Grapevine & Vintner Profile, Wining & Dining

Fall Foliage in Wine Country

by oldtowncrier

By Matthew Fitzsimmons

Fall is one of the most popular times to visit Virginia wine country. While the season has everything from wine festivals, new vintage release parties, and harvest dinners, my favorite activity is to combine winery visits with a tour of Virginia’s fall foliage.

The two themes overlap perfectly. Vineyards are generally located at higher elevation sites, guaranteeing great photos of the surrounding countryside. Many are also near state or national parks. The addition of fall colors guarantees the slogan “Grapes don’t grow in ugly places” becomes doubly accurate.

Different parts of Virginia will reach their peak color anywhere between mid-October and early November, according to Explorefall.com.

For ‘leaf peepers’ who want to get the most out of fall foliage in Virginia wine country, here is a guide on where and when to go.

Mid to Late October: The Shenandoah Valley

Peak foliage season begins in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia’s oldest wine region. The valley’s relatively cool and dry climate create ideal conditions for viticulture, and the mountains that frame the area become a canvas for the season’s changing colors.

While the Shenandoah Valley is home to a dozen wineries, two that particularly stand out for their fall colors are Muse Vineyards and Star in the Valley.

Muse Vineyards (Woodstock).

Muse is snuggled between the contours of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, Seven Bends State Park, and the western slope of the Massanutten Mountains. While the best views are likely to be found from their deck, more adventurous wine drinkers should visit the elevated foot bridge that crosses the river.

Make sure to try their Erato white blend, winner of the 2024 Shenandoah Wine Cup.

Star in the Valley (Strasburg). Star is located along the edge of the valley’s northern entrance, hugging the contours of Devil’s Backbone State Forest. At 1,000-feet it’s also one of the higher elevation vineyards in the area, guaranteeing great views.

This elevation is one of the reasons Star founded the “Peak Shenandoah” wine trail, which includes a half-dozen wineries likewise situated around Shenandoah Park. While my favorite wine is their cabernet franc, visitors should also join one of Star’s periodic star-gazing events.

Late October to early November: Northern Virginia

Peak foliage will reach Northern Virginia in late October. While Shenandoah National Park is arguably the region’s most popular fall destination, smart travelers can avoid these crowds by visiting any combination of wineries and smaller parks in the surrounding area.

Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery (Delaplane).

“BOW” isn’t just the winery’s initials; it’s also a reference to how it’s one of the most dog friendly venues in the state. BOW’s location near Sky Meadows State Park gives foliage travelers extra incentive to visit here in the fall.

Those who haven’t visited recently will be wowed by their revamped wine list. Start with their 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, which a panel of judges at the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle decreed as one of the best wines at the event.

Breaux Vineyards (Loudoun Valley).

Breaux’s location between Catoctin Mountain and the Blue Ridge isn’t just scenic, it creates a microclimate that facilitates viticulture. This is one of the reasons nebbiolo, a grape commonly associated with Italy’s Piedmont region, can thrive here.

Visitors looking for additional foliage pictures can visit historic Harper’s Ferry or Sweet Run State Park, both a short drive away.

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery (Bluemont).

Twin Oaks already boasts one of the best views in Virginia, with or without fall foliage. Its proximity to Bear’s Den Scenic Lookout makes it packed with extra opportunities for leaf peeping.

The winery’s name comes from its history as a mountain retreat for Washingtonians looking to beat the summer heat. The opening of the Little Acorn Cottage Airbnb on the property allows travelers to continue this tradition.

Beginning of November: Amherst and the Shenandoah Foothills

The start of November is typically the pinnacle of fall foliage season, so save the best for last. Two exceptional locations to see these colors are Ankida Ridge and DuCard Vineyards.

Ankida Ridge Vineyards (Amherst).

 

Ankida’s perch at 1,800 ft makes it one of the highest elevation vineyards in Virginia. This unique microclimate allows them to grow pinot noir, a grape so difficult to cultivate it’s acquired the nickname “The Heartbreak Grape”.

Owner Christine Vrooman’s hospitality may make it unlikely visitors would want to leave. If they do, be sure to visit Chimney Rock Mountain Overlook, part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

DuCard Vineyards (Eltan).

DuCard offers views of Shenandoah National Park without the need to fight for space on Skyline Drive. It’s location near both Old Rag Mountain and White Oak Canyon, two of Virginia’s most famous hiking trails, makes it a guaranteed hotspot for fall foliage.

Visitors who don’t want to relax with DuCard’s award-winning 2024 Rosé can easily visit Shenandoah National Park via its Thorton Gap entrance, which is guaranteed to be less busy than the more famous gate at Front Royal.

Author: Matthew Fitzsimmons is a blogger who has visited nearly every winery in Virginia – most of them twice. Track his progress at https://winetrailsandwanderlust.com

 

Celebrate Virginia Wine Month 2025

October is when local wineries celebrate Virginia Wine Month. Here are a few favorite activities:

For additional suggestions on offerings and events, see https://www.virginiawine.org/virginia-wine-month.

 

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