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Blue Ridge Wine Region

Stretching along the spine of the mountains from Nelson and Rockbridge down through Roanoke and into Southwest Virginia, the Blue Ridge Wine Region is where Virginia wine country feels wild, elevated, and wonderfully unhurried. Here, vineyards cling to steep hillsides, tasting rooms overlook rolling valleys and river bends, and the Blue Ridge Parkway winds just minutes from many cellar doors. This is cool-climate country, with higher elevations, rocky soils, and dramatic temperature swings that help preserve freshness and aromatics in grapes. You’ll find everything from crisp sparkling wines and bright international varieties to old-world inspired reds, mountain-grown hybrids, and orchard-driven cider and mead.

The experience is as memorable as the wines: quiet country roads instead of crowds, star-filled skies after tastings, and small, family-run producers who are happy to linger over a conversation about vintages, weather, and what they’re planting next. Use this page as your launch point to explore the Blue Ridge’s wineries, vineyards, cideries, and meaderies, discover hidden tasting rooms just off the Parkway, and start planning a trip where the journey is every bit as rewarding as the glass in your hand. Whether you’re a serious collector or a casual sipper, there’s a Blue Ridge bottle waiting for you.

With more than 30 vineyards, wineries, cideries and craft-breweries across the county, each stop tells its own story — of terroir, family-run passion, and Virginia’s emerging status as a respected wine region. Whether you’re planning a dedicated wine-trail day or weaving in a stop as part of a larger road-trip, Fauquier delivers the perfect balance of ease-of-access, scenic beauty, and handcrafted wines worth stopping for.

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Keswick Vineyards

Keswick Vineyards

Born from the Soil and Soul of Virginia

Keswick Vineyards, established in 2000 by Al & Cindy Schornberg, is a family owned and operated winery specializing in small lots of high-quality wines that showcase the terroir of the Estate. Keswick is one of the premier Virginia wineries on the Monticello.

Originally from Michigan, the Schornbergs chose Virginia to pursue their dream of owning a vineyard after an extensive search that spanned coast to coast. Al recalls his grandfather’s stories of working at his uncle’s winery, Massena Cellars in France, and like his predecessor, his goal was straightforward: “I just wanted to be able to enjoy a really good wine that I made. There’s something very natural and satisfying about that.”

With their first vintage in 2002 winning the honor of "Best White Wine in America" at the Atlanta International Wine Summit, the Schornbergs knew they had made the right decision and set out to prove Virginia could also produce award-winning reds.

In 2009 they were awarded the Virginia Governor's Cup for their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, further transforming their dream into a reality. In 2016 Keswick Vineyards received their second Virginia Governor's Cup for their 2014 Cabernet Franc Reserve.

The Schornbergs are humbled and excited that their vision has evolved into a world-class vineyard and winery, with each year's vintage better than the last.  Visit and taste the wines that are "Born from the Soil and Soul of Virginia."

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4759
StateVirginia
Region
  • Central Virginia Region
Appellation AVAMonticello AVA
Wine Trail
  • Monticello Wine Trail
  • Route 231 Trail
Tasting Fee$12.00
Reserve Tasting Fee$15.00
Tour Fee$0.00
First Planted6/1/1999
Vineyard Acres10
Estate Acres20
Annual Production Cases3000
WinemakerStephen Barnard
Vineyard Manager Stephen Barnard
Vineyard Varietals
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Chardonnay
  • Merlot
  • Viognier
  • Petit Verdot
  • Sauvignon Blanc
Emma Holman

Emma HolmanEmma Holman

Hi, I'm Emma, a Content and Community Manager at Virginia Wine Market. If you'd like to update or add to your winery profile here, click the 'Contact Author' button below, and your message will come straight to me. I can also help you claim your profile to self-manage.

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Contact author Full biography

Full biography

Hi, I'm Emma, a native Virginian living in the great city of Richmond. I love all things wine, food, and travel. Follow me as I guide you through the best of Virginia.

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