Wine Down in Staunton, VA
With its convenient location near renowned wineries, The Blackburn Inn & Conference Center serves as a delightful haven for wine enthusiasts. As an added bonus, The Blackburn features an exceptional on-site cafe called Second Draft Bistro, where visitors can try delicious dishes paired with locally supplied wines.
Day 1
On your first day of your wine tour, we want you to rest and relax. You’ll first check in to your stay at The Blackburn. Later, you can have dinner at our Second Draft Bistro. Local, Shenandoah Valley ingredients are the focus at Second Draft Bistro, so you can get a taste of the region before exploring it. The bistro offers breakfast, light bites, a dinner menu, drinks, coffees, and of course, local wines. At Second Draft, you can taste local wines from Barren Ridge Vineyards, Boxwood, and Raywood wines while looking at the spectacular views of the grounds indoors or on our patio.
Day 2
The second day is focused on adventuring to vineyards outside of downtown Staunton. You can take a short 15-minute drive east to Barren Ridge Vineyards. Barren Ridge is a fourth-generation, family-owned winery that is dedicated to crafting wines that make you feel right at home. Their vineyard has a tasting room, grounds that are great for picnics, an outdoor patio, and fireplaces perfect for warming yourself on the cooler days. They are also pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs of all sizes to join you inside or outside. Barren Ridge Vineyards typically provides live music for you to enjoy as well!
You could also decide to start or continue your day at Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery. If you’re coming from Barren Ridge, Rockbridge Vineyard will be a short 30-minute drive heading south on I-81. In 1988, Rockbridge Vineyard’s owners, Shepherd Rouse and Jane Millott-Rouse, found the perfect site for their vineyard, and it has grown to 17 acres that produces well-crafted, affordable wines. Rockbridge Vineyard boasts award-winning wine flights to try while you relax in- or outdoors. You are able to bring any food with you, but Rockbridge Vineyard also provides local cheeses, cured meats, and other snacks to enjoy. They are also dog-friendly, so your furry friends can join you here as well.
Day 3
On the third day, you can focus your time exploring downtown Staunton. On Saturday mornings before your wine tastings, you can head to the local Farmer’s Market. After gathering all of your local eats, head across the street to Ox-Eye Vineyards. While the farm is located outside of Staunton in Augusta County, the tasting room is located right in downtown Staunton's historic wharf district. You can choose to share a bottle of wine with friends, or enjoy some tastings with charcuterie board pairings. You can also bring your own food and eat on the outdoor patio, or in the cozy leather chairs.
Before your time in Staunton is over, you can also visit some local wine bars. First, you can try Yelping Dog Wine, which is a family-owned business in the heart of historic downtown Staunton, VA. Yelping Dog Wine carries a wide range of local, domestic, and international wines, as well as craft beers and non-alcoholic beverages. They have “Yelping Hour” every Friday from 5 - 7 PM, which includes $2 off glasses of wine, $1 off beer, and 10% off in-house bottle sales. If you’re in town on a Wednesday, stop by for Wine Wednesdays from 5 - 7 PM. During Wine Wednesdays, you can try wine tastings offered by expert wine representatives and local winemakers. These tastings are free, but they do collect donations for local various animal rescues.
After Yelping Dog Wine, head over to Accordia to grab some local delicacies before you go. Accordia is an artisanal wine, chocolate, and cheese shop in downtown Staunton. On Tuesdays and Fridays, Accordia offers guided tastings. Be sure to check out their upcoming events, as they provide live music on some Sundays.
A wine tour in Staunton, VA, promises an unforgettable experience, and The Blackburn Inn & Conference Center is the perfect home base for your adventure. With its prime location near these local wineries and the convenience of an on-site restaurant, The Blackburn Inn will provide the best stay for wine enthusiasts. Whether you choose to relax and savor the flavors at Barren Ridge Vineyards, indulge in award-winning wine flights at Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery, or explore downtown Staunton with stops at Ox-Eye Vineyards, Yelping Dog Wine, and Accordia, each day promises to be filled with incredible tastings. Book your stay at The Blackburn Inn & Conference Center for your next trip. Cheers to an unforgettable wine tour in Staunton, VA!