Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries Near Crozet — Your Complete Tasting Trail Guide

⭐ Sarah’s Favorite Winery, Virginia’s newest boutique winery, and our personal favorite — just minutes from Sunset Farm Stay. Owners Matt and Lisa Hales fell so deeply in love with Virginia wine country that they left their careers, bought 30 acres of hillside in White Hall, and planted 10 varieties of their own. They had the wisdom to partner with the celebrated King Family winemaker Matthieu Finot to craft their debut vintage, and the results are remarkable. The tasting room and outdoor patio offer sweeping Blue Ridge views, and the welcome is as warm as the wine. An eco-conscious operation with a wonderful origin story — we love sending guests here first.

One of the anchors of the Monticello wine region and a perennial award-winner, King Family is an elegant, beautifully run estate winery with expansive mountain views and a genuine commitment to quality. Their Meritage took the Virginia Governor’s Cup in 2019, and they’ve been winning awards ever since. The tasting room is gracious, the grounds are stunning, and the polo matches on summer Sundays are a beloved local tradition. A must-visit — and notably, the winery that mentored Fallen Tree Vineyard as it was getting started.

Veritas is one of the crown jewels of Virginia wine country — a consistently excellent winery with a serious portfolio and a beautiful tasting room. What sets Veritas apart beyond the wines is the food: their award-winning dining program pairs regional ingredients with estate wines in a setting that feels genuinely special. Make a reservation for dinner if you can. The views from the terrace over the Blue Ridge are not something you’ll soon forget.

Pippin Hill is one of the most beautiful vineyard dining experiences in the state. The farm-to-table menu is thoughtfully composed and genuinely excellent, and the estate wines are lovely — but it’s the overall experience that makes this place special. Sweeping pastoral views, stylish interiors, and an atmosphere that feels celebratory without being fussy. Do make a reservation for a table; walk-ins are difficult, and you don’t want to miss out. Perfect for a special occasion or an afternoon that stretches into the evening.

A charming neighborhood winery right in White Hall — one of the closest to Sunset Farm Stay. Stinson’s offers a relaxed, unpretentious tasting experience with the feel of a true local gem. It’s the kind of place you discover by word of mouth and immediately want to tell everyone about. A great option for a low-key afternoon out when you don’t want to venture far.

Starr Hill is one of Virginia’s most beloved and widely distributed craft breweries, and their Crozet tap room brings the best of it right into our backyard. Expect a great rotating selection of their flagship and seasonal beers in a relaxed, casual setting that draws locals and visitors alike. It’s the perfect stop after a day on the trails or a morning at the Crozet farmers market — no pretension, just great local beer.

Nestled along the celebrated Nelson 151 craft beverage corridor, Bold Rock’s flagship “Chapel of Apple” cidery is one of the most scenic and welcoming stops on the entire trail. The rustic timber-framed barn overlooks the Rockfish River and Blue Ridge Mountains, and the cider — made from locally sourced Virginia apples — ranges from bright and easy-drinking to complex dry varieties that surprise even the skeptics. There’s a full food menu from their Bold Kitchen, complimentary tastings, a self-guided cidery tour, and even a Cider Museum. Genuinely family-friendly and dog-friendly, this is a full afternoon destination.

Bold Rock also operates the Bold Rock Distillery next door at the original Barrel Barn — a separate space where you can explore their craft spirits, cocktails, and canned cocktails on Friday and Saturday evenings. A great reason to make a day of the Nelson 151 route.

The closest distillery to Sunset Farm Stay and one that’s genuinely worth seeking out. Ragged Branch is a true farm-to-bottle operation — they grow 100% of their own grain on owned or leased land, mill it fresh daily, and distill it in a custom 500-gallon copper pot-column still. The result is a lineup of Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskeys and a Rye that have repeatedly impressed critics who expected nothing from a Virginia bourbon. The tasting room sits on a knoll overlooking the distillery and barrel barn with sweeping panoramic views. Rocking chairs on the covered porch, a cozy fireplace inside, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails make this a destination worth a Thursday afternoon or weekend visit.

One of the most distinctive stories on Route 151. Silverback was founded in 2014 by Christine and her daughter Lauren Riggleman — the only mother-daughter distilling duo in the nation — and the spirits they produce have earned international acclaim. From the citrus-forward Strange Monkey Gin to the rich Blackback Honey Rye Whiskey to their award-winning Bourbon (Best in Fest at the New Orleans Bourbon Festival 2024), every bottle reflects the distillery’s character: bold, flavorful, and uncompromising. The tasting room sits at the base of the Blue Ridge alongside the Rockfish River, and the signature barrel-smoked cocktails are an experience not to miss. Pair this with Bold Rock for a perfect Route 151 day out.