Casanel Vineyards & Winery Review

As a wine lover, I feel sooo grateful to call Virginia my home due to the many vineyards and wineries that also call my state home. 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 blog post will dive into all of what makes Casanel Vineyards & Winery, such a special and inclusive spot to visit for everyone in your crew.

*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.*

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

While there, I had the opportunity to use my Reserve Pass – a Wine Pass app that gives pass holders varying discounts at participating wineries across the state of Virginia and *even* beyond. Its geographical interface allows wine lovers to locate wineries near them and get the best deals *literally* at their fingertips. At Casanel Vineyards & Winery, I was able to enjoy 10% off wine bottle purchases! If you’re like me and you LOVE visiting local wineries, then you must check out Reserve Pass and get your own today, which I write about more in-depth about the specifics of here. If you’re interested in purchasing a Reserve Pass to save on your winery and vineyard visits, then use my discount code “ktloveswine” for 50% off your Reserve Pass today! Purchase here!!

Casanel Vineyards & Winery Review

This Casanel Vineyards & Winery Review will be split into 3 sections: Getting There, About Casanel Vineyards & Winery + Plan Your Visit, and My Experience.

Getting There:

Located just about 10 minutes outside of downtown Leesburg, Virginia, 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 as opposed to 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 which 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 at Casanel as the winery has several offerings to enjoy whether it be enjoying a glass or flight in their tasting room or outside at their patio or balcony, or a stroll around the grounds’ gazebo, everyone will be sure to have a great time!

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 – Whether on their website or social media pages, I was truly amazed at Casanel’s presence in the Northern Virginia region and strong partnerships with our 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 to Casanel Vineyards & Winery, it is advised to check their website to ensure that they are open when you plan to visit and to ensure if a reservation is required for your party that you do so in advance. 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 as previously mentioned, includes a 1oz pour of 7 different wines. As someone who personally prefers dry wines, I was in luck as most of Casanel’s wines are for those with a dryer wine palette. 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.

At the same time, 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

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The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Northern Virginia Wineries (Local’s Favorites)

***Please note that this The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Northern Virginia Wineries (Local’s Favorites) will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date Virginia Wine scene. This guide was most recently updated as of March 2026.***

While having close proximity to the nation’s capital, Northern Virginia is also home to some incredible wineries. I have been fortunate enough to visit multiple wineries in Northern Virginia – all of which have so much history, character, and *of course* wine to offer. Above all else, it is worth noting that the people who work at each of these wineries are what have made my experiences and hence their mention in this blog post worth mentioning! Virginia and Northern Virginia is home to some incredible winemakers from all diverse backgrounds, which also makes Northern Virginia so magnificent!! Here, I list 10 wineries in Northern Virginia (and counting!) for when you want to plan your next wine-filled adventure!

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page. For more Washington, DC area travel inspiration, check out my Exploring The DMV page.

The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Northern Virginia Wineries (Local’s Favorites)

Table of Contents

A Way To Save at Northern Virginia Wineries

Northern Virginia Wineries: A Local’s Picks!

A Way To Save at Northern Virginia Wineries

Download Reserve Pass and sign up for YOUR membership today!! Reserve Pass is currently the only app in the United States that is essentially a nationwide wine (and sometimes beer) tasting pass for you and a guest (see more here)! Memberships are available in monthly and annual formats. The key features of Reserve Pass are:

  • Explore – by simply downloading the Reserve Pass app, you can simply plan your wine tasting adventure within your own backyard or while on vacation.
  • Perks – as a Reserve Pass member, you get to enjoy exclusive perks while touring historical sites, strolling through vineyards, and tasting local wines.
  • Revisit – unlike just any old coupon, you can revisit any of the wineries you loved and get the same Reserve Pass deals with them time and time again.

Interested in getting your own Reserve Pass today?! Interested in trying Reserve Pass for yourself?!?! Use my discount code “ktloveswine40” for 40% off an annual membership today (value: $69).

For more details on Reserve Pass, look no further than here.

Northern Virginia Wineries: A Local’s Picks!

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery

Address: 18035 Raven Rocks Rd, Bluemont

About: Twin Oaks Tavern Winery is a two-generation, woman-owned winery on the foothill of the Shenandoah mountains. Located in the Bear’s Den Historic District, Twin Oaks Tavern is one of many stone houses built from 1890-1920 and was transformed into a winery in 1999 after a fire burned much of its original structure down in the 1980s. Today, Twin Oaks Tavern Winery is a welcoming place that’s also dog-friendly.

Molon Lave Vineyard and Winery

Address: 10075 Lees Mill Rd, Warrenton

About: A family-owned winery on several acres in Warrenton, Molon Lave Vineyards and Winery is a proud dream of the Papadopoulos family since its 2009 opening. The name Molon Lave is derived from its namesake as a Greek phrase that embodies pride, dignity, and a unique perception of life. As someone named Katie, my favorite wine is their rose wine called “Katie’s Charm”!

Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery

Address: 5535 Blue Valley Way, Delaplane

About: With Greek mountainside roots in winemaking, the Zissios family brought a piece of Greece to Northern Virginia through opening Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery in the Shenandoah Valley to the public in 2015. To this day, Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery is still family-owned and runs on the Greek value of respect, ensuring that everyone who walks through its doors are treated like family.

Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery

Address: 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane

About: Also known as “BOW”, Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery values itself on passion, commitment, and fine wine as well as a friendly place for everyone to bring your dog both indoors and outdoors. Everyone truly feels right at home at Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery, whether human or canine!

Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery

Address: 10100 Three Fox Lane, Delaplane

About: A family and dog-friendly winery and brewery with a pizza shed overlooking the Shenandoah mountains, Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery is a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy a fun vineyard outing. Be sure to check out the beautiful onsite meadow and creek – perfect for kids and dogs to soak in some sunshine – and enjoy some wine at one of their tables in the vines! Read my full review on Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery here.

Boxwood Estate Winery

Address: 2042 Burrland Lane, Middleburg

About: Located in the heart of Middleburg, Virginia, a town filled with lots of Revolutionary War and Civil War history, Boxwood Estate Winery is a fulfilled lifelong dream of former President and Owner of NFL’s Washington Redskins John Kent Cooke. Boxwood Estate Winery has a unique onsite winemaking process alongside a variety of wonderful specialty wines, which you can read about more in my review of their specialty Estate Pairing within their incredible wine cave (!!!!) here.

Paradise Springs Winery

Address: 13219 Yates Ford Road, Clifton

About: One of the closest wineries to Washington, DC, Paradise Springs Winery is a bicoastal winery with a location in Santa Barbara, California as well as in Clifton, Virginia. Guests can enjoy the winery’s gorgeous grounds and scenery in the heart of Clifton, Virginia as well as different food trucks that come to visit.

The Winery at Bull Run

Address: 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville

About: A grape to glass farm winery right next to the historic Civil War Manassas Battlefield Park, The Winery at Bull Run pays homage to its Civil War roots while producing incredible wines. Be sure to enjoy their guided wine tastings in the tasting room with a complimentary wine glass in lieu of wine flights as well onsite their live music. Read about my experience at The Winery at Bull Run here.

Old Farm Winery at Hartland

Address: 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie

About: The sister winery to The Winery at Bull Run, Old Farm Winery at Hartland located in Aldie, Virginia is situated on a renovated 18th century farm and former fox hunting club where the Kennedy’s used to go. Be sure to enjoy their guided wine tastings in lieu of wine flights – similar to that of its sister winery and enjoy a guided tour of the grounds. Read about my experience at Old Farm Winery at Hartland here.

Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard

Address: 275 Decatur Road, Stafford

About: Located in Stafford County with an onsite bistro, Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard offers an elegant twist to the vineyard experience. Be sure to indulge in a delicious meal and one of their wine-soaked cakes at their onsite bistro and take in all of the lovely scenic views.

Morais Vineyards & Winery

Address: 11409 Marsh Road, Bealton

About: Offering gorgeous Portuguese-style opulence and architecture, Morais Vineyards & Winery offers a breathtakingly gorgeous grounds to take it all in, one sip at a time! Be sure to check out their tasting room to enjoy their incredible wines, as well as events and visiting food trucks, alongside a gorgeous grounds stroll.

Casanel Vineyards & Winery

Address: 17952 and 17956 Canby Road, Leesburg

About: 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 at Casanel as the winery has several offerings to enjoy whether it be enjoying a glass or flight in their tasting room or outside at their patio or balcony, or a stroll around the grounds’ gazebo, everyone will be sure to have a great time!

  

Wrap-Up

The wine, the people, and the character is what makes every single one of these wineries in Northern Virginia worth a visit! Not only is there diversity and kind souls within the Northern Virginia region that distinguishes it, but there are also diversity and kind souls plus wine within each of these 10 wineries in Northern Virginia. If you plan on visiting multiple wineries within the year or even a week/month sure to check out Reserve Pass and get your membership today to start saving while you sip. Use my discount code “ktloveswine40” for 40% off an annual membership today (value: $69). Through it all, Northern Virginia is such an incredible place and these wineries make it so incredible!

***A special thank you to Reserve Pass for sponsoring today’s blog post. Without their support, The Pink Chickadee would not be where it is today!***

XOXO – Katie <3

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Old Farm Winery at Hartland Review

It has been a year in the works of making a visit to this magnificent winery happen! Recently, as shared over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I *finally* made it to visit Old Farm Winery at Hartland with my dear friends Stephanie and Ashley. While at Old Farm Winery at Hartland, I had an incredible time tasting some of their many great wines, learning more about the winery’s history and heritage, and getting to know the lovely people who work there.

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

While there, we had the opportunity to use my Reserve Pass – a Wine Pass app that gives pass holders varying discounts at participating wineries across the state of Virginia and *even* beyond. It’s geographical interface allows wine lovers to locate wineries near them and get the best deals *literally* at their fingertips. At Old Farm Winery, we were able to enjoy BOGO on glasses of wine! If you’re like me and you LOVE visiting local wineries, then you must check out Reserve Pass and get your own today, which I write about more in-depth about the specifics of here. If you’re interested in purchasing a Reserve Pass to save on your winery and vineyard visits, then use my discount code “ktloveswine” for 50% off your Reserve Pass today! Purchase here!!

