A Weekend in Loudoun County, DC's Wine Country®

If you live in the DC region, it’s very likely that you’ve been to a vineyard in Loudoun County, Virginia. Nicknamed DC’s Wine Country®, the region is 45 minutes northwest of the city. Right out of college, my first job was in Loudoun County which was a unique introduction to the DC region for a young professional. While my friends were enjoying happy hours at bars in DC, my after-work happy hours were at vineyards. I grew to have a strong love for this rural area and the genuine people who are hardworking but still living a slower pace of life. Several years later, I would end up working in Loudoun County again and then eventually getting married there.

When you visit Loudoun County, whether it’s a staycation or a true vacation, there are over 40 wineries, more than 20 breweries, a growing distillery scene, rich history and outdoor activities to enjoy during your trip.

To support Black-owned businesses, I’ve outlined Black-owned businesses in Loudoun County with a “+” plus sign. Other great resources with an ever-growing directory include Loudoun Shops Black and Virginia.org.

Albeit, Delaplane Cellars is the only Black-owned winery in Northern Virginia (please support them), I did my best to curate an itinerary around supporting Black-owned businesses through accommodations, restaurants and shopping. Supporting Black-owned businesses strengthens local economies, communities, and helps close the racial wealth gap. And, it’s one way to put your money where your mouth is… Please feel free to save this itinerary for your weekend getaway!

4-DAY ITINERARY IN DC WINE COUNTRY, LOUDOUN COUNTY

Day 1: Arrive in Middleburg early before check-in at Salamander Resort and Spa+. Walk through downtown Middleburg, grab a late lunch or snack at Market Salamander+, pop into the shops and galleries, and enjoy a cider or rum tasting at Mt. Defiance. Cool off in the pool at Salamander, dinner at Harrimans+, followed by s’mores at the firepit.

Day 2: Morning at the Spa, then head to Greenhill Winery & Vineyard, grab a late lunch at The Pit Stop+ or Greatest Maine Lobster Company+ to enjoy back at the resort. Dinner at Gold Cup Wine Bar+.

Day 3: Winery day at Fleetwood Farm Winery, tasting menu at RdV Vineyard and then Delaplane Cellars+. Dinner at Red Fox Inn & Tavern.

Day 4: Head to Bluemont Vineyards, Catoctin Creek Distilling, then pop into Nostalgia Boutique+. Dinner at King Street Oyster Bar.

Salamander Resort and Spa+ (5-star resort), home to Harriman’s+ and Gold Cup Wine Bar+
Photo credit: Priscilla Thomas, our wedding photographer

Where to Stay:

Salamander Resort and Spa+ (Middleburg, VA) - This is a beautiful resort on 300+ acres in Virginia’s Wine & Horse Country, owned by Sheila Johnson, co-owner of BET. Salamander was also our wedding venue. From the moment you turn down N Pendleton Street and see the resort, you’ll suddenly feel relaxed. The resort is dog-friendly, features an award-winning spa and is walkable to the main street and shops in Middleburg, a horse and hunt town. Once you visit the Salamander, it’ll always beckon your name for another retreat.

If Salamander is not in the cards, other options include Goodstone Inn, Lansdowne Resort and Spa, Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast, and Airbnb (receive $55 off your first trip, when you book an Airbnb with my link).

RdV Vineyard

Where to Taste:

If you’ve been to Napa or Sonoma, you’ll quickly notice the scene in Loudoun County is very different. The tasting experience is less formal and a large majority of the vineyards welcome kids and dogs, but I would check with each vineyard first on their policy. Here are a list of my favorite vineyards and distilleries by regional cluster. Although I didn’t include breweries, historic sites, or outdoor activities, there are plenty of ideas on Visit Loudoun’s website.

LOUDOUN HEIGHTS CLUSTER (HILLSBORO)
Hillsborough Vineyards & Brewery

POTOMAC (LEESBURG)
Fabbioli Cellars
Tarara Winery

MOSBY CLUSTER (ALDIE & MIDDLEBURG) - TOP FAVORITES
Delaplane Cellars+
Fleetwood Farm Winery
Greenhill Winery & Vineyard
Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery
RdV Vineyard (reservation required)

RdV and Delaplane are technically in Fauquier County.

HARMONY CLUSTER (LEESBURG, HAMILITON)
Stone Tower Winery

SNICKERS GAP CLUSTER (PURCELLVILLE/ROUND HILL AREA)
Bluemont Vineyard
Catoctin Creek Distillers

Salamander Resort and Spa+ (5-star resort), home to Harriman’s+ and Gold Cup Wine Bar+
Photo credit: Priscilla Thomas, our wedding photographer

Where to Eat:

The town of Middleburg is extremely small so there are not a lot of restaurants to choose from… I’ve selected the best restaurants and small shops in Middleburg and a few others in Loudoun.

Gold Cup Wine Bar+
Greatest Maine Lobster Company+ (Aldie)
Harrimans+
King Street Oyster Bar
Johnny Ray’s Sultry Soul Food+ (Sterling)
Market Salamander+
Monk’s BBQ (Purcellville)
Red Fox Inn & Tavern
Roots 657 (Leesburg)
The Conche (Leesburg)
The Pit Stop BBQ+ (Aldie)
The Wine Kitchen (Leesburg)

Where to Shop:

Galleries & Antique Shops in Middleburg’s Historic District
Country Classics
Le Boudoir+
Lou Lou Boutique
Nostalgia Boutique+ (Purcellville)
Popcorn Monkey+
The Christmas Sleigh Inc.
Zest

Where to Explore:

Great Meadow Polo Club - twilight polo is a fun social activity to experience at least once in your lifetime; it typically happens in the summer months.
National Sporting Library & Museum - dedicated to the world of equestrian and field sports.
Thomas Balch Library - this is a family genealogy library in Leesburg. I found the librarians very knowledgable when I was sent on a work research project. It’s worth a visit if you have any family history in Virginia. It’s also a designated Underground Railroad research site.

Common Questions

How will I get around? Salamander Resort offers an Audi fleet and the team will drive you anywhere within 3 miles of the resort. Otherwise, their Concierge team can arrange transportation for the day such as Cork and Keg Tours+. If you’re curious about Lyft or Uber, they are not 100% readily available so if you do choose to go this route, you’ll want to search for a ride well in advance before you need it.

What’s the best time of year? The DC region offers four distinct seasons. If you’re planning to visit DC’s vineyards or a trip to Salamander Resort and Spa, fall is my favorite. The fall foliage is stunning and the temperatures are perfect for enjoying a glass of wine, bundled up around a fire. In addition, I would mark your calendar for Christmas in Middleburg - I’ve been going to this magical Christmas experience with my friends for the past 8 years.