Scouted Wineries You Should Know About
The quest for a fine glass of wine and an enjoyable tasting room experience has become a national pastime we’re fully on board with. For oenophiles looking for the perfect pour or those simply yearning to wile away an afternoon in a beautiful setting, we asked The Scout Guide editors to recommend their favorite wineries and vineyards. To find a scouted winery near you, visit the The Scout Guide Directory.
Photography by Sera Petras Photography.
WINERY: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
LOCATION: North Garden, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is unique among the growing number of fine wineries along Virginia’s Monticello Wine Trail. They not only create distinguished boutique wines, but pair them with some of the most elevated cuisine you’ll find in the area. Local, fresh, seasonal, from vineyard-and-farm-to-table is how they do things, and always with Pippin Hill’s welcoming sense of relaxed elegance.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “A visit to Pippin Hill feels like a getaway, even though you are only 15 minutes from downtown Charlottesville,” says Christy Ford, co-editor of The Scout Guide Charlottesville. “We love the wine, the farm-to-table cuisine and the incredible views from the hill!”
Photography by Cara Robbins.
WINERY: Folded Hills Winery
LOCATION: Gaviota and Montecito, California
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Adhering to organic farming standards, Folded Hills is a small, family-owned (the St. Louis-based Busch family) winery where they never cut corners. Their hills are planted with grenache, syrah, and a collection of Rhône whites, alongside 18 acres of organic row crops, fruit orchards, and a menagerie of animals. This old-world sustainable farm and working ranch creates a very special portfolio of wines.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “I am a personal member of their wine club and love their boutique wines,” says Stacey Goltermann, editor of The Scout Guide Saint Louis. “I visited their winery recently and loved sitting by the lake next to the polo field sipping Lilly Rose, which is named after Lilly Anheuser who was married to Adolphus Busch in 1881. I absolutely love the family ties to STL!”
Photography by Gordon Campbell, At Altitude Gallery.
WINERY: Chatham Vineyards
LOCATION: Machipongo, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Chatham Vineyards is the only winery in the country where you can eat oysters and drink wine grown in the same terroir. Chatham fully embraces local love by serving all-local cheese and charcuterie boards in their tasting room, in addition to highlighting local artisans with handcrafted pieces for purchase. Those opting for a getaway can book The Farmhouse at Chatham, a charming two-story three-bedroom home.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Chatham Vineyards is a very special place to me. It’s the only winery on Virginia’s Eastern Shore and crafts delicious wines that express the unique terroir shared with the local waterman,” says Sara Harris, editor of The Scout Guide Williamsburg & The Chesapeake Bay. “The wines are world-class and the owners, Jon and Mills Wehner, are inspiring. Their passion to promote ‘the Shore’ by supporting its local businesses is what TSG is all about!”
Photography by Meredith Coe.
WINERY: Revalation Vineyards
LOCATION: Madison, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Owners Françoise, a Belgian mathematician, and Julian, an Irish dentist, fell in love with the world of fine wine while in the Bay Area. Meeting scientists who had started their own vineyards led them to realize that they could one day turn their shared passion into a labor of love. They moved to Washington D.C. and came to discover the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the hidden bounty of Virginia wines. In 2006, after a four-year search, they bought a horse farm and began the work of turning it into a vineyard during their weekends. In 2012, Françoise transitioned from her academic career to become a full-time vineyard manager. Their passion and love for what they do shines through in their wines.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “We love the philosophy by which Revalation Vineyards grows their grapes and produces their wine. ‘Let the vines sing! Be the wines local. Quality over quantity. Train the youngsters.’ This mission really shines through in the quality of their wines,” says Antje Lemoine, assistant editor of The Scout Guide Charlottesville.
Photography courtesy of Gervasi Vineyard.
WINERY: Gervasi Vineyard
LOCATION: Canton, Ohio
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Sitting on 55 luxurious acres, Gervasi Vineyard is a destination winery that features over 30 varietals of award-winning wines including three estate-grown wines, state-of-the-art winery and distillery, tours, tastings, pairings, culinary classes, events and luxury accommodations.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Sitting outside, enjoying live music, and terrific cuisine, I feel as if I am on vacation and transported to Tuscany when I visit Gervasi,” says Erin Leslie, co-editor of The Scout Guide Cleveland & Akron. “Their wine portfolio is impressive and their guided tastings are delightful. I try to carve out at least four hours there on a day trip so I can see and enjoy everything. The Farmhouse (restored residence circa 1830) is the perfect place for a girls’ weekend getaway!”
Photography by Victor Sizemore.
