A practical guide to planning a Northern Virginia wine tour from Washington, DC: where to go, how long to plan, how many wineries to visit, what transportation costs, and why a chauffeur makes the day better and safer.
Where to go: Northern Virginia’s wine regions
Loudoun County (about 1 hour from DC)
Known as “DC’s Wine Country,” Loudoun has dozens of wineries around Leesburg, Purcellville, Hillsboro and Bluemont, with mountain views and breweries and cideries mixed in. It is the easiest choice for a half-day or first wine tour.
Middleburg and Fauquier County (about 1 to 1½ hours)
Horse country, stone walls and estate wineries such as Boxwood Winery near Middleburg. Combine tastings with lunch in Middleburg’s historic village.
Charlottesville and the Monticello Wine Trail (about 2½ hours)
Home to wineries such as Veritas Vineyard and Afton Mountain Vineyards. Best as a full-day trip or an overnight getaway.
How to plan your wine tour
1. Pick a date and book tastings first
Many wineries require reservations, especially for groups and on weekends, and some limit group size or do not accept groups arriving by limo or bus. Confirm tastings before you book transportation. Spring and fall harvest season (September and October) fill up fastest.
2. Choose two or three wineries
Each tasting takes about an hour. Two or three stops, plus lunch, makes a relaxed day; a fourth stop usually means rushing.
3. Plan the timing
Allow 5 to 6 hours for Loudoun from DC or Northern Virginia, 7 hours or more for Middleburg and Fauquier, and a full day for Charlottesville. Leave late morning so you arrive as tasting rooms open.
4. Eat and hydrate
Book lunch at a winery or in town, and bring water for the ride.
5. Budget for the full day
Plan for transportation, tasting fees (paid to each winery), lunch, bottles to take home and gratuity for your chauffeur.
Why hire a chauffeur for a wine tour
- Nobody has to drive. Everyone can enjoy the tastings, and you get home safely.
- No getting lost on country roads. Your chauffeur knows the routes, parking and timing between wineries.
- Everyone stays together. One vehicle for the whole group, with room for the bottles you buy.
- The ride is part of the fun, especially in a Sprinter or party bus with your group together.
- Door-to-door service from your home, hotel or office anywhere in DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia.
Compared with driving yourselves, rideshare or a taxi, a chauffeured tour is the only option that keeps the whole group together, waits at every stop and gets everyone home without anyone skipping the wine. Rideshare is also hard to find in rural wine country, especially for the ride home.
Which vehicle for your group?
| Group size | Vehicle | From |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Luxury sedan | $85/hr |
| Up to 6 | Cadillac Escalade SUV | $105/hr |
| Up to 14 | Mercedes Sprinter van | $135/hr |
| Up to 24 | Limo or party bus | $275/hr (6-hr min.) |
| 25 or more | Mini coach or charter bus | $156–$185/hr (mini coach) |
Tolls, gratuity and gas are extra; tasting fees are paid to the wineries. See wine tour packages and current rates.
Wine tours for every occasion
- Birthdays and anniversaries: a sedan or SUV for two to six.
- Bachelorette parties and girls’ weekends: a Sprinter or party bus keeps the celebration going between stops.
- Corporate outings and client events: see our corporate transportation guide.
- Weekend getaways: pair Middleburg or Charlottesville wineries with an overnight stay.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wine tour limo cost from DC?
Wine tours are booked by the hour. With RDV Limousine, a luxury sedan starts at $85 per hour, a Cadillac Escalade SUV at $105 per hour and a Mercedes Sprinter van at $135 per hour; a limo or party bus for up to 24 starts at $275 per hour with a 6-hour minimum for wine tours. Most tours run 5 to 7 hours. Tolls, gratuity and gas are extra, and tasting fees are paid to the wineries.
How long should a Virginia wine tour be?
Plan 5 to 6 hours for two or three Loudoun County wineries from DC or Northern Virginia, and 7 hours or more for Middleburg and Fauquier County. Charlottesville-area wineries are a full-day trip.
How many wineries should we visit in one day?
Two or three. Each tasting takes about an hour, plus lunch and drive time between wineries, and a relaxed pace is more enjoyable than rushing to a fourth stop.
Do we need winery reservations?
Usually, yes. Many Virginia wineries require reservations for tastings, especially for groups and on weekends, and some limit group size or do not accept groups arriving by limo or bus. Book tastings before you book transportation.
Can we bring food or drinks in the vehicle?
Ask when you book. Policies vary by vehicle; we will explain what is allowed so you can plan snacks and water for the ride.
Where do wine tours pick up?
Anywhere in DC, Maryland or Northern Virginia, including homes, hotels and offices. We can also pick up at Dulles, Reagan National or BWI for visiting groups.
Book a Virginia wine tour from DC
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