Virginia Wine Country Closer Than You Think

Tucked away near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is The Winery at La Grange, a rustic local treasure Winemaker and Managing Partner Chris Pearmund calls “The Gateway to Virginia Wine Country.” 

“We try to provide a resource for the community,” Pearmund said, “Wineries are far more than a place to buy wine; they’re a place to learn about wine and the agricultural aspects of producing wine.” 

“There’s also a lot of value in the historical side of it [wine production],” he added. 

The Winery at La Grange opened in September 2006 on the grounds of the historic La Grange farm in Haymarket, Virginia and remains Prince William County’s only winery. La Grange currently houses 5,500 cases of wine including Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot, Tannat, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and its own port-style wine called Snort. 

“The wine industry in Virginia is coming of age,” Pearmund said, “but it still has a long way to go.” He noted that the field of agriculture and forestry provides the state with more gross revenue than any other market, and that the wine industry has grown as people have become more conscientious about buying local.  

Chris Pearmund, who has participated in the opening of 14 wineries and frequents wineries all over the globe, says he enjoys fostering the sense of fantasy visitors get when visiting The Winery at La Grange. “We’re open during the week; it’s a great place to play hooky,” he joked.   

The property’s 1790 manor house has been completely refurbished and is now a popular venue for weddings, corporate meetings, seminars, and birthday parties. Spring events at The Winery at La Grange include: 

Daily Wine Tasting

The tasting room is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 361 days a year. The Classic Tasting Fee is $5 and includes 3 white and 5 red wines. The Classic Plus Tasting Fee is $8 and includes 2 special reds and La Grange’s port-style wine in addition to the wines on the Classic list. Private tastings for groups of up to 25 people are available starting at $10 per person; call 703-753-9360 for reservations. 

Spring Barrel Tasting

This weekend The Winery at La Grange will host its final barrel tasting event of the season. Participants will have the opportunity to sample hors d’oeuvres, taste 2010 vintage wines before they’re bottled, learn directly from the winemakers about the aging process, and purchase wine at a discount. The cost is $25 per person and the event will be held 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat 4/9 and Sun 4/10. Reservations are not necessary, but attendees must be 21 or older.  

Artist’s Showcase

The work of fine Virginia artists will be on display and for sale on the winery lawn on Sat 4/30 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Live Music

Damon and Dave will perform Sat 4/9 & Sat 4/23 and Crys Matthews will perform Sat 4/30. Time TBA. 

2011 Barrel Club

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to own a piece of The Winery at La Grange for four years. Club members receive specially crafted barrels of wine etched with their names, free admission to wine tastings, access to exclusive events, and more. 

Friday Nights Under the Stars

Each Friday night in May, selected films will be shown on an outdoor screen. Picnic reservations, each admitting up to two people, are required for admission. The $40 picnic includes cheese, crackers, movie candy, one bottle of La Grange’s classic wine, and two wine glasses. A $65 picnic basket including additional snacks is available.  

Visit The Winery at La Grange’s events site for detailed information on spring and summer gatherings.