WINERY: Talon Winery
LOCATION: Lexington, Kentucky
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Talon Winery is women-founded and owned. Harriet Allen, pictured here, runs the winery operated by her four-generation family. They offer daily tastings, live music, weddings, and more on their 300-acre historic farm
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “A visit to this winery never disappoints. The wines are amazing, and most weekends they have live music for an evening that’s fun for the entire family,” says Jennifer Mueller, editor of The Scout Guide Lexington.
Photography by BOXT Wine.
WINERY: Boxt Wine
LOCATION: Austin, Texas
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Boxt is a female-founded wine subscription service based out of Austin, Texas with wines made at their Napa Valley winery. They number their wines and instead of listing as “pinot” it’s listed as a flavor profile “light, airy,” etc. Each box of wine is equivalent to four bottles and it’s delivered to your doorstep monthly.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “I love Boxt because it’s not intimidating and you don’t need extensive wine knowledge to know which flavor profiles you like. You just remember, ‘I liked #3, it was light and perfect for the summer’ and then you order and it’s delivered to you,” says Shannon Bland, editor of The Scout Guide Austin. “Drinking wine has never been simpler. Plus, it’s Austin-based and female-owned, two of my favorite things!”
Photography by Owen Collective.
WINERY: Hailstone Vineyards
LOCATION: Napa, California
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Hailstone Vineyards focuses on producing small lots of premium wine from varying regions of the valley and spotlighting the great mountain districts of the Napa Valley as their grape source.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “When you meet the winery owner Chris Zazo, it’s evident how passionate he is about his wines quality and craftsmanship. Whether you choose a cabernet, chardonnay or their new rosé, they’re both sophisticated and enjoyable to drink,” says Jennifer Adams, editor of The Scout Guide Naples.
Photography by Sélavie Photography.
WINERY: Rockmere Wines
LOCATION: Napa, California
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: This Memphis family owned winery brings southern hospitality to the California vineyards. The rocky soil that led to the name of the vineyard helps make the most delicious Cabernet Sauvignon.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “I love that the winery is Memphis-owned and Napa-based. My favorite wine is a Napa Cab,” says Stephanie Stephens, editor of The Scout Guide Memphis. “I think it’s really unique to have a Memphis family who cares so much about making such special wines to sell in the local liquor stores and restaurants in Memphis.”
Photography courtesy of Winehaven Winery.
WINERY: Winehaven Winery
LOCATION: Chisago City, Minnesota
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Founded in 1995 by Kevin and Cheri Peterson, along with their sons Kyle and Troy, Winehaven Winery is truly a family affair. Adhering to sustainable practices, they have won numerous awards for their grape and berry wines, including “Winner of Best Fruit Wine,” 2021 San Francisco Int’l Wine Competition and “Best of Class” 2022 Int’l Eastern Wine Competition.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “The Petersons are really down to earth, great people who are not only passionate about their wine, but also the community they live in,” says Kate Grutzmacher, editor of The Scout Guide Minneapolis.
Photography courtesy of Wölffer Estate Vineyard.
WINERY: Wölffer Estate Vineyard
LOCATION: Sagaponack, New York
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: For over 30 years, Wölffer Estate Vineyard has been known as one of the finest producers on the East Coast and a center for innovation and hospitality. Committed to producing premium, distinctive wines, ciders, and spirits through their dedication to quality, penchant for style and celebration of place.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Owners Joey, Marc, and Roman create a special experience at the Estate. The grounds are breathtaking and I always love stopping by on Saturday nights during season for live music and cocktails,” says Stacey Leuliette, editor of The Scout Guide Hamptons. “Everyone brings blankets, the kids run around and play, and it’s truly a magical experience! Don’t forget to check out Joey’s shop at the wine stand—she has an incredible eye and I always leave with something new!”
Photography by Jen Fariello.
WINERY: Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard
LOCATION: Keswick, Virginia
WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL: Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard has been a true labor of love for the Pelly family. The property, its buildings and land, speak to their love of wine, architecture, interior design, and the outdoors. Their fields consist of a rare Manteo soil, a rocky and well-draining soil perfect for growing grapes. The tasting room was designed to feel like a home, sourcing eclectic antique furnishings, personal artwork, and antique taxidermy—to bring together a space that has to be seen to be believed.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “We love stepping into the world of Wine & Wonderment that is Merrie Mill. From the wine, to the whimsical design of the tasting room, to the family-friendly vibe, it’s a magical place for all to enjoy,” says Susie Matheson, co-editor of The Scout Guide Charlottesville.
Featured photo of Folded Hills Winery. Photography by Amber Lynn Photography.
