Nestled in the rolling hills and lush valleys of West Virginia, lies a hidden gem waiting to be discovered- the state’s burgeoning wine industry. From the eastern panhandle to the southern tip, wineries have been popping up all across the Mountain State, each one offering a unique and flavorful experience that is quintessentially West Virginian.
With breathtaking views, friendly faces, and delicious fine wines, a visit to these wineries will leave you feeling like you’ve stumbled upon a secret paradise. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a tour of some of the best wineries West Virginia has to offer.
Daniel Vineyards
Daniel Vineyards, located in Beckley, West Virginia, is one of the state’s most well-respected wineries. With a focus on producing high-quality wines that showcase the unique flavors of West Virginia, Daniel Vineyards has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Their impressive selection of wines includes everything from dry reds to sweet whites, with each wine crafted with care and attention to detail. And with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards, a visit to Daniel Vineyards is the perfect way to spend an afternoon relaxing and taking in the beauty of West Virginia’s natural landscape. Planning a special event, check out their website
The story of Daniel Vineyards is one of passion, hard work, and a commitment to quality. The vineyard’s namesake, Dr. C. Richard Daniel, was a chemist and avid wine enthusiast who dreamed of starting his own winery. He purchased the land in Beckley in the early 1990s and began planting grapes, carefully selecting varietals that would thrive in West Virginia’s unique climate and soil.
Over the years, Dr. Daniel and his family worked tirelessly to turn their dream of a vineyard into a reality, building a state-of-the-art winery and tasting room and perfecting their winemaking techniques. Today, Daniel Vineyards is a testament to their hard work and dedication, producing award-winning wines that are beloved by wine lovers throughout West Virginia and beyond.
Forks of the Cheat Winery
Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, Forks of Cheat Winery is one of the state’s most popular wineries. The winery was founded in 1990 by Jerry Deal, a former chemist who turned his passion for winemaking into a successful business. Today, Forks of Cheat Winery offers an impressive selection of wines, including everything from dry reds to sweet white wines and fruit wines.
Visitors can enjoy tastings in the winery’s cozy tasting room or take a stroll through the vineyards and surrounding countryside. With its charming atmosphere, friendly staff, and delicious wines, Forks of Cheat Winery is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a taste of West Virginia’s thriving wine scene.
Potomac Highland Winery
Potomac Highland Winery is a family-owned winery located in Keyser, West Virginia. Founded in 1993, the winery is situated on a picturesque hilltop surrounded by rolling hills and stunning mountain views. The winery specializes in producing high-quality wines made from locally-grown grapes, including Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Riesling varietals.
Visitors can enjoy tastings in the winery’s charming tasting room or take a tour of the vineyards and production facilities. With its commitment to sustainability and traditional winemaking methods, Potomac Highland Winery has earned a reputation as one of the premier wineries in West Virginia.
Batton Hollow Winery
Batton Hollow Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in Lost Creek, West Virginia off of Woodstock Drive. The winery was founded in 2010 by Tim and Susan Hinegardner, who had a passion for winemaking and a desire to share their love of wine with others. Today, Batton Hollow Winery offers a wide variety of wines, including dry reds, sweet whites, and everything in between.
Visitors can enjoy tastings in the winery’s cozy tasting room or take a stroll through the vineyards and surrounding countryside. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere and great wine, Batton Hollow Winery has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
This is a great place to head to for their monthly “Wine Down” event. Check their Facebook page for dates. Plan to spend the evening with wine tasting, food trucks, and live music.
Mountain Dragon Mazery
Mountain Dragon Mazery is a one-of-a-kind winery located in Fairmont, West Virginia. Unlike traditional wineries that use grapes to make wine, Mountain Dragon Mazery specializes in mead, a type of wine made from honey. The winery was founded in 2011 by Bill and Debra George, who was inspired by the medieval history and mythology surrounding mead.
Today, Mountain Dragon Mazery offers an impressive selection of handcrafted meads, each one infused with unique flavors and ingredients like fruit, spices, and herbs. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the winery’s cozy tasting room or take a guided tour to learn more about the art of mead making.
With its commitment to quality and creativity, Mountain Dragon Mazery is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a taste of something different in West Virginia’s thriving wine scene.
Winetree Vineyards
Winetree Vineyards is a family-owned winery located in Vienna, West Virginia. Founded in 2004, the winery is situated on a beautiful hill overlooking the Ohio River Valley, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Winetree Vineyards offers a wide variety of wines, including dry reds, sweet whites, and fruit wines made from locally-grown grapes.