Getting There:

Located in Aldie, Virginia on Fleetwood Road off of Little River Turnpike, Old Farm Winery at Hartland is within less than an hour’s reach by car from Washington, DC as well as nearby Arlington, Virginia and Alexandria, Virginia. Old Farm Winery at Hartland is right on the Fairfax County-Loudoun County borders, making it easily accessible from parts of both counties. From my home basis in Fairfax County, it took me about 30 minutes of driving to get there! If coming from Metro, Ashburn Metro Station on the Silver Line is about a 15 minute drive away and an easy Uber ride.

Address: 23583 Fleetwood Rd, Aldie, VA 20105

About Old Farm Winery at Hartland + Plan Your Visit:

Old Farm Winery at Hartland opened its doors to the public on November 6, 2021. It is the sister winery to the Centreville, Virginia’s The Winery at Bull Run (read my experiences there here). This winery’s home is on 35 acres of 18th century farmland in the heart of hunting country in what used to be the Fairfax Hunting Club (from ~1960s-1990s/early 2000s) where fox hunting took place. When talking with Aurora who works at Old Farm Winery, she told us that one of the winery’s fellow staff members used to hunt at Fairfax Hunting Club and rode horses with former President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy! HOW COOL is that?!?! Currently, Old Farm Winery has operates in a resorted 19th century farmhouse and barn and also has an outdoor bar and vast outdoor seating area.

Old Farm Winery has PLENTY of offerings for you to enjoy upon planning your visit! These offerings include:

  • Self-Guided and Guided Tastings for $18/person, including 6 unique wines (see more below on each wine below!), as well as Private Tastings for $25/person. See more here!
  • Glasses and bottles of wine (price varies/wine)
  • A food menu
  • An Events Calendar filled with fun events, ranging from live music to ticketed events such as food and wine pairings to comedy shows. See more here!
  • Tour of the Grounds & Tasting which happens rain or shine. Reserve your tour here!

It is worth noting that Old Farm Winery accepts both reservations and walk-in’s. Reservations for wine tastings are not required for groups of 8 or less people. For groups of 9 or more people, reservations are suggested for wine tastings via a Private Group Tasting (see more above!). It is also worth noting that dogs are allowed on-leash outside. Crowds are hit or miss, depending on the day and time that you visit, as the staff say that it can be unpredictable given the day’s weather conditions. Be sure to check Old Farm’s hours as you plan your visit, too, as well as their social media channels for any exciting events going on. We opted to walk-in and it was worked out beautifully!!

Plan YOUR visit today!!

Note: While there, don’t forget to snap a photo and check out the iconic Old Farm Winery at Hartland red truck!!

My Experience:

Immediately upon entering the refurbished 19th century farmhouse where we happened to spend most of our time on a windy Sunday afternoon, we were greeted by the incredible people who work there. We enjoyed a lovely tasting and history lesson from Aurora (who also graciously snapped some photos of us that are in this blog post!!) as well as learned some fun facts about Old Farm Winery from Scott. While Ashley and I waited for Stephanie, we each enjoyed a glass of wine and snapped some photos (thanks again, Aurora!) and admired the beautiful winery’s grounds. Once Stephanie arrived, the tasting began!! Aurora graciously guided us through our tasting where we got to try 6 of Old Farm’s unique wines, including:

  • 2020 Chardonnay – 100% Chardonnay
  • 2021 Viognier – 100% Viognier
  • 2021 Tally-Ho – 67% Vidal Blanc, 18% Traminette, 12% Seyval Blanc, 2% Riesling, 1% Chardonnay
  • 2020 Cabernet-Franc – 100% Cabernet Franc
  • 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2020 Heritage – 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Franc

**For more information beyond each wine’s varietal, including residual sugar, aging, tasting notes, pairing recommendations, and tasting notes, then plan your visit at Old Farm Winery at Hartland and earn discounts via purchasing your Reserve Pass for 50% off with discount code “ktloveswine” today! 

During our guided tasting, a few fun facts were learned! We learned that the Viognier is a unique white wine to Virginia with grapes brought over and re-homed to the Old Dominion State from France when their environment was going through tough environmental times centuries ago. Anddd, the 2021 Tally-Ho is Old Farm Winery at Hartland’s unique signature white wine, playing homage to its heritage as a fox hunting club. Whenever somebody would catch a fox, they would use the command “Tally-Ho”. And, hence the Tally-Ho wine was uniquely blended and made to honor the grounds’ fox hunting history and legacy. Last but not least, we learned that how a glass of wine tastes year after year is determined by the weather conditions and how it in return affects the vineyards’ grapes. HOW COOL!

Wrap-Up:

Through it all, I LOVED our experience at Old Farm Winery at Hartland! From learning about the roots of the Viognier wine as a unique Virginia wine to how the local climate affects how our wine tastes to the winery’s heritage as a fox hunting club, I truly left Old Farm Winery feeling so much gratitude and excited to go back. I plan to book a tour and tasting of the grounds and bring my Papa who’s a deer (and fox!) hunter and has been since the 1960s in Northern Virginia as well as my dog Rosie. Old Farm Winery truly has a special meaning and serves as a historical place for us all to enjoy today.

