Located just 40 kilometers from Washington, D.C., Loudoun County, Virginia, is a destination renowned for its culinary delights, vineyards, and historical heritage
Winding through the rolling green hills of this rural region, you’ll encounter charming villages, award-winning vineyards, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants.
It’s all here for a relaxing gourmet getaway, ideal for rounding off a trip to Washington D.C. or Virginia.
A Wine Escapade
Wine enthusiasts will be delighted to discover the local wineries, some of which stand out for their exceptional views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Established in 2012, the Middleburg AVA in Virginia covers a 198-square-mile region, bounded by the Potomac River to the north and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west.
This wine region includes around thirty wineries located in Loudoun and Fauquier counties, offering a variety of grape varieties and unique terroirs. Here are three wineries I visited during my stay.
Greenhill Vineyards
Upon arrival, the breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Greenhill Vineyard immediately captivates.
This 128-acre vineyard has been an active farm since 1762. In the 1980s, Wayne and Juanita Swedenburg, retired former foreign service officers, transformed the property, shifting from livestock farming to viticulture.
I particularly enjoyed their Pinotage, a rare grape variety in Virginia, more often associated with South Africa and originating from a cross between Cinsault and Pinot Noir, as well as their Nebbiolo.
In addition to these distinctive varieties, Greenhill cultivates a wide range of Vitis vinifera grapes, including Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Hybrids such as Chambourcin and Seyval Blanc, along with numerous experimental vines, are spread across the 27 acres of vineyards in Middleburg and Amherst.
On-site, a menu of tapas and mezze is offered, allowing visitors to extend their stay and enjoy the experience even longer. This vineyard fits perfectly into a day of exploring the charming town of Middleburg.
Doukénie Winery
Doukénie Winery, located near Hillsboro, is a 365-acre family-owned vineyard with roots deeply embedded in the Greek heritage of its owners, George and Nicki Bazaco. The name “Doukénie” is derived from the Greek word meaning “duchess” in English and honors George’s grandmother, Doukénie, who encouraged him to plant vines on the farm he and Nicki purchased in 1983. Thus, in 1985, the first block of vines was planted, marking the beginning of the family’s winemaking journey.
Today, 30 acres are dedicated to vines, with European grape varieties such as Petit Verdot, which won a gold medal at the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup. The remaining land is still an active farm, where corn, soybeans, and hay are cultivated, and Black Angus cattle graze.
A large pond surrounded by trees and chairs offers a tranquil setting, making Doukénie Winery an essential stop for a tasting.
8 Chains North Winery
Located in Waterford, 8 Chains North takes its name from its first vineyard, planted eight chains (528 feet) north of White’s Ford, a crossing used during the American Civil War.
These include albariño, cabernet franc, petit verdot, sauvignon blanc and syrah.
The vineyard is known for its warm welcome to dogs and has a fenced park where they can run freely under the supervision of their owners. They also host events such as wine and chocolate pairings.
Stroll Through Historic Villages
In addition to its vineyards, the Loudoun County region boasts beautiful small towns with timeless charm, such as Leesburg and Middleburg.
Founded in 1758, Leesburg boasts a variety of cafés, bars, restaurants, and local shops.
For history enthusiasts, a visit to the home of George C. Marshall, creator of the Marshall Plan, is a must.
Located in the town’s historic center, Dodona Manor is a very interesting place to visit. You can even see a painting by Churchill himself.
In Middleburg, Virginia’s riding capital, you’ll find an elegant atmosphere of historic taverns, and fine homes.
Stroll along Washington Street, lined with chic boutiques, art galleries, and cafés. If you get the chance, visit the National Sporting Library & Museum, dedicated to equestrian sports and hunting.
Another village not to be missed is Waterford. Founded by Quakers in 1733 on the banks of Catoctin Creek, this charming village, with its dozens of colonial and red-brick Federal-style houses, seems frozen in time for the past 200 years.
The houses, vegetation, and streets give this place a unique atmosphere, reminiscent of a set from The Handmaid’s Tale.
Must-Visit Restaurants and Cafés
Loudoun County is filled with great spots for food lovers.
Magnolias at the Mill in Purcellville is a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases local produce in a warm, refurbished former flour mill.
King Street Oyster Bar in Leesburg offers a selection of fresh oysters and seafood, accompanied by house cocktails and local beers. Don’t miss the crab cakes, one of the house specialties.
Bluewater Cocina: Bluecocina Water is an open-air taqueria located in the gardens of Nature Composed. Here, tasty dishes are prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The stars of the menu are, of course, tacos, and breakfast is also served. A unique culinary experience that combines authentic flavors with a natural ambience.
For breakfast or coffee, King Street in Leesburg is known for its many cafés grouped together in what’s known as the Leesburg Coffee Corridor. Among them is Cowbell Kitchen, a woman-run business offering fresh dishes made with local produce, such as their famous bacon sandwich on homemade bread.
Staying in Loudoun
For a night of relaxation, there are several options. For a convenient option, located just 15 minutes from Dulles International Airport, the Home2 Suites by Hiltonin Leesburg is the perfect choice.
Rooms with kitchen (barbecues are also available to guests) make this an economical option for families and those who want to prepare a few meals for themselves.
Otherwise, the region also offers many charming accommodations and bed-and-breakfasts.
The costs of this stay were covered by Visit Virginia, which had no say in the content of this article.
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