Visitors can enjoy tastings in the winery’s welcoming tasting room or take a tour of the vineyards and production facilities. With its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community involvement, Winetree Vineyards has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon getaway, Winetree Vineyards is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a taste of West Virginia’s thriving wine scene.
Kirkwood Winery & Isaiah Morgan Distillery
Located in Summersville, West Virginia, Kirkwood Winery and Isaiah Morgan Distillery is a unique destination for wine and spirit enthusiasts. Founded in 1994 by Richard and Becky Kirkwood, the winery offers an impressive selection of award-winning wines made from locally-grown grapes, including Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay varietals. In addition, the distillery produces a variety of handcrafted spirits, including bourbon, whiskey, and moonshine, all made using traditional methods and locally-sourced ingredients.
Visitors can enjoy tastings in the winery’s cozy tasting room, take a tour of the vineyards and production facilities, or sample spirits at the Isaiah Morgan Distillery. With its commitment to quality and innovation, Kirkwood Winery and Isaiah Morgan Distillery is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of West Virginia’s wine and spirits scene.
West-White Hall Winery
West-Whitehill Winery is a family-owned winery located in Moorefield, West Virginia. The winery was founded in 1981 by Ben and Becky West-Whitehill, who had a passion for winemaking and a desire to share their love of wine with others. Today, West-Whitehill Winery offers a wide variety of wines, including dry reds, sweet whites, and fruit wines made from locally-grown grapes and other fruits.
Visitors can enjoy tastings in the winery’s charming tasting room or take a tour of the vineyards and production facilities. With its commitment to sustainability and traditional winemaking methods, West-Whitehill Winery has earned a reputation as one of the premier wineries in West Virginia. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon getaway, West-Whitehill Winery is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a taste of West Virginia’s thriving wine scene.
Chestnut Ridge Winery
Chestnut Ridge Winery is a family-owned winery located in Spencer, West Virginia.
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Spencer, West Virginia, then look no further than Chestnut Ridge Winery. Owned by Teresa Holcomb, this winery offers a great chance to enjoy the outdoors and sample some delicious wines.
The winery is located at the trailhead of Ben’s Run Trails, giving you the perfect opportunity to take a stroll through the grounds and admire the panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Inside, you can sample their selection of dry, semi-dry, and semi-sweet wines on their large deck and patio.
So if you’re looking for a unique experience in Spencer, West Virginia then be sure to check out Chestnut Ridge Winery! You won’t be disappointed!
Lambert’s Vintage Winery is a charming winery located in Weston, West Virginia. The winery was founded in 1992 by Jerry Lambert, who had a passion for winemaking and a desire to share his love of wine with others. Today, Lambert’s Vintage Winery offers a wide selection of wines, including dry reds, sweet whites, and fruit wines made from locally-grown grapes and other fruits.
Visitors can enjoy tastings in the winery’s cozy tasting room, take a tour of the vineyards and production facilities, or purchase wine by the bottle or case to take home. With its warm and welcoming atmosphere and delicious wines, Lambert’s Vintage Winery has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and relaxing outing, Lambert’s Vintage Winery is a must-visit destination in West Virginia’s thriving wine scene.
Before you head over to taste any wines from these places… have questions about the different types of wines? Here’s a quick overview…
White Wines
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most well-known and widely consumed white wines in the world. It is produced from the Chardonnay grape and is known for its full-bodied taste and buttery finish. Chardonnay wines can be oaked or unoaked, and this can greatly affect the flavor profile.
Oaked Chardonnays are aged in oak barrels, giving them a distinct vanilla and caramel flavor, while unoaked Chardonnays have a crisper, fruitier taste. Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, including seafood, poultry, and creamy sauces
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a popular white wine known for its crisp, refreshing taste and high acidity. It is produced from the Sauvignon Blanc grape and has a range of flavors that can include citrus, green apple, and grassy notes. Many Sauvignon Blancs are unoaked, allowing the true flavors of the grape to shine through.
This wine is often associated with New Zealand, where it is grown in the Marlborough region, but it is also produced in many other regions around the world, including France, California, and South Africa. Because of its acidity and bright flavors, Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with a variety of foods, including seafood, salads, and goat cheese. It is also a popular choice for hot summer days or as an aperitif before a meal.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a popular white wine grape that is known for its light, crisp taste, and refreshing acidity. Pinot Grigio grapes have a thin skin, resulting in a pale, straw-colored wine that is often described as one of the “dry” wines. This means that it has very little residual sugar, giving it a clean, crisp finish.