A special thank you to Reserve Pass and Old Farm Winery at Hartland 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

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Want to Save on Wine?! Get A Wine Tasting Pass!

Do YOU love wine?! Are YOU traveling to the wine country in Virginia or California?! Perhaps, do YOU live near wine country?! If any of these following examples apply to you, then you must check out Reserve Pass app! If you know me or have been following me on Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee) for some time, then you know that I LOVE wine! I ALSO LOVE finding a good deal and enjoying one, too! Luckily for me, Reserve Pass allows me to enjoy wine at local wineries AND score some discounts!! I have been fortunate enough to partner with Reserve Pass (which has since merged with Virginia Wine Pass!) in the past and today, I am hear to share with y’all, my experiences of using Reserve Pass.

About: Reserve Pass is currently the only app in the United States that is essentially a nationwide wine (and sometimes beer) tasting pass for you and a guest (see more here)! The key features of Reserve Pass are:

  • Explore – by simply downloading the Reserve Pass app, you can simply plan your wine tasting adventure within your own backyard or while on vacation.
  • Perks – as a Reserve Pass member, you get to enjoy exclusive perks while touring historical sites, strolling through vineyards, and tasting local wines.
  • Revisit – unlike just any old coupon, you can revisit any of the wineries you loved and get the same Reserve Pass deals with them time and time again.

Currently, Reserve Pass is partnering with over 250 wineries across the United States, being a passport for its guests to visit local wine regions both near and far. Reserve Pass’s deals and discounts vary per winery. Some places offer buy one get one free on wine glasses/flights/tastings, a percent discount on wine bottle(s) purchases, and tasting fee waived with the purchase of a bottle. It is also important to note that Reserve Pass does not partner with every vineyard/winery/brewery in the United States (and primarily its partnering wineries are in the West Coasts’ and Virginia’s Wine Country regions), meaning that there won’t be a deal at every place you may visit. However, there are several vineyards/wineries/breweries that Reserve Pass DOES partner with, especially clustered in the Virginia Wine Country/Maryland area and across the West Coast. In Virginia, Reserve Pass partners with wineries, including: Boxwood Estate Winery, Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery, & The Winery at Bull Run. Overall, Reserve Pass is truly a wine tasting pass!

Whether you’re visiting a local wine country for the first-time EVER or live nearby a wine region (such as in Virginia or the West Coast) and want to check some boxes off of your winery bucket list, Reserve Pass truly IS the wine pass for YOU! Reserve Pass allows for its users to purchase two different types of memberships:

  • Monthly ($14.99/month) – PERFECT for those looking to try local wineries while on vacation or in the Summer month(s) when you know you’re looking to try a high-volume of wineries in a given month.
  • Yearly ($99/year) – PERFECT for those who live and frequent local-to-them wineries and will be visiting them multiple times in the year.

Interested in trying Reserve Pass for yourself?!?! Use my discount code “ktloveswine40” for 40% off an annual membership today!

I have personally LOVED how unique Reserve Pass is given its app-based geographical interface to allow for users find wineries nearby their current location and whether or not there is a deal nearby. For the many day trips that I take in the Washington, DC area to the nearby Virginia Wine Country, I LOVE that I can simply log onto the Reserve Pass app and find wineries near me and their corresponding deals. For example, when planning for a day trip to visit my friend Carlin in Winchester, I was able to find a nearby vineyard offering discounts to Reserve Pass members to grab a glass at along the way.

A special thank you to the team at Reserve Pass for sponsoring today’s blog post. Please note that all opinions are my own.  

XOXO – Katie <3

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Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery Review

My first-ever activity when I turned 21 was visiting local-to-me vineyards, as it was also in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. AND, vineyard visits have since become a favorite activity of mine! SO, when I got invited to check out a winery AND brewery, Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery, I could NOT say no!

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

About:

Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery was founded in 2002 and reimagined in 2020 with a mission to “blur the lines between beer and wine” through the power of innovation. Set in the heart of Northern Virginia’s Wine Country in Delaplane, Virginia and possessing several scenic views at everyyyy angle, Three Fox Vineyards also strives to give back to the community beyond its visitors. Three Fox is ALSO dog-friendly and family-friendly!

Three Fox has a variety of seating arrangements too. Whether it be within their indoors Tasting Room, outdoors Patio and Deck, or *even* in none other than their Grape Vines, there is ALWAYS an option for everyone and their preferences. One of the many many many assets that Three Fox has to offer is also seating literally over the hill to an onsite meadow and creek (!!!!!!!) with several benches where many fur legged LOVE to take a stroll by! If you want to learn more, look no further than here!

As for drinks, Three Fox has a vast wine and beer menu, as well as some boozy shakes! I opted for the white wine flight and was very impressed!!!

Getting There:

Three Fix Vineyards & Brewery is located off of Exit 23 via I-66 via an easy drive off of the highway and is easily within a day trip’s distance from Front Royal, Winchester, and Washington, DC. It is easiest to drive to Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery, as the nearest Metro station (Ashburn via the Silver Line) is a 46 minute drive away.

