This was the first stop in our tour of wineries on Labor day weekend. This had one of the nicest tasting rooms that we saw. The person who helped us with the tasting was extremely friendly and happily answered all of our questions. There wasn't any particular wine that really stood out to me as something I couldn't wait to try again, but I liked all of their wines, including the reds and I'm not much of a red drinker. The grounds also seemed very beautiful and if we weren't trying to go to more wineries, it would've been a great place to spend some more time. read more

A group of 5 of us came here at the end of March 2013. Wine tastings were reasonably priced and they officer a military discount for servicemembers. The wine staff is knowledgeable and the gentleman who did our wine tasting was pretty clearly an avid beer drinker as he drew parallels between the process for making wine to that of beer without fail. Picnic tables outside are a good size for groups and there are several of them. The most memorable wine I had was the Meritage, but there were several other respectable wines. They also have an olive oil station where you can buy a variety of infused olive oils (pepper and garlic were my personal favorites). Restrooms are clean. read more

Best Chardonnay I've found in Virginia. Enthusiastic service, enjoyed the tasting. Not the most scenic setting, but not bad. The wine here raises the bar. read more

Beautiful day, decent wine. Friendly service but missing the refinements of a truly sophisticated winery. Enjoyed the Chardonnay and port. Cheese platter was tasty but the staff seemed to have a hold over from working in fast food, expecting folks to awkwardly wait 5 min at the counter for their plate, rather than offering to bring it to their table. At least the cheese was good. read more

Visited early on a Friday and Sheri and Alexandra lead us through the tasting. They were great. The wines were solid across the board. The 2012 meritage was good, but overpriced compared to other local alternatives. The stand out here was their NV Port, which is aged in whiskey barrels. Their wine club sounds like the most flexible program I've ever seen. read more

Best place, best wine! It's a must visit!!!! We brought our kids & a picnic- we came from CT! The wine is great, the people are great!

We love the wines and we love the family that has built this business. Nothing can deter us from Rappahannock. Join the wine club, you won't be disapointed. We walked out with 8 cases today. Lovely wine, lovely people, lovely area! read more

Rappahannock Vineyard is one of our favorites. We have made a point of traveling Virginia trying out the various vineyards. Rappahannock and Bluemont have been consistently our favourites for years. My daughter and husband love their reds. I love their whites. We all love the hospitality and clear explanations we receive. read more

Our wine tasting was fantastic. Great wine, a good amount poured for the tasting, and... well, unfortunately I am being redundant, but the wine was tasty. Walk in the view is nice, well laid out, and good for such a beautiful day. Unfortunately they didn't have a crackers to cleanse your pallet, but that is just minor details. read more

We cannot speak highly enough about Rappahannock Cellars and their staff. My husband and I recently held a wedding party at RC and it was truly fantastic. Kelly, with RC, was organized and tremendously helpful with wine and original party suggestions. We had a vague vision of what we wanted, and she really helped solidify the details so that the party exceeded are already high expectations. As for the wine itself, our guests could not stop raving about it. We highly suggest joining the wine club, as it includes two bottles of wine a month. The setting is gorgeous and we will certainly be back soon! read more

This is more of a 2.5 star kind of place. None of the wines are bad, and some (viognier, rose) are quite good, but it's the kind of place that sells a lot of sparkly novelty wine t-shirts and gadgets and whatnot. So, if you can get past the cheese factor, there are some decent wines to be had. read more

We had a corporate event here in November and had a great experience. We did a tasting/tour followed by a lunch meeting, which Kelly coordinated and was lovely to work with. The tour and tasting were very fun and informative, and we loved the space offered for the meeting- very spacious and open. My favorite wines were the Rose, the Cabernet Franc, and the Chardonnay/Viognier. read more

Great wine, great food. But got legitimately sushed at our tasting and told to use our "inside voices" for being too loud. I work at another winery and have never sushed a customer. Did not think I was too loud but definitely felt like a child after the sushing and self conscious. Was just trying to have fun and will maybe avoid that taster in the future. read more

The staff at Rappahannock Cellars were delightful. Traveling from out of town - I would highly recommend stopping by this very personable, family run winery for delicious wine, served in a charming setting. read more

