Discover One of the Best Wineries in Virginia

It used to be that if you wanted to take a great wine-centric vacation that didn’t involve overseas travel, you would head out west to the famed wine regions of Napa and Sonoma in California. Today, with the burgeoning of some genuinely wonderful wineries in Virginia, that is no longer the case! That is especially true when you visit The Chesapeake Bay wineries in Virginia, like The Dog and Oyster Micro-Vineyard and Oyster Bar, located at our luxury Virginia Bed and Breakfast.

Wineries in Virginia have been quietly and unassumingly growing grapes and perfecting their craft for centuries. The wine industry here dates back to at least the 17th century! Though there are more than 300 wineries in Virginia worth visiting – many of which are located in northern Virginia and just outside the Washington DC area – some of our favorite wineries in Virginia are right here on the Chesapeake Bay. That includes our own, of course!

The Northern Neck of Virginia, where our Virginia Bed and Breakfast is located, is one of nine AVA’s in the Commonwealth. Given that it’s only 3 hours or less from major metropolitan areas on the East Coast, we think it makes a fabulous weekend getaway destination. It’s definitely one of the best-kept secrets in the vast world of wine tasting. Relax, unwind, set sail on The Chesapeake Bay, pamper yourself, and sip on some of the best wine on the eastern seaboard.

All that and more is possible when you stay with us at our Virginia Bed and Breakfast. Book your room at Hope & Glory Inn today!

Group of friends enjoying wine at The Dog and Oyster - one of the best wineries in Virginia

Visit One of the Best Wineries in Virginia

As we mentioned above, there are more than 300 incredible wineries in Virginia, most of which are located along a narrow stretch of I-81. Though these wineries are excellent and dedicated artisans, we think a better wine-tasting destination is out on the Northern Neck of Virginia, where you’ll find our exceptional winery and micro-vineyard, The Dog and Oyster.

The Dog and Oyster Micro-Vineyard and Oyster Bar is one of many great wineries in Virginia that are located on the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail. Not only are the wines produced here delicious and reflective of our coastal terroir, but they also represent some of the most unique wineries in Virginia, offering you a tasting experience that is truly second to none.

In recent years, the well-regarded Dog and Oyster Vineyard was located on a nearby property. Today, the vineyard has been relocated to the front lawn of the Hope and Glory Inn in Irvington, VA, where it now offers a more intimate and upscale wine tasting experience. The vineyard now features the Petit Manseng grape, which produces distinctively dry white wines.

While we wait for these new wines from our micro-vineyard to reach maturity, we offer tastings flights and wines by the glass or bottle. We currently offer our 100% estate-grown wine using three varieties of grapes: Chardonel and Vidal Blanc are used for our white wines, while Chambourcin is our coveted red. Our winemakers are two of the best in Virginia and have been acknowledged by The Governor’s Cup and Savor Magazine.

These wines pair perfectly with farm-fresh oysters from the Chesapeake Bay, another local staple here. The vast majority of Virginia oysters are grown right here in these fabled waters of the Chesapeake Bay – so you’ve never been closer to enjoying a truly exquisite pairing of wine and oysters than at our top-rated Virginia winery. We’re open Saturdays and Sundays for tastings, and soon we’ll be able to offer a range of other delicious small plates to share, such as house-made charcuterie and various oyster shooters.

White wine being poured at the top wineries in Virginia

More Great Chesapeake Bay Wineries in Virginia

Though the wine and oyster tasting experience you’ll enjoy at The Dog and Oyster is hard to beat, you really should travel around The Northern Neck of Virginia to visit some of the other Chesapeake Bay wineries in Virginia. There are nine more unique wineries in Virginia, in addition to a cidery. Below we’ve featured six of the best stops to make after you’ve exhausted your options at our delightful vineyard.

  1. Good Luck Cellars features a delicious range of estate-grown and hand-crafted wines, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Norton, Petit Verdot, and Viognier.
  2. Arrive by land or boat to Jacey Vineyards, and enjoy waterfront views and lush vines while sipping your way through their inspiring collection.
  3. Ditchley Cider Works & Farm offers some great ciders, and even though it’s not strictly a winery, a stop here is a welcomed addition to your itinerary.
  4. General’s Ridge Winery is nestled in the quaint countryside of Virginia’s historic Westmoreland County. They focus on various varietals, including Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, and Petit Verdot.
  5. Rivah Vineyards at the Grove is in the same area, situated on the Yeocomico River. They produce many varietals, including Cayuga White, Petit Manseng, Chardonel, Cab Franc, Chambourcin, Gruner Veltliner, Merlot, and others.
  6. Ingleside Vineyards is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Virginia, and they were recently awarded one Gold and six Silver Medals at the 2022 Governor’s Cup.

Enjoy one of the best wineries in Virginia while staying in this charming pink and black guest room at our Virginia Bed and Breakfast

Unwind at the Best Virginia Bed and Breakfast

As you can see, there are plenty of fantastic wineries in Virginia to visit during your stay with us, not to mention all the other great things to do in Irvington, VA. There’s no better place to enjoy the “good life” in coastal Virginia than our Irvington, Virginia Bed and Breakfast.

Our Inn is within walking distance to many of the top attractions in downtown Irvington yet feels like a secluded escape you crave. Our Inn boasts a private Eden-like compound with twelve uniquely appointed and luxurious guest rooms and cottages from which to choose. Add a soothing saltwater pool, a one-of-a-kind garden bath, and plenty of luxury amenities, including afternoon sails aboard True Love, and it’s easy to get lost in the days here on the Chesapeake Bay.

We also host one of the best restaurants in Irvington, Virginia, The Colonnade, where you’ll find a gourmet, fine dining experience that can’t be matched. With so many incredible things at your fingertips, it’s no wonder our Virginia Bed and Breakfast is rated as one of the best places to stay in Virginia. The possibilities are endless here in Coastal Virginia, and summer is the perfect time to visit. Book your room at our Virginia Bed and Breakfast today!

The Dog & Oyster Re-Opens

April 5, 2024

We will be OPEN Friday – Sunday throughout April beginning on April 5th