My Experience:

Overall, I was BLOWN away by my visit at Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery! The staff that I met, including Christina, Robin, and Molina (not sure if it’s spelled correctly!), were all EXTREMELY kind and hospitable. One of the things that stuck out to me about Three Fox’s interior design was the unique touch of bouquets across the tables. I later found out that those gorgeous bouquets were mostly the product of the staff’s *very own* gardens at their respective homes. HOW LOVELY!

Now, I was seated at an amazing location onsite … a table in the grape vines!!!! YES, the grape vines!!! HOW NEAT! Three Fox ALSO has a local third party pizza vendor onsite which I grabbed some lunch at alongside my complimentary white wine tasting. While seated in *none other than the grape vines* I enjoyed taking in ALL of the incredible vibes here at Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery, including a front seat row to watching … the cows come home (no LITERALLY!). I had never sat in a table in the grape vines and I truly felt like royalty thanks to the staff at Three Fox!

Wrap-Up:

I LOVED the family AND dog-friendly atmosphere at Three Fox and would highly recommend it to others looking for a great vineyard AND brewery to visit! Not only is Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery easily accessible off of I-66 and within an easy reach of Washington, DC, Front Royal, and Winchester, but it also boasts something for everyone of ALL ages.

A special thank you to the team at Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery for sponsoring my visit. 

Til next time, Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Boxwood Estate Winery Estate Pairing Review

I am truly somebody who LOVES a good wine day and will probably drink wine anywhere! However, I had yet to add enjoying a wine day in a wine … cave surrounded by French Oak Barrels (!!!!!) to the list of places that I have enjoyed a glass of wine until recently. When I heard about Boxwood Estate Winery’s Estate Pairing – a guided and curated wine and hors d’oeuvre pairing hosted in their cave (!!!!!) – I could not resist the opportunity to take part in this incredible experience! A special thank you to the incredibly kind and hospitable team over at Boxwood Estate Winery for hosting me for an Estate Pairing! Come along with me for my *very own* Boxwood Estate Winery review of their Estate Pairing!

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

About:

Boxwood Estate Winery was founded by John Kent Cooke the former owner of the Washington Redskins football team via his lifelong dream. Cooke’s love for Bordeaux wines gave Boxwood its emphasis on curating premium red and white Bordeaux wines in-house. Given that Boxwood is proudly an estate winery, Boxwood controls all steps of the production of its wines. One of the biggest distinctions of Boxwood is the fact that it focuses on the high-quality of its premium wines versus high quantities of wines, making for an elevated wine experience when going!

Getting There:

Boxwood Estate Winery is located in Middleburg, Virginia AVA in the heart of Northern Virginia’s Wine Country, local horse farms, and Revolutionary and Civil War history. Boxwood is located a couple of miles off of I-66, about an hour’s drive from Washington, DC or a 30 minute drive from the Ashburn Metro Station (accessible via the Silver Line towards Ashburn). It is easiest to either drive or Uber to Boxwood, given cost and time to get there. Free parking is onsite at Boxwood.

Estate Pairing:

To continue my Boxwood Estate Winery review, let’s learn more about its *very own* Estate Pairing! Boxwood’s Estate Pairing takes pride in its serving of French Bordeaux tradition. Serving four of its high-end wines paired with a carefully curated plate of hors d’oeuvres, the Estate Pairing is served in Boxwood’s immaculate wine cave. All wines from the Estate Pairing are ALSO available to purchase afterwards to enjoy a piece of Boxwood at home, too! To preview Boxwood’s Estate Pairing, see below:

  • Cupola 2022 – Has aroma hints of lemon-line with notes of cantaloupe, white pepper, tropical fruits, and white flowers. 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Gris blend. Pairs well with shrimp tempura, smoked trout, shrimp scampi, or fried oysters.
  • Reserve 2021 – Contains whole berries fermented by variety and clones, aged 15-17 months in French Oak Barrels before its final blend containing aromas of rose petals, red cherries, and black fruit with a hint of blueberry and cherry flavors and cocoa on the palate. 53% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pairs well with steak with arugula, portobello mushrooms, lamb, or London broil with garlic aioli.
  • Topiary 2017 – Dark cherry with notes cedar and white pepper and a lingering spice dark fruits. 54% Cabernet Franc, 32& Merlot, 14% Petit Verdot. Pairs well with tiramisu, roasted pork, short ribs, or root vegetables.
  • Reserve 2020 – Contains notes of blueberry, black cherries, and caramel and vanilla; 42% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon. Pairs well with mushroom tart, tenderloin, roasted pork, or beef and mushrooms.

*Note that all wines are 100% Estate Grown Fruit from Middleburg, Virginia AVA.

To make a reservation for an Estate Pairing, look no further than here.

