Winery Hopping in Waterford

Written by Shayda Windle | Photos by Sherri Holdridge 

Tucked away in Virginia wine country lies the town of Waterford, a picturesque village with distinctive wineries that invite visitors to slow down and savor the flavors of Loudoun County. Just a short drive from Middleburg, these family-owned vineyards and cideries showcase the region’s rich agricultural roots and winemaking talent. From crisp whites and bold reds to sparkling rosés, port-style wines, and handcrafted ciders, each stop offers a unique expression of Hunt Country. Whether you’re looking for sweeping mountain views, a rustic barn setting, or a relaxed afternoon with family, friends, and even pets, Waterford’s wineries promise a tasting experience worth the journey. Here are just a few that are worth a visit, with plenty more to discover nearby.

Terra Nebulo Vineyards

Terra Nebulo, Latin for “land of rascals,” is a family-owned winery set on 25 acres with Hunt Country views, featuring grapes that are 100% Virginia grown. Guests often find the owners, Mike and Cheryl Morrison, behind the bar. The main tasting room is a reproduction of a 100-year-old hay barn, originally constructed by the Amish and finished by Cheryl’s brother. With soaring ceilings and panoramic views of the Catoctin and Short Hill mountains, the space offers both beauty and charm. The cellar tasting room adds a rustic touch and offers a unique feature for wine club members. Terra Nebulo’s portfolio includes a range of whites such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Sparkling Riesling, Traminette, and Viognier. To accompany the wines, the vineyard serves 12-inch wood-fired pizzas in varieties like Margherita, pepperoni, carne, veggie, and more — the perfect addition to enjoy a relaxing afternoon among the vines.

Terra Nebulo Vineyards
39892 Old Wheatland Road
Waterford, VA 20197
terranebulo.com

The Wine Reserve at Waterford

Just minutes from Leesburg and Purcellville, The Wine Reserve at Waterford offers a convenient escape with a tasting experience unlike any other. Perched on a hilltop with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Catoctin Valley, the winery invites guests to try carefully crafted wines and local bites, all served by a warm, friendly staff. The signature Wine Lab tasting sets this winery apart, with six samples presented in test tubes for a fun, self-guided exploration. The portfolio features a thoughtful mix of reds and whites, including Silver Lining, a crisp stainless-steel-aged Sauvignon Blanc, and First Harvest, an award-winning flagship white known for its balance of apple and spice. Among the standout reds are Quat, a Cabernet Franc layered with bright red fruit and aromatics and a gold medalist of the 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup, and Culmination, a softer expression of a Cabernet Franc with subtle spice and a kiss of French oak. To complement the wines, the Reserve offers light fare including a vineyard bento box, a grilled cheese and apple panini, a Cuban sandwich, a caprese panini, and truffle popcorn. Guests may also bring their own food to enjoy. For those who want to savor the experience year-round, The Wine Reserve’s wine club provides access to limited small-batch wines, exclusive events, and member discounts.

The Wine Reserve at Waterford
38516 Charles Town Pike
Waterford, VA 20197
waterfordwinereserve.com

Corcoran Vineyards & Cidery

A family-run winery, Corcoran Vineyards & Cidery has hosted guests at its Waterford farm for more than two decades. Currently open by appointment only, Corcoran is best known for its specialty wines and hard ciders, all crafted with care by owner and winemaker Lori Corcoran. She began making wine in 2002, starting with traditional varietals and dessert wines before expanding into cider in 2013 — a move that quickly earned her recognition in the local cider community. Passionate about her craft, Corcoran is often on hand to greet guests and answer questions, making every visit a personal and educational experience. “We are excited to be able to carry on the tradition that Thomas Jefferson started back in 1769 when he planted numerous varieties of apples at Monticello,” she shares. Today, Corcoran specializes in port-style wines, aged for seven to eight years in whiskey barrels, alongside a lineup of dessert wines, standards, and their signature ciders. Tastings take place in a rustic converted barn, with seating available indoors, in gazebos, or in the upstairs tasting room. For those looking for a special venue, Corcoran Vineyards & Cidery is also available to rent for private events and weddings, offering a charming pastoral backdrop.

Corcoran Vineyards & Cidery
14635 Corkys Farm Lane
Waterford, VA 20197
corcorancider.com

Carriage House Wineworks

In 2016, Mike and Gerri Fritze purchased their Waterford farm, transforming it into a thriving vineyard. What started with a few acres of red grapes soon expanded to include several acres of whites, and today the couple tends to six different grape varieties on their estate. As winemaker, Mike’s philosophy is that the best wines begin in the vineyard. He adapts his winemaking style to the unique character of each grape, striving to bring out the fullest expression of the terroir and season. Among their whites, the 2021 Chardonnay is known for its earthy notes with a bright citrus finish, while the 2022 Chardonnay has a smooth amber-hued body with hints of apple and vanilla. Their reds include the 2021 Chambourcin; the 2020 Red Barouche, a bold, dry red blend; and Petit Verdot (both Reserve and Estate), Virginia’s big bold tannic red. The latter two have won multiple gold medals in major contests like the Virginia Governor’s Cup and San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. For something festive, guests can enjoy Gentry 2024, the winery’s sparkling rosé. This as well as the Shelly Sparkling Chardonnay have both brought in gold medals and Best in Category awards in the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition. 

Carriage House welcomes visitors for tastings on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 6 p.m. Vineyard tours paired with tastings are also offered by appointment for $35 per person. Light fare is available for purchase, though guests are welcome to bring a picnic as well. Families and leashed dogs are invited to join, making it an ideal countryside outing for wine lovers of all kinds.

Carriage House Wineworks
40817 Browns Lane
Waterford, VA 20197
chwwinery.com

Published in the October 2025 issue of Middleburg Life.