Boxwood Estate Winery- Middleburg, VA

Middleburg, a quaint equestrian town just outside of D.C., is home to dozens of wineries; in fact, the industry is so prominent, it has its own AVA, which includes more than 30 wineries. Boxwood, located just outside of town, focuses on reds produced in the Bordeaux tradition. 

Owned by John Kent Cooke, former owner of the Washington Redskins, the 26.5 acre vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Frac and Sauvignon Blanc. The tasting room, designed by Hugh Newell Jacobsen (known for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’ Martha’s Vineyard home), more modern than most, mixes metallic elements with rustic rock for a jarring contrast. 

More compact than some area wineries, reservations are recommended, and can be made for the tasting room or the wine cave. Boxwood also prohibits kids and dogs, so its a bit less chaotic than some area wineries.