5 Stunning Virginia Vineyards With Tastings For $20 or Less

Sipping wine and gazing out upon vineyards and rolling hills—it's an experience typically associated with expensive destinations like the Napa Valley or perhaps even France. But here in Virginia, it's much more accessible (and affordable). Not only is Virginia the fifth-largest wine producer in the country, but Virginia's vineyards also have a seat at the global table. Below, I've outlined five picturesque vineyards where you can sample local wine for less than $20 per person. Enjoy a refreshingly budget-friendly day or weekend of wine-tasting!

1. Old Farm Winery at Heartland, Aldie, Virginia

Situated on 35 beautiful acres of farmland in Aldie, Virginia, Old Farm Winery at Heartland opened in 2021. Its centerpiece is a beautifully renovated 18th-century barn, outdoor bar, and expansive patio. No reservations are needed to visit Old Farm Winery, unless you're visiting with a group of more than 12. For a wine tasting, you'll be offered six current selections from the winery, including a mix of both red and white. A traditional, staff-guided tasting is $18. This winery also has a pizza oven for additional bites, plus it's dog-friendly. For more information, visit the Old Farm Winery at Heartland website.

2. Michael Shaps Winery, Charlottesville, Virginia

Michael Shaps Winery uses French winemaking techniques with its Virginia soil and climate to create one-of-a-kind, award-winning wines. The winery was founded in 2007 and can be found just 12 miles south of Charlottesville, Virginia. The Harris Creek Tasting Room is open daily, and tastings are offered at the bar. For $20, you can sample five wines; for the premium tasting at $30, you can sample two additional top-quality wines. No reservations are required for parties of six or fewer. Guests are welcome to bring outside food to enjoy on the patio. Dogs on leashes are also welcome outside. A recent review underscores the quality of this wine: "What can I say other than WOW! During this trip, we visited 6 wineries in the area, and they had by far the very best offerings for wines."

3. Barboursville Vineyards, Charlottesville, Virginia

Barboursville is one of the most iconic wineries in the Charlottesville area, for both its prestigious wine and the on-site ruins, which date back to Thomas Jefferson's era. Casual tastings are offered in the tasting room. For $20, guests are welcome to sample up to 12 reserve wines, each presented in 0.5-ounce pours by the staff. The tasting menu is made up of red wine, white wine, and prosecco. If you're looking for something to eat, light bites can be purchased and enjoyed at a table or outside. While you're there, be sure to visit the famous Landmark Ruins, the remainder of an estate designed by Thomas Jefferson, which tragically burned down on Christmas Day in 1884.

4. Hazy Mountain Vineyards and Brewery, Afton, Virginia

Hazy Mountain Vineyards is enveloped in beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views. The family-owned estate vineyard includes 35 acres that were first planted in 2019. The steep, south-facing slopes are ideal for well-draining soil, which lends itself to delicious grapes. As stated on the website, "this site will blow away any doubts that the finest wines in the world can be produced right here in Virginia." Test it out for yourself when you stop by for a tasting, which is priced at just $15 and includes a selection of six of the most popular wines.

5. Two Twisted Posts Winery, Purcellville, Virginia

Tucked away in the beautiful Western Loudoun County, Two Twisted Posts Winery passionately believes that wine doesn't need to be "twisted" to fit a specific image. This winery released limited quantities of top-notch wine, which reflects the unique terroir of the land. The vineyard opened in 2008, though it didn't see its first harvest until 2011. Just one year later, the 2012 Chardonnay won a Gold Medal in the Virginia Governor's Cup. Enjoy a tasting of some of the vineyard's most popular wines for just $15 per person. Light fare is also available for purchase.

I'm always impressed by the quality of Virginia wine, and though it's been recognized nationally and globally, it's still supremely underrated. What are some of your favorite wineries in Virginia? If you're inspired to go wine tasting in Virginia, be sure to share this article with a fellow oenophile and begin planning your adventure!