With grape tons of enthusiasm and some years of experience under their belts, two Virginia wine young professionals are bringing new life to North Gate Vineyards. 

Since they posted about their opening in March, I have wanted to check out Walsh Family Wine. Vacuuming and laundry were done early and off I went to the wilds of western Loudoun.

There’s a story about this place. It was North Gate Vineyards, but in 2018 the Walshes purchased it and set up shop. What they have done in a short period of time is pretty fantastic. The property is gorgeous, and they’ve created a nice spot to unwind and relax. Most importantly, the wine is good too.

When I am in the mood for good wine but not in the mood to drive, Paradise Springs is my answer. Not only is it close to DC (it's actually the closest winery to DC), but the wines are extraordinary! In fact, five of their wines won gold medals at the 2018 Virginia Governor’s Cup!

Located in Delaplane VA, Arterra, which means “Art of the Land” is both winery and gallery. Winery owner Sandy Gray-Murray is also an artist and runs Hawkmoth Arts. So, while you’re getting your wine on, you can also enjoy (and shop for) Sandy’s beautiful art which encompasses a variety of media from ceramics to paintings to etched glass.

It’s hard to drive past the entrance to The Dog & Oyster Vineyard, without knowing immediately it’s a vineyard. After meandering through the charming town of Irvington, and just when you reach the point that you think you’re heading back into the country, you see them. Really, it would be impossible not to see them. In one of the flattest areas in the state stands two 40-foot tall corkscrews silently welcoming you to enter.

Greenhill Winery and Vineyards is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous Virginia wineries that I have visited. It is in the middle of a county known for it hillsides, views, land, and horses. There are 128 acres, 11 belonging to vineyards, and the other 117 belonging to land for Polo Fields, tasting house/area, and a Farm Store. Yes, the surrounding areas are beautiful, but the winery itself is also stunning. They recently renovated the building in January 2016 to include both rustic and modern aesthetics.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Virginia’s Northern Neck, a trip to Good Luck Vineyards is worth the stop.