Although as a resident of the Shenandoah Valley for 13 years I have tried many wineries, only Rockbridge gets "excellent" across the board. After a dissatisfactory visit to Cross Keys Vineyard in Mt. Crawford, VA last week, my boyfriend and I traveled to the quaint town of Raphine, VA where we were given star treatment despite our casual Wal-Mart dress. Unlike Cross Keys, there was no tasting fee for these literally award winning wines: the walls displayed numerous bronze, silver, and gold medals as recent as 2014. The wines were all so good and affordable that it was hard to choose just one to take home. Our server, a delicate blonde lady, was not only kind but knowledgeable. I learned from her that this past weekend they hosted a SPCA benefit. What a wonderful way to combine pleasure with philanthropy! They truly give back to the folks in the Valley, even those with four paws. So drink local!
Can't say enough good things about this small yet fabulous vineyard! Sweet country charm will have you wanting to come back again and again. Bring a blanket and enjoy sitting amongst the grapes while taking in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wine is reasonable and excellent! Great find!
We had a very nice visit to Rockbridge Vineyard. The wine was really good, the service friendly and informative, and the surrounding area picturesque. The tasting is complimentary and there is quite a variety of wines. We were even impressed enough to buy a few bottles. We noticed coloring books available, so it appears to be kid friendly which is always a plus for families visiting the area. Also, local cheeses are available for sale.
We were there on a Sunday afternoon when their was live music so it was pretty full. Sadly their a/c was broken so we were quite warm at the end of the tasting but that isn't their fault and can't minimize the taste and variety if their wines. We had at least 5-6 wines (2 whites which is unheard of for my hubby) that were in contention for purchase. We will definitely look for their wines back home.
I was shocked when I heard tastings were free... We got so much wine, too. What a great value! Even better, there wasn't a single wine I didn't like. There are very few sweet wines though. We bought two bottles at a good price (and with a free tasting it was even more worth it). We went in the off season, so I can't wait to go back when it's warm!
We bought 6 bottles 4 as a present and 2 for us. We tried a number of different wines and settled on a White Chardonnay and a Red both were very reasonable in price. The vineyard holds open days most weekends with entertainment, you can take your own picnic and sample the wines.
...and super nice owners!!! Un-pretentious tasting room....but better wines than some vineyard with extravagant tasting areas....NO charge for tastings....maybe only vineyard that does not charge anymore.....and who really needs another wine glass.....they must have about 20 different wines and will let you taste anything that is open....which is most of them....and would probably open others if you ask....bring a picnic and enjoy their wines. We ended up purchasing a case as their wines were so good....My favorite, their Pinot Blanc Noir. And their wines are reasonable priced....we will be back!
We stopped here by chance while we were waiting for our room to get cleaned at the Comfort Inn down the road. So glad we did. Good tasting, from lovely and knowledgeable people. Lovely shop. Dog friendly. We would come back.
My husband and I stayed in Staunton Virginia, while we were at Mill Street Grill the waitress told us about Rockbridge and told us that they served their wine there. The next day we drove there and glad we did the wine was fantastic and we ended up buying a case plus. They had a special going if you bought the case of course so we did. The prices are reasonable and the ice wine they had was excellent too. The staff was friendly and informative, we definetly will let friends know about this place a hidden gem for sure.
Has a very pleasant visit. The tasting room was small and intimate but the facility itself had lots of space for enjoying. The wines were great and our server Reba was fantastic. I will be sure to return.