Winding Through Wine Country: An Introduction to Virginia’s Route 9
Tucked between the Blue Ridge and Catoctin Mountains, Virginia’s Route 9—also known as Charles Town Pike—is more than a scenic byway. It’s a 13-mile ribbon of road that threads through Loudoun County’s most charming hamlets, historic gaps, and vineyard-dotted valleys. Once a quiet country route, it now hums with the rhythm of weekend explorers, wine lovers, and locals chasing golden-hour light.
Designated a Virginia Byway in 2002, Route 9 begins at the West Virginia state line near Keyes Gap and winds east through Hillsboro, Wheatland, and Paeonian Springs before merging with Route 7 near Leesburg. Along the way, it passes through water gaps, past 19th-century barns, and into the heart of Virginia’s wine country—where each bend in the road seems to reveal another tasting room, vineyard vista, or story waiting to be uncorked.
Whether you’re chasing bold reds, crisp whites, or just the perfect picnic view, Route 9 offers a curated blend of terroir, tradition, and trail magic.
• Notaviva Farm Brewery & Winery – Music-paired wine and beer experience – Family-owned with views, live music, Adirondack chairs – Wine, cider, beer, and seltzer—all made onsite
• Bozzo Family Vineyards – Award-winning small-batch wines named after family – Solar-powered tasting room with hillside views – Signature: “Lisa” Sauv Blanc and “B3” Bordeaux-style red
• 868 Estate Vineyards – 120-acre estate with wine, art, and live music – Known for Vidal Blanc Passito and Meritage blends – Close to historic Harper’s Ferry
• Breaux Vineyards – One of Virginia’s largest—400+ acres, 18 varieties – Cajun-themed events and bold reds like Nebbiolo – Panoramic Blue Ridge views from Tuscan-inspired tasting room
• Kalero Vineyard – 130-acre farm with restored 1834 Heartstone Barn – Rustic-chic wedding venue with Blue Ridge views – Boutique lineup: Viognier, Chardonnay, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot
• Hillsborough Vineyards & Brewery – Family-run with both wine and craft beer – Award-winning reds: Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, “Ruby” blend – Scenic hillside views and a French-country-style tasting room
• Doukénie Winery – 318-acre estate with 12 grape varieties – Family-owned since 1983, nestled by Short Hill Mountain – Known for “Zeus” red blend and relaxing, pastoral vibe
• Walsh Family Wine – Vineyard-specific wines from six Loudoun sites – Founded by Sarah & Nate Walsh, focused on terroir expression – Standouts: Bethany Ridge Chenin Blanc, Twin Notch Sauvignon Blanc
• The Wine Reserve at Waterford – Cozy, modern tasting room with sweeping valley views – Gold medal winners: “Quat” Cab Franc, “Gila” Petit Verdot – Creative wine names like “Plot Twist” and “Lost Somewhere”
• Iron Will Winery & Vineyard – Boutique producer with no tasting room—find them at local farmers markets – Wines crafted with grit: Petit Manseng, Cab Franc, Viognier, and Petit Verdot – Notable: “The Raven” Petit Verdot, inspired by a vineyard-rescued bird
• Sunset Hills Vineyard – Solar-powered estate in a restored 140-year-old Amish barn – Award-winning Viognier, Chardonnay, and Mosaic red blend – Known for epic sunsets, live music, and a “wine for the greater good” ethos
• 8 Chains North Winery – Laid-back, dog-friendly spot with vineyard views and a fenced pup park – Handcrafted Old World-style wines; try the Loco Vino or Furnace Mountain Red – Hosts live music, chocolate pairings, and has a strong Civil War backstory
• Firefly Cellars – Family-run boutique winery with a cozy tasting barn and on-site Airbnb – Wines include “Twilight” red blend and “Illumination” Riesling-based white – Chill vibe with fire pits, live music, and a mural-worthy photo op
• Casanel Vineyards & Winery – Estate-grown wines from a family with Brazilian roots – Historic 1750s log house and 1840s stone barn on site – Standouts: Carmenère (rare in VA), Petit Verdot, and a peaceful pondside porch
Be on the lookout for Blog Posts for each of these!