Wrap-Up:

To wrap up my Boxwood Estate Winery review, I will say that the drive there is amazing in itself!! It is seriously magical driving through the windy roads of Middleburg, Virginia AVA to make it to Boxwood and getting there is pretty great, too. Truly, I had a WONDERFUL experience at Boxwood Estate Winery! Not only did I feel an extremely warm and welcoming and hospitable presence by the staff and *even* the fellow guests, but I also felt in awe at the mere beauty of Boxwood Estate Winery itself. Being able to sit and stroll throughout the Cave at Boxwood, where I spent most of my time while there, was seriously an incredible experience for the books. Never have I ever been able to enjoy sitting in a Cave where many many many wines to be enjoyed by many to come are being made! At the same time, I had a GREAT time nerding out over wine diamonds (which I never knew existed until my visit!) with Boxwood’s Lisa and being given an amazing guided tour by Boxwood’s Mark.

Truly, I highly recommend a visit to Boxwood Estate Winery to anybody! Boxwood’s Estate Pairing is truly a unique experience like NO other (!!!!!). Whether you are looking for the perfect unique date night, celebratory dining, or solo experience, then look no further than Boxwood Estate Winery’s Estate Pairing!

A special thank you to the team at Boxwood Estate Winery for sponsoring my visit!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Barboursville Vineyards Review

A few weeks ago, my fellow Lilly Pulitzer loving friend Lorena suggested that we visit Barboursville Vineyards as a summer meet-up place, as it is a well-known and gorgeous vineyard in Orange County, Virginia. I had recently visited other Virginia vineyards Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane (read about that here), The Winery at Bull Run in Centreville (read about that both here and here), and Grace Estate Winery in Crozet (read about that here). Being that I LOVE wine and am always down to try a brand-new vineyard, I *just* knew that I had to make that our meet-up spot this summer! One of the best parts of Barboursville Vineyards is that it is approximately 2 hours away from the Washington, DC area making it a perfect day trip to getaway from the hustle and bustle in my own backyard. Read on more to see my *very own* Barboursville Vineyards review!

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

About Barboursville Vineyards:

Proudly known as “an estate of wine”, Barboursville Vineyards lays the plot of land in which former President Thomas Jefferson almost took root in constructing Monticello on. But, Jefferson’s footprint at Barboursville Vineyards is far from little: Jefferson designed a historic landmark mansion for his friend the former Virginia Governor James Barbour. The construction of this historic landmark mansion finished in 1821, only to be burned down due to a Christmas Tree fire on Christmas 1884. Today the ruins of this historic landmark mansion is known as the Barboursville Ruins and are just a few minutes’ walk through a gorgeous meadow trail from the winery and its well-known restaurant Palladio. In 1976, Gianni Zonin an Italian from the province of Veneto acquired this plantation with the expectation of making it into a vineyard that would soon be known as what it is today: Barboursville Vineyards. 2006 was the commemoration of 30 years of Barboursville Vineyards and, to this very day, the Zonin family continues to bring together purpose and passion through their work and Zonin family traditions along with maintaining the vineyard’s heritage through 8 generations. Read more on Barboursville Vineyards’s heritage here!

Getting There:

2 hours from Washington, DC, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Richmond, and 30 minutes from Charlottesville, Barboursville Vineyards is within an accessible day-trip reach to those in the Washington, DC area and other parts of Virginia. It is easiest to drive to Barboursville Vineyards, given that there are LOTS of stunning windy country roads along the way there which make you feel as if you are in a real life painting. I did drive by James Madison’s Montpelier on the way to Barboursville Vineyards and it was about 10-15 minutes away, making it a GREAT post-Montpelier refreshment before the ride home. Read more on visiting and Barboursville Vineyards here!

My Experience:

Lorena and I started our time at Barboursville Vineyards at their ultra-elegant restaurant Palladio. Palladio named after Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio from the Venetian Republic of Italy (just like the Zonin family!) is majorly elegant and gives off ALL the Italian Renaissance vibes. A win, win!!! Lorena and I enjoyed a super Italian 3-course meal at Palladio, splitting a gorgeous ricotta and radish and onion salad, mushroom and parmesan flower pasta, and then splitting a flourless chocolate cake topped with a blueberry syrup to finish. Last but not least, we had complimentary champagne (!!!!). Needless to say, our time at Palladio was very nice and we both felt as if we were on top of the world!

After we felt ON TOP OF THE WORLD (!!!!) while dining at Palladio, Lorena and I took a gorgeous meadow trail to the nearby Barboursville Ruins. The trail that we took to the Barboursville Ruins was an open meadow trail looking over gorgeous fields that lead to rolling hills and then eventually the Blue Ridge mountains. There were stunning flowers, too, within the meadows. It really felt as if I was placed into a painting!! As previously mentioned, the Barboursville Ruins pay homage to former Virginia Governor James Barbour’s home of what remains of it today since that tragic fire on Christmas 1884. The home looks like a mini Monticello! You can totally see a lot of parallels to the Barboursville Ruins and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello which I visited with Papa back in October 2021 (read on that here). Needless to say, the Barboursville Ruins showcases a home that feels very much like it belongs right where it was meant to be.

Before Lorena and I parted ways, we checked out the wine tasting room so I could purchase some bottles of wine as gifts for family members, which is adjacent to the Library 1821 which was established at Barboursville Vineyards to allow visitors “comfort and contemplative tastings throughout the year” via wine flights and charcuterie and cheese, which are changing throughout the seasons of the year. At the same time, Library 1821 serves as a home to select documents, including a letter by former President John Quincy Adams where he appointed James Barbour to his presidential cabinet as Secretary of War, original fine china owned by the Barbour family, and commendations from the vineyard’s many wines. While we didn’t go into the Library 1821 as it’s more for bigger parties and adjacent 1804 Inn Guests, I know it is something of interest for me to dine in in the future!

