion, and a sense of place, owners Casey and Nelson DeSouza planted their roots at what is now Casanel Vineyards & Winery in 2006. With a lot of hard work, authenticity, and a  whole lot of celebration, the DeSouza’s have created a place where everyone can come together no matter who they are for a glass of wine (or a mocktail) and leave having a great time. Today, the values of people, passion, and a sense of place still reign true.

Key Offerings

Casanel Vineyards & Winery has PLENTY of offerings for you to enjoy upon planning your visit! These offerings include:

• Self-Guided Wine Tastings – including glasses, bottles, and wine flights
• Guided Wine Tastings – A staff member in the tasting room will walk you through not only the story of the family behind Casanel, but also give you a 1oz pour of 7 different wines.
• Mocktails – you heard me right! A variety of mocktails are offered on the tasting room’s menu, to ensure everyone has a great winery experience!!
• Tours – Tours of the grounds and winemaking experience at Casanel are available for parties of 6+ to enjoy. Tours cost $25/person and sturdy shoes are recommended.
• Events – I was truly amazed at Casanel’s presence in the Northern Virginia region and strong partnerships with local businesses. Casanel hosts several events both on their grounds and beyond that appeal to a variety of interests and hobbies. See more on events here.

When planning your visit, it is advised to check their website to ensure that they are open. At the same time, children are welcome inside the tasting room and beyond at Casanel. Whereas, pets are welcome outside only and they must be well-behaved and on a leash. Truly, everyone is welcome at Casanel but all visitors must be sure to plan their visit in advance. See more on planning your visit here.

My Experience

While at Casanel, I took part in a guided wine tasting, which includes a 1oz pour of 7 different wines. As someone who personally prefers dry wines, I was in luck!.

It is also important to note that taste of the wines at Casanel (as well as other vineyards!) is determined by the weather conditions year-after-year which affects wine harvest and the taste of the wines. During my guided tasting I tried the following wines – some of which pay tribute to the owners and family members that make Casanel, Casanel:

• 2024 Ellianna – Estate Pinot Gris
• 2024 Chardonnay – 100% Estate Chardonnay
• 2024 Jose Rose – A rose made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Petit Verdot, and Norton
• 2021 Casey’s Agape – A red wine blend Nnmed in honor of owner Casey
• 2020 C4 Cullen’s Cabernet Sauvignon – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 2021 Petit Verdot – Full bodied with Lucious acidity and expressive flavors of black and blue fruits, savory, umami notes, and a lengthy finish
• 2021 N2 (Nelson’s Norton) – 100% Estate Norton grapes

Learn more about the wines at Casanel here.

I LOVED getting the chance to talk with those who work at Casanel throughout my guided tasting experience. One of the most beautiful aspects of visiting Casanel is that the DeSouza’s embrace and value everyone who walks through their doors, whether it be somebody who works in the tasting room or winemakers or visitors. Everyone is truly celebrated and loved as they are at Casanel which is something that I noticed right away!

Wrap-Up

Casanel Vineyards & Winery is such a special place. While there, I truly saw how those who work there and regularly visit love it so dearly. From the heart that goes into making their wines to the experience as a visitor tasting their wines and having a good time (regardless of if you drink or not!), the DeSouza’s values of people, passion, and a sense of place still reign true to this day. Til next time!!

A special thank you to Reserve Pass and Casanel Vineyards & Winery for coordinating my visit and sponsoring today’s blog post. Without their support, The Pink Chickadee wouldn’t be where it is today!

XOXO – Katie <3