Dec 18, 2020

Sterling, Virginia, is a beautiful place surrounded by many natural areas. These areas often include vineyards, where grapes are grown and turned into flavorful and locally inspired wines. If you enjoy sampling red wine, white wine, or both, take a look at a few of the top wineries nearby.  

Zephaniah Farm Vineyard 

Located in Leesburg, Zephaniah Farm Vineyard is about 12 miles from Sterling. It’s a beautiful vineyard, offering outdoor seating with shade from mature trees and acres of space. Although the land has been owned by the family for the past 70 years, grapes were only added to the growing schedule in 2002. Since then, the vineyard has expanded to include 14 different varieties of grapes, all of which are incorporated into the various types of wine made on-site. 

Visitors can sample their wine options in the historic home or in the newly built timber-frame barn, both of which offer a relaxed atmosphere. The selection includes two white wines, three red wines, and a rose, as well as several reserve options that are available by the bottle. The tasting room is open Friday through Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m. 

Casanel Vineyards 

Casanel Vineyards is a family-owned and operated vineyard also located in Leesburg. The family behind this vineyard is defined by its mission to preserve its legacy, its passion for creating delicious wine, and its connection to the community. When first opening the vineyard, the Casanel family planted more than 10,000 vines across 7 acres, choosing varieties that defined certain regions, such as cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and pinot gris. Over the years, the location has expanded and now sits on over 40 acres.  

If you like white wine, try the Ellianna or Patricia Marie vintage options. Ellianna includes notes of pear, kiwi, white peach, honeysuckle, and lime zest for a crisp, fresh taste, while Patricia Marie is gentle oaked with tropical fruits, toasted coconut, jasmine, and vanilla. This vineyard also offers several red wine varieties, including a port-style wine with candied fruits, cherries, raspberries, and spicy undertones. 

Stone Tower Winery 

Stone Tower Winery is known as the premier family winery in the area. Established in 2009, it has built upon the state’s history and utilized the richness of the local soil to grow flavorful grape varieties. Visitors can tour the cellar to see where the wine is made and aged in fine wood barrels as well as shop the friendly market to pick up bottles of housemade wine. The Tower View tasting room offers impressive views of the vista, and reservations are available Thursday through Monday. 

The selection of wine for sampling and purchase includes deeps reds, whites, light wines, and bubbly varieties. You can also pick up gifts or even get an at-home tasting kit to experience the flavors in the comfort of your own living space.  

These Sterling-area wineries offer delicious beverages in serene, appealing settings. Get a group of friends together or take your special someone to sample some of the local flavors and experience everything that each winery has to offer.