Wrap-Up:

Lorena and I had an INCREDIBLE time at Barboursville Vineyards!! It is always a huge blessing tto catch up with a great friend like Lorena. Not only does Barboursville Vineyards offer such extraordinary aspects of Virginia’s state history and more specifically Orange County, Virginia’s history, but it also offers a variety of tasty wines and cuisines all locally sourced in the most stunning setting. On my way home, I passed several other local wineries which truly presented me with the gift of wine that the Virginia Wine Country around Greene, Albemarle, and Orange counties of Virginia have to offer. Needless to say, I feel SO MUCH gratitude to live in such a historic and incredible city and state. My Barboursville Vineyards review was truly one for the books!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Fourth of July at The Winery at Bull Run

Just last week on my Instagram (follow me @_thepinkchickadee!), I shared me and my best friend Bryn’s experience at The Winery at Bull Run over the Fourth of July! If you know me, then you know that I LOVE The Winery at Bull Run located in Centreville, Virginia. Well, to my surprise, The Winery at Bull Run blew me away *YET AGAIN* when we went – it was my fifth time going!

For more of my experiences at The Winery at Bull Run, look no further than here:

The Winery at Bull Run is located in Centreville, Virginia just about 30-45 minutes outside of Washington, DC. The vineyard is the closest of its kind to the nation’s capital that makes most of its own wine right where the vineyard is (a lot of wineries outsource their wine, including one closer to my home). It also offers historical tours as it is right next to the Manassas Battlefield State Park, too. So, that being said, there is A TON of history here in Virginia, let alone just at and around The Winery at Bull Run!

So, at The Winery at Bull Run, they do guided tastings indoors only. They give out free waters along with each tasting and a complimentary wine glass as a souvenir to take home. Wine tastings includes 6 wines – 3 reds and 3 whites – and cost $18 when you arrive or $10 upon pre-reservation. The guided wine tastings are GREAT in my opinion: it was Bryn’s first time ever at a vineyard and a great way for her to learn more about different wines. I even learned some things, too, and found a few new favorite wines along the way. I plan to take my Dad there sometime, too, as they also offer historical tours and allow you to see where they make the wine in-house!

The best part?! There were practically NO CROWDS there on the Fourth of July! Usually, The Winery at Bull Run is PACKED on the weekends, so I was pleasantly surprised to see it as just the opposite.

XOXO – Katie <3

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24 Hours in Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville, Virginia is located in the heart of the Virginia Wine Country, just over 2 hours from Washington, DC. It is home to the University of Virginia, our Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe, and a plethora of wineries and history. A road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia is perfect, for everyone and all kinds of trips, whether celebratory, family, friends, or solo. I chose the latter and went on a solo road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia last weekend to see family for a work conference. Going to Charlottesville, Virginia on a road trip was nothing short of a blast!

What I Did

To start my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia, I drove through the beautiful Virginia countryside on Route 29. Living in the Washington, DC suburbs of Northern Virginia, I drove through Virginia’s counties of Prince William County, Fauquier County, Culpeper County, Madison County, and Greene County to get to Charlottesville. Each of these counties are located in the heart of the Virginia countryside and Virginia Wine Country, filled with small businesses lining Route 29 and farms at every corner. True and utter beauty – so much that I wanted to stop at each and every single local business along the way as I jammed out to the 80’s channel on SiriusXM the entire way.

My first stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia: the University of Virginia. I parked my car right by the bookstore in the parking garage (they’re everywhere along the University of Virginia’s campus and parking lots, too) and set out to explore the campus. The University of Virginia was the first-ever public university in the state of Virginia and potentially the United States (I can’t remember – haha!!). This college was founded by former President Thomas Jefferson after his presidency as he was a resident of Charlottesville and wanted others to have an education like his own. I walked around the breathtaking Rotunda – the main draw to the University of Virginia and asked a student to show me where it was (students are SUPER helpful here!) – which had a statue honoring Thomas Jefferson, himself. After admiring the University of Virginia’s gorgeous and huge campus, I set sail for my conference networking event which was on the campus!

My second stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia was to see my Aunt Lisa, Uncle John, and cousins Mary, Joey, and Matthew who live in Charlottesville. We enjoyed some much-needed and enjoyable family time that we hadn’t had for years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

My third stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia was to check out Grace Estate Winery with my Aunt Lisa and cousin Mary – a vineyard located along the Monticello Wine Trail in Crozet, Virginia which is a nearby-to-Charlottesville town located in the foothills of the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. Grace Estate Winery is also a participating Virginia Wine Pass vineyard. The Virginia Wine Pass – which I am a pass holder of – allows for its pass holders to get discounts at its participating vineyards. This excursion to Grace Estate Winery was my first-EVER usage of my Virginia Wine Pass and it was great to treat my Aunt Lisa and cousin Mary to some discounted wine flights, too! Grace Estate Winery was a super duper adorable winery with gorgeous scenic views. It has a precious little selection of merchandise, including wine barrel planters. While I wasn’t the biggest fan of the wine there, the owner was the sweetest and the views were even more beautiful!

