Paradise Springs Winery- Clifton, VA

Clifton, Virginia is an impossibly quaint blip of a town, consisting of a handful of historic buildings. In the early years, the area was known for its mineral springs and railroad depot. Over a century later, it became known for  Trummers, a fantastic destination restaurant with a huge wine cellar. Since 2010, it has also been home to Paradise Springs, the first winery in Fairfax County.

Originally part of a 1000 acre land grant from Lord Fairfax in 1716, the winery occupies 36 acres adjacent to the Bull Run River in Clifton. The property includes an original 1800s era log cabin, renovated by Frank Lloyd Wright protégé Howard Richter in 1955, a 19th century barn moved from downtown Fairfax in 1956 (both now serve as event spaces), as well as a cozy tasting room and outdoor areas. 

Although the winery produced their first vintage, a Reserve Cabernet, in 2007, and planted their first estate vines in 2008 (Cab Franc), it took a change in local laws before a tasting room could be opened on site in 2010. Offering both red and white selections, the winery is best known for blends, including its award winning Petit Verdot and Cab Franc. 

One of the smaller wine venues in the area, parking can be an issue here, and it can become quite crowded on the weekends. They do limit large parties however, so you are unlikely to encounter the bus and limo groups found at other vineyards. They do welcome both kids and dogs, but the deck was limited to adults during our visit.