Although our favorite Virginia wineries are Barboursville and Horton Cellars in Orange County, Fairfax County has two wineries which should not be overlooked. The Winery at Bull Run is next to Stone Bridge and Manassas National Battlefield Park, while Paradise Springs Winery is near the historic town of Clifton next to Bull Run. Both of these Fairfax County wineries are both worth visiting. The Winery at Bull Run offers wine tastings, catering, and award winning wines, food, live music, and patio seating. Visitors can enjoy special events such as Ladies Night Out (Thursdays), and Live Music (Friday, Saturday, Sunday). The winery as hosts special events (weddings, parties, corporate meetings). Paradise Springs Winery also offers the same attractions and services along with winery tours and wine dinners.
The Bull Run Winery reception house and remains of the mansion of the Hillwood Plantation.
The Winery at Bull Run has earned several awards for their wines. Among them are medals awarded in the International Wine Competition, U. S. National Wine competition, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association Wine Competition, Eastern International Wine Competition, New York International Wine Competition, Virginia Governor’s Cup Wine Competition, Grand Harvest Awards, State Fair of Virginia, and Dallas Morning News & TEXSOM Wine Competition. The ruins on the left (pictured above) are the remains of the Hillwood Mansion which stood during the Civil War. On July 21, 1861 Union Colonel William Tecumseh Sherman, 3rd Brigade Commander (1st Division, Army of Northeastern Virginia) stood on the grounds of Bull Run Winery near the Hillwood Mansion while searching for a spot to ford Bull Run and attack awaiting Confederate lines. He was one of few Union officers to distinguish themselves on the battlefield before the retreat of the Union Army. President Abraham Lincoln promoted him on July 23, 1861 to Brigadier General of Volunteers.
Click here for wineries in Fairfax County and surrounding jurisdictions.
The Washington Post has an informative article titled Virginia Wineries: Our Top Picks by Category. It evaluates the best wineries according to best views, most fun, best tastings, best food, best wines, kid and pet friendly. The evaluations are divided into the regions of Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, Tidewater and Eastern Shore, and Shenandoah and Southwest.