My fourth and final stop on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia was to nothing short of the Belk – yes, Belk!!! – in Charlottesville on Route 29! They do not have Belk’s in my home base of the Washington, DC area.

What To Do

There is A TON to do on a road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia! This past Fall, I visited Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – his former homestead for the day and LOVED it. On the same token, there is SO MUCH that I want to do just in and around Charlottesville, Virginia!!

  • Tour James Madison’s Montpelier
  • Walk around the University of Virginia *yet again*
  • Explore downtown Charlottesville
  • Go on a Monticello Wine Trail crawl and visit 3-4 wineries in a day! (some of the wineries/vineyards include: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, Afton Mountain Vineyards, and Veritas Vineyards and Winery)
  • Visit and enjoy local goods at Carter Mountain Orchard
  • Tour James Monroe’s Highland
  • Re-visit and tour Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

All in all, I had an amazing time on my road trip to Charlottesville, Virginia and cannot wait to go again!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Northern Virginia Winery that I Love

Whether for a girl’s, family, friend group, or mother-daughter outing, a vineyard is an excellent place to catch up with some of the people that you care about. One of the things that I have looked forward to the most was the many outings that I would have at vineyards. Luckily for me, I got to have my first friend outing with one of my best friends: my Big Sis Stephanie at Meredith. Since I know I will be planning many more vineyard gatherings in the future, I thought that I would start to share some of my experiences at the vineyards that I visit. So, I am going to share my experience at Bull Run Winery, which is located right next to the Manassas National Battlefield Park in Centreville, Virginia.

Since I turned 21 in a temporarily social distanced world, I knew that my 21-related outings with friends would be postponed. Although the majority of my first two months being 21 were spent at my house, I have luckily been able to get out a bit and even see a friend for a social-distanced vineyard outing! Even before quarantine began, Stephanie and I have been wanting to check out The Winery at Bull Run due to its historical significance. Fortunately for the both of us, we were successfully able to execute a social-distanced Big/Lil vineyard outing just a sheer two months later. For the both of us, simply getting outside and sharing a bottle of wine was good for our souls!

Historical Significance

The Winery at Bull Run is located in Fairfax County, Virginia – a county located just south of Washington, DC in Northern Virginia. The 2012-established winery stands on 225 acres and is located right next to the Manassas National Battlefield Park and an equestrian farm. To represent the historical significance of Northern Virginia, the winery was construct to symbolize two types barns in the area. Today, the Winery at Bull Run is the largest working farm in Fairfax County, Virginia – a primarily suburban county. It also serves as a venue for many events, such as weddings. Check out more information on the history of The Winery at Bull Run here.

My Visit

Upon pulling into the winery, I was in awe at how gorgeous it was! With its luscious acres and acres of grapevines to barns galore and a few murals, I knew that Stephanie and I made a good choice of a vineyard to meet up at. Excitedly enough, the drive in was only just the beginning of a spectacular afternoon out!

Due to Covid-19, only the outdoor tables were open to visitors – everything else, including the barns and murals was closed off. Visitors could only go inside to order a bottle of wine while taking the precautions of standing 6 feet apart and wearing a mask. Stephanie and I decided to meet up and each bring a family member with us – Stephanie brought her dad and I brought my Papa. Typically, visitors have to reserve a table at the winery. However, since my group and I showed up on a Wednesday afternoon and it was not crowded, we were luckily able to get a nice table in the shade with a view.

When it came to food, to save money, we each grabbed out picnic baskets and coolers and brought in our own food. The Winery at Bull Run lets their guests bring their own food but not drinks. Stephanie and I both brought nuts, while she brought some cheese and crackers and I brought some prosciutto and salami. For drinks, we all decided to split a bottle of The Winery at Bull Run’s 2018 Chardonnay. The best part was that Stephanie and I unintentionally both wanted the Chardonnay! The Chardonnay was definitely a great choice, and I LOVED getting to enjoy it on a hot summer’s day with some cheese, prosciutto, and crackers. Cuisine-wise, I have to say we definitely had typical vineyard experience at a fraction of the price!

Along with amazing wine and gorgeous barns, The Winery at Bull Run also offers historical tours and tastings. The tours and tastings were not available when we went due to the coronavirus, but Stephanie and I are definitely putting a tour and tasting when it’s safe to do so. In addition to tours and tastings, I am pretty sure that the winery also offers concerts and other lively events, which I hope to attend when it is safe as well.

Ever since I rode through the main entrance of the winery, I knew that I was in for a treat. The wine was delicious and the opportunity to bring your own food to go with it at a fraction of the cost was such a plus. Besides the food and wine, there were breathtaking views everywhere that I turned. I definitely would like to come back with Stephanie as well as with some of my family members and friends. Knowing that I visited The Winery at Bull Run while social distancing was such a great experience, I know that coming back when social distancing measures have been lifted a bit more will be another experience for the books!

XOXO – Katie <3

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