Pinot Grigio is often enjoyed as a chilled wine on a hot summer day, making it a popular choice for outdoor gatherings and picnics. It pairs well with a variety of foods, including seafood, salads, and light pasta dishes.
Riesling
Riesling is a white wine grape variety known for its unique sweetness and floral aromas. It is produced in many different regions around the world, including Germany, France, and the United States. Riesling grapes thrive in cooler climates and are often picked late in the harvesting season, allowing them to develop a high sugar content. This results in a sweet, fruity taste that can range from apricot and peach to lime and green apple.
Rieslings can be made in a range of styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet dessert wines. They are widely regarded as one of the most food-friendly wines due to their high acidity, which allows them to pair well with a variety of dishes, from spicy Asian cuisine to rich, creamy desserts. Rieslings are also known for their ability to age gracefully, with some vintages lasting for decades.
Dessert Wines
Dessert wines are sweet wines that are typically served with dessert or after a meal. They come in a variety of styles and flavors, ranging from light and fruity to rich and complex. Some popular types of dessert wines include late-harvest wines, ice wines, and fortified wines like port and sherry.
Late-harvest wines are made from grapes that are left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to fully ripen and develop a high sugar content. Ice wines are made from grapes that have been left on the vine until they freeze, resulting in a concentrated, sweet flavor.
Fortified wines are wines that have had additional alcohol added, which stops the fermentation process and creates a sweeter, higher-alcohol wine. Dessert wines are often served in smaller portions due to their sweetness and richness, making them the perfect accompaniment to a decadent dessert or a cheese platter.
Ask the Bartender – More Answers to your wine questions
Red Wines
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that is known for its high tannin content and rich, complex flavor profile. It is produced from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, which is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties in the world. Cabernet Sauvignon is often described as having flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry, cedar, and vanilla, with a firm structure and long finish. It is typically aged in oak barrels, which can give it additional flavors of tobacco, coffee, and chocolate.
Cabernet Sauvignon wines are often blended with other varieties, such as Merlot or Cabernet Franc, to balance out the tannins and create a more complex wine. The wine pairs well with a variety of foods, including steak, lamb, and strong cheeses. most well-known regions include Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and Coonawarra.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a popular red wine that is known for its delicate, complex flavor profile and light to medium body. It is produced from the Pinot Noir grape, which is notoriously difficult to grow and requires specific climate and soil conditions. Pinot Noir wines are often described as having flavors of red berries, cherries, and earthy notes, with a subtle hint of spice and a silky finish.
They are typically aged in oak barrels, which can give them additional flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pinot Noir is often considered to be one of the most food-friendly red wines, due to its versatility and low tannin content. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including salmon, roasted chicken, and mushroom risotto.
Merlot
Merlot is a popular red wine that is known for its smooth, easy-drinking taste and medium body. It is produced from the Merlot grape, which is one of the most widely-planted red grape varieties in the world. Merlot wines are often described as having flavors of black cherry, plum, and chocolate, with a soft texture and low tannin content. They are typically aged in oak barrels, which can give them additional flavors of vanilla, toast, and spice. Merlot is often blended with other grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc, to create a more complex and balanced wine. The wine pairs well with a variety of foods, including beef, pork, and pasta dishes.
Visiting WV Wineries
West Virginia’s wineries offer a diverse and exciting array of wines and experiences for wine lovers and casual visitors alike. From the traditional grape-based wines to the unique honey and fruit-based meads, West Virginia wineries are pushing the boundaries of what wine can be. With picturesque vineyards and cozy tasting rooms, visitors can enjoy scenic views, live entertainment, and educational tours while sipping on delicious wines. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, West Virginia’s wineries provide an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of the region’s natural beauty, hospitality, and creativity.
For those interested in exploring West Virginia’s wine scene, a winery visit is a must. Most wineries offer a free tasting, allowing visitors to sample a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process. These small operations are often family-run and have a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere that makes for a fun and relaxing experience. Many wineries also offer wine tours and wine-tasting available year-round, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the wines and the people behind them. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, a visit to a West Virginia winery is sure to be a memorable experience.