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(Bluemont Vineyard; Susan Biddle for The Washington Post )

Best wineries

Lavanya Ramanathan  |  Updated 09/30/2011

Advances in grape-growing the past few years have helped nurture a local winemaking boomlet. If you're looking to taste its fruits, hit a wine festival or just get a little closer to nature, we've got a handful of wineries we'd return to again and again.

 
 
 
 
 

Bluemont Vineyard

Bluemont, VA

One in a spate of wineries to open in the last three years, Bluemont rests more than 900 feet above sea level and boasts a deck with ample seating to take in one of the best views around. A bonus: It's dog-friendly.

 
 
 
 
 

Chrysalis Vineyards

Middleburg, VA

Chrysalis is a booster of the Norton, an American grape that you won't find at many other wineries in the area; however, it's the winery's albarino white that has won accolades. Families: Chrysalis keeps a designated family area and has grills and picnic tables, should you want to bring a picnic to go with your wine. Expect fantastic views.

 
 
 
 
 

Sunset Hills Vineyard

Purcellville, VA

Sunset Hills opened its two-story tasting room in an 1870s barn renovated by Amish craftsmen from Pennsylvania. It's woodsy and elegant, and the crisply manicured grounds, pond and two-story deck make Sunset Hills an ideal spot to grab a glass of wine and take in the views.

 
 
 
 
 

Notaviva Vineyards

Purcellville, VA

It took two music engineers, Stephen and Shannon Mackey, to come up with the concept of a winery that blended their love of wine and music, with wines taking their names from musical terms and live performances in the tasting room every weekend.

 
 
 
 
 

Black Ankle Vineyards

Mount Airy, MD

This newcomer on the Maryland wine scene is building buzz for its dry, sophisticated wines such as its red Crumbling Rock blend with notes of graphite and crushed rocks (you can taste them, we swear).

 
 
 
 
 

Berrywine Plantations and Linganore Winecellars

Mount Airy, MD

Linganore is the Maryland winery to visit for festivals -- there are several every summer -- or if you're on a budget. You can taste any of the dozens of wines here for free. Great for lovers of sweet dessert wines.

 
 
 
 
 

Breaux Vineyards

Purcellville, VA

This winery, on a massive estate near Harpers Ferry, offers a variety of wines for sampling. As many as 12, in fact, are included in the full tasting. The specialty here is red wines; be sure to taste the merlot and nebbiolo.

 
 
 
 
 

Corcoran Vineyards

Waterford, VA

Find the way to the tiny Corcoran Vineyards tasting room on a Sunday, and you'll have your wines poured by a friendly attendant named Lori Corcoran -- as in, Lori Corcoran, the owner and winemaker. (There are few other wineries around where you'll get that kind of service.)

 

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