I have been visiting Virginia wineries and wine festivals since the late 1980s. We have spent two vacations in Napa and visited Sonoma. My wife and I have been to nearly all of the Virginia wineries north of Charlottesville or in the Northern Neck and a lot more besides, and I can state without hesitation or equivocation that the wines at Rappahannock Cellars, whether reds, whites, the roses, or their really intriguing "Port" style and their "Solera" sauterne-like white, are consistently the best Virginia wines that I have tried, with only a little bit of competition from Delaplane ("Williams Gap," "Cinq" and "Springlot"), "Ghost Train" from Vintage Ridge, the DuCard Norton (?!), and some of the Barboursville vintage Cabernets and overpriced offerings from O'Brien. They are right up there with the better Napa wines -- maybe not quite BV Georges de la Tour, but as good as BV Tapestry. I wish Rappahannock would make a sparkling wine (although they do have -- perhaps I should say "had" -- this "Fizzy Rose," it really isn't an actual sparkler). I think that if they got hold of the proper yeast, the Blanc de Blancs they could make from their chardonnay would be exceptional. They make a truly excellent chardonnay, including a chardonnay/viognier blend that is better than it has any right to be. You can get their cab franc at some Total Wine stores. They have had some real standouts in the past, most notably for my taste their 2011 Merlot. Fortunately we bought a whole bunch of it before they sold out (they sell out of almost everything within fairly short order), and we still have four bottles left. Every time we open one it sends us off in flights of rapture. We can never believe it's as good as we remembered it, but it always turns out to exceed even our lofty expectations. Their tasting room is large with three tasting bars, but generally only one or two are in use. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and help make for a fun experience. Off the tasting room are the members-only areas, which consist of a fairly large lounge with comfy couches and chairs and an ENORMOUS banquet room. The view is not the equal to the views out of Naked Mountain, Delaplane or especially Bluemont (now, THAT is one spectacular view!), but it's pleasant enough in sort of a country French kind of way. The parking lot is gravel and can get a bit muddy in the wet. It isn't really adequate for the more popular release weekends and whatnot, but who cares? You'll find a spot. And their club is (how shall I put this?) a real treat. It's free to join, you need make no commitment, and they have all these interesting events that I in Arlington, alas, can seldom attend. You get free tastings or a glass of wine (they have never charged for my guests for these, and I've had up to four), and their club allotments are two bottles monthly (a lot of winery wine clubs have gone to quarterly) and a third thrown in for free during one of the winter months. Of course they select the wines in the allotment, but they permit you to swap anything out for anything else if you choose -- REALLY nice, and it shows well-earned confidence in the breadth of their offerings. They will ship them for a flat and unusually reasonable fee, but I make them hold my monthly allotment rather than ship it, because: 1) It saves me a heap of shipping charges; 2) It gives me an excuse to take a ride in the countryside; and 3) Club members get a 50% (that's FIFTY PERCENT!) discount on 12 bottles or more (15% off onesies), mix-and-match. I never leave without at least a case plus my 2 or 3-bottle allotment. A lot of their best wines are very low-volume and are available only to club members, another nice perk for a free club. And they don't overcharge for them -- they're the same price as their other wines. And one last thing: Their "R"-branded red wine glasses are a cut above. They are large, almost sommelier-type glasses, and they have a nice ring when you click them together. My wife and I use them as our go-to wine glasses at home. These are real, proper wines at Rappahannock, wines that please the wine snob, the casual drinker, and the wino alike. I wish Stephen Spurrier (played by Alan Rickman in the movie "Bottle Shock") would pay Rappahannock a visit. I think he'd be shocked, bottle or otherwise. If you're one who still turns up his or her nose at Virginia wines (perhaps remembering what they were like back in the early '90s, maybe), you really need to take a trip to Rappahannock. It'll change your tune. read more

There isn't a wine here that I dislike and many that I love. Everyone working there, whether they're part of the family or not, are warm and inviting. We have a great time every time we visit and find a new wine to fall in love with. Generous pours during tasting and a great place to relax with wine afterwards. read more

AWFUL! Besides this place allowing kids in the tasting room... which I have never understood, their wines are awful to not good and their wine servers know nothing about the wine and are very rude when you try to ask them general questions about the wine. I have done many wine tastings, and I have never poured out wine, but their Viognier tastes like straight up grape fruit juice! read more

We recently visited Rappahannock Cellars based on a recommendation from a friend who is a wine club member and we were not disappointed. Allan, the wine club manager, greeted us as we arrived and gave us one of the best tastings we've ever had. The white wines were very good, but it was the red wines that made us join their wine club. The Cab Franc, Noblesse, Meritage and New World wines were excellent. There are great discounts for wine club members and we will be visiting this winery often. read more

Rappahanock Cellars is one of our favorites hang out spots in the Front Royal area. My wife and I love to sneak off by ourselves every once in awhile and the winery is where we usually end up. Its a great place to sit and have some quality time with one another as well as a great bottle of wine. We love the family run atmosphere and are always made to feel so welcomed. The view of the surrounding hills and the vineyard are wonderful as well. We highly recommend this as one of "the" places to visit when coming to the Front Royal area. read more

Rappahannock Cellars has become one of the greatest wine producers in the region. A few years ago, the best wine you were going to encounter was likely from Linden, but Rappahannock has equaled if not surpassed what Jim Law is doing up the road from them. It must be something in the water, because Desert Rose (2 miles away) is also producing some fantastic wine. Rappahannock has, rightfully so, also grown very popular. During normal peak times, you can expect a good number of people in the tasting room. Do yourself a HUGE favor and join their wine club. It's by far the best wine club in the state. For about $55 per month, you get 2 bottles of their premium wine (including their famous Chardonnay - Viognier at times), you get access to the massive members-only area, where you can sit and enjoy a free glass of wine or a free premium tasting, plus their cheese and olive oil samplers are amazing. Here's the kicker - you can buy a case for a whopping 50% off. That's right - it makes their fantastic wines average little more than $10/bottle. So, instead of getting the nasty crap at your grocery store, you can stock your wine bar with some seriously superior stuff. Currently the wine club is accounting for about 70% of their business and they're considering capping the membership. So, if you go and like the wine and wish you had an avenue to enjoy more time there, then I can't emphasize enough that you should join the club. There are a whole host of members-only events including Friday flights every month with free food, and soup events in the winter. But, if you only plan to stop in for a try, put the potential crowds out of your mind and focus on the wine, because it's some of the best you'll have throughout your days in VA wine country. read more

I will never go