Barren Ridge Vineyards

Former Apple Orchard, Now Augusta County's Premier Winery

John and Shelby Higgs cleared the overgrown land and planted it with grapevines that now produce fourteen award-winning wines. They also converted their 1890′s apple barn into a state-of-the-art winery, preserving the original structure and wood beams.

Barren Ridge Vineyards is a small, family-owned winery in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Owned by John and Shelby Higgs, the property was originally purchased in 1934 by John’s father James Higgs, an apple grower. John grew up here, picking apples and cultivating an appreciation for the land and for the agricultural heritage of this region. Decades later, after his retirement from Phillip Morris, John and his wife Shelby cleared the overgrown apple orchard and planted a vineyard.

They renovated the old apple packing barn and transformed it into a state-of-the-art winery, tasting room, and event facility, using reclaimed wood and preserving the charm and character of the original building. Now they welcome guests from far and wide to enjoy the rustic tranquility and natural beauty of Barren Ridge Vineyards while savoring a glass of one of their award-winning, handcrafted wines.

The Tasting Room features carefully handcrafted wines that are available daily for tastings. The winery is open seven days a week for complimentary tours, and the patio is always ready for picnics and sunset-viewing.