Virginia’s reputation as a premier wine destination is well-earned. The state’s diverse climate and fertile soils produce everything from crisp whites to bold reds. What sets Virginia apart is its mix of historic wineries, scenic landscapes, and innovative vintners. We particularly like tours that combine comfort with authentic, behind-the-scenes experiences—like the Vineyard and Winery Bus Tour from Metro DC, which offers a full day exploring Loudoun County’s top wineries in style. This tour’s focus on comfort, expert guidance, and exclusive perks make it a standout for those wanting a relaxed yet immersive wine day.
If you’re interested in building your wine confidence or pairing wine with local cuisine, Virginia’s wine tours deliver. Whether it’s a hands-on Wine Bootcamp or the educational Learning Lunch with Winemaker Donna, these experiences focus on making wine knowledge accessible and fun. For travelers craving a more personalized touch, the Exclusive Small Group Virginia Winery Tour with a Sommelier offers expert-led tastings in a cozy setting. Below, we detail each of these top-rated options so you can pick the best fit for your wine adventure.
1. Vineyard and Winery Bus Tour from Metro DC
At number one, this Vineyard and Winery Bus Tour from Metro DC is perfect for those who want to visit Virginia’s Loudoun County wineries without the hassle of driving. For about $109.99 per person, you get a nearly 7.5-hour immersive experience with visits to three distinct wineries. The tour starts with a stop at Market Station, a charming spot in historic Leesburg, where you can grab breakfast or coffee before heading into wine country. The bus itself is luxurious, equipped with WiFi, climate control, and comfortable seats—so you can relax and admire the rolling hills of Virginia’s vineyards.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of convenience and quality. The guide, a Certified Tourism Ambassador, shares insights about Virginia wine and the region’s history. The wineries are carefully chosen to showcase a variety of styles, and you’ll benefit from exclusive perks like complimentary tastings and discounts. The reviews speak volumes—guests praise the tour for its relaxed pace, comfortable transport, and friendly, knowledgeable guides. A typical comment: “The scenery was spectacular, and the wine was surprisingly great.” This tour is ideal if you want a full day out with good company, good wine, and a touch of luxury.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a stress-free, all-inclusive day exploring Loudoun County’s top wineries in style, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable experience.
2. Wine Bootcamp – Led by our winemaker
For those looking to boost their wine confidence, the Wine Bootcamp offers a lively, hands-on 2-hour class led by a professional winemaker. Price-wise at $60 per person, it’s an affordable way to learn about wine crafting, aeration techniques, rosé distinctions, and even molecular pairings. What makes this experience unique is its focus on education without pretense. You’ll taste different wines, explore how they’re made, and pick up practical tips for choosing and serving wine — perfect for both casual drinkers and budding enthusiasts.
This tour is ideal if you want a quick, interactive experience that demystifies wine-making and helps you understand what makes a good wine. The guide is an expert with clear explanations, making complex concepts accessible. The small class size encourages personal attention, and you’ll leave with new confidence in selecting wines and pairing them with food. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy engaging, educational activities without committing an entire day.
Bottom Line: If you’re curious about how wine is made and want to develop a more discerning palate, this bootcamp offers a fun, practical introduction at a reasonable price.
$60.00 per person
3. Learning Lunch of Wine and Food Pairing with Winemaker Donna
Taste and learn at the Learning Lunch with Winemaker Donna, a 2-hour session priced at $60. This experience blends culinary delights with wine education, making it ideal for foodies and socializers. Donna, a seasoned winemaker, guides you through five categories of wine paired with tapas-sized bites, three entrees, cheeses, desserts, and even chocolates. The goal? To teach you how to achieve perfect pairings and understand the nuances that make wine and food complement each other.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on practical skills and sensory education. You’ll learn to identify flavors, textures, and aromas that enhance your tasting experience. The intimate setting and Donna’s approachable style make it easy to ask questions and discover your preferences. This experience is perfect for those who want a delicious meal and a behind-the-scenes look at how wine pairing works, making it a memorable and educational outing.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy good food and want to improve your pairing skills while learning from a knowledgeable winemaker, this is a delightful, hands-on experience.
$60.00 per person
4. Airport Transportation, City and Winery Tours, Hourly As Directed
For travelers needing flexibility, the Airport Transportation, City and Winery Tours offers a customized experience. Priced at $750 for a group of up to 14 people and lasting around 4 hours, this service provides private, luxury transport tailored to your schedule. It’s not just a transfer but a chance to design your own wine tour—whether that’s visiting specific wineries, combining city sights, or adding other stops.
This service is perfect if you want control over your itinerary, personalized attention, and a seamless experience. The chauffeurs are experienced and focus on your comfort and safety, making it suitable for groups celebrating special occasions or those with a specific wish list. While it doesn’t include tours or tastings, it complements other experiences by providing flexible logistics.
Bottom Line: Best suited for groups seeking a tailored, private transportation experience that can combine city sightseeing with winery visits.
$750.00 per group (up to 14)
5. Cheeseology Un-brie-lievable Wine Pairings and Cheesy Wisdom!
Combine your love of wine and cheese in Cheeseology Un-brie-lievable Wine Pairings, a 2-hour class that explores six cheese categories and their perfect wine matches. Priced at $60, this experience turns the daunting cheese aisle into a fun, educational journey. You’ll start with a personality quiz that helps uncover your flavor preferences and then taste through cheeses and wines in guided pairings.
What sets this apart is its focus on making cheese and wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone. The interactive format encourages discovery and confidence in choosing cheeses and wines at home. The session includes a visit to Little Washington Winery and Brewery, where you’ll also learn about the specific wines that pair best with each cheese type. It’s especially good for those who love social gatherings and want to learn something useful while having fun.
Bottom Line: If you crave a playful yet informative experience that combines learning with tasting, this class is an excellent choice for cheese and wine lovers.
$60.00 per person
6. Exclusive Small Group Virginia Winery Tour with a Sommelier
For a truly personalized, expert-led experience, the Exclusive Small Group Virginia Winery Tour with a Sommelier offers 4 to 6 hours exploring three wineries with a certified Sommelier guiding you. Priced at $149 per person, this tour focuses on intimate, behind-the-scenes tastings and insights into Virginia’s wine scene. Starting at Capstone Vineyards, moving on to Crimson Lane with its stunning mountain views, and finishing at Glen Manor for Bordeaux-style reds, each stop offers a different perspective on Virginia wine craftsmanship.
What makes this tour stand out is the direct interaction with a wine expert who can tailor the experience based on your interests. The private transport ensures a relaxed pace and flexibility. The tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Virginia wines from a professional, or for celebrating special occasions with a small, curated group.
Bottom Line: If you want a high-touch, educational, and relaxed experience with expert guidance, this is an excellent choice for your Virginia wine trip.
$149.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Virginia Wine Tour
When selecting a wine tour in Virginia, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and your interest level. For those seeking a full-day, all-inclusive experience, the Vineyard and Winery Bus Tour offers great value. If you prefer a shorter, educational experience, Wine Bootcamp or the Learning Lunch are excellent options. For private, customizable plans, the Hourly Transportation and Tours and Small Group Sommelier Tour are ideal.
Think about your physical activity level—these tours vary from relaxed bus trips to interactive classes—and your interests, whether it’s wine making, food pairing, or exploring historic vineyards. Booking early is advised, especially for popular weekends or holiday periods, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Virginia’s wine scene offers a rich variety of experiences for all levels of wine lovers. The Vineyard and Winery Bus Tour stands out for its comfort and convenience, perfect for a group day out. The Wine Bootcamp and Learning Lunch are great for those eager to learn and improve their palate. Meanwhile, the private Small Group with a Sommelier offers a deeper dive into Virginia’s winemaking secrets.
No matter your preference, Virginia’s wineries and wine experiences are well worth exploring. Planning ahead will ensure you get the most from your visit—so consider booking early and pick the tour that aligns best with your interests. Cheers to discovering Virginia’s excellent wines!