ON THE TRAIL
Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville
Nearly 50 years ago, two Italians planted the seeds of Barboursville Vineyards, introducing a distinctly European sensibility to Virginia wine. Today, the estate remains a benchmark for excellence, recently claiming the 2025 Virginia Governor’ s Cup for its 2023 Vermentino. Sip your way through its acclaimed portfolio— including the flagship Octagon blend— then linger over an elegant meal at Palladio, the vineyard’ s Italian restaurant.
Sunset Hills Vineyard, Purcellville
Chris and Katie Key, owners of Sunset Hills Vineyard, like to say they’ re turning sunshine into wine. The Loudoun County winery’ s 245 solar panels provide sustainable power for 75 % of the vineyard, and the green-first approach can be appreciated from the property’ s Amish-restored red barn with a deck that overlooks the ridge of Short Hill Mountain. Sunset Hills and its sister site, 50 West Vineyards, produce roughly 12,000 cases a year, including the 2021 Roots and 2022 Blue Ridge Veil, both of which won gold at the 2025 Virginia Governor’ s Cup.
The Winery at Bull Run, Centreville
The Winery at Bull Run, a favorite getaway for Washington, D. C. day-trippers, embraces its Civil War roots. Located beside Manassas National Battlefield Park— site of the war’ s first major land battle— it’ s not uncommon to find a historical reenactor nearby in the tasting room or downstairs viewing the property’ s museum-quality collection of Civil War artifacts( think buttons, belt buckles and bayonets). And the easydrinking Virginia viognier is likely what they’ ll have in hand. Try a flight or grab a bottle to take with you on the property’ s history tour. fall 2025 • 27