October is Wine Month here Virginia, which means there’s no better time to raise a glass to the Shenandoah Valley’s iconic wine scene. Here in Shenandoah County, a great glass of wine is just the beginning …
Tucked among the mountain views, our eight wineries offer far more than beautiful spots to simply swirl, sip and repeat. They come with opportunities for grape stomping, stargazing, live music and riverside adventures, offering plenty of ways to celebrate Wine Month in style. Cheers to that!
Star in the Valley Winery
Wine tasting is fun, but wine tasting with a little grape-stomping action? Even better! Keep an eye out for grape-stomping events, where you can play a part in one of winemaking’s most iconic traditions. The vineyard has some pretty adorable residents, too … Southdown Babydoll sheep! These fluffy little lawnmowers bring some extra charm to the vineyard, helping keep things tidy while giving visitors one more reason to smile.
Muse Vineyards
Why choose between outdoor recreation and wine tasting when you can do both? Bordering the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, Muse is an ideal stop after hiking, fishing or kayaking in nearby Seven Bends State Park. Add vineyard tours, grape chats and monthly art events and you have the perfect afternoon at a winery. Emma, the winery’s canine social media star, is often around to welcome guests. For those who prefer a tasting experience coupled with small-town charm, Muse also operates a wine bar in downtown Woodstock.
North Mountain Vineyard & Winery
With distinctive German-inspired architecture, North Mountain makes a memorable first impression. The historic winery is entering a new chapter under new ownership, though its longtime winemaking traditions will continue. It also hosts the Ravenwood Faire, adding a medieval-inspired event as another reason to visit.
Shenandoah Vineyards
Virginia’s oldest continuously operating winery, Shenandoah Vineyards, has been a part of our wine story for decades. Its legacy includes Emma Randall’s pioneering work in bringing wine to Shenandoah County and a longstanding connection to Riesling. Now back in the original ownership family after a few generations (and now under the Roulston family name), the winery is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Wolf Gap Vineyard & Winery
Mountain views, a walking trail, firepits and outdoor gathering spacing make Wolf Gap the perfect place to settle in for an afternoon at a winery … or maybe even longer. Onsite lodging makes booking an overnight getaway in the county easy, too. Wolf Gap’s lively event calendar includes Supper Nights, First Fridays and other wine-related events. This year, the winery was named Virginia Winery of the Year by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association.
Cave Ridge Vineyard
At Cave Ridge, wine experiences get creative with double-decker bus tastings, vineyard harvest dinners and special events that follow the winemaking process from grape to finished vintage. The vineyard also produces sparkling wine through its Shenandoah Secco operation, providing yet another reason to explore this bubbling winery.
The Winery at Kindred Pointe
Kindred Pointe offers both cozy fireside tastings and a room for larger gatherings. Visitors can also sample cider and distilled spirits, making this stop a crowd-pleaser for not just the wine drinkers but also those who like to try other libations. Owner Amy Helsley and her team bring the stories behind all the bottles to life, making guests feel more like old friends than first (or second or third)-time visitors.
Clem Hott Vineyards
This boutique New Market winery pairs estate-grown wines with the charm of a country homestead. Sip in a historic barn, wander the gardens or cozy up in a greenhouse built from reclaimed farmhouse windows. With local live music, bouquet-making workshops, wine and chocolate events, and friendly farm animals, this winery is a down-to-earth stop in Shenandoah County.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Virginia wines or you’re just beginning to explore everything we can offer here in the Shenandoah Valley wine region, Wine Month is a great reason to check out Shenandoah County’s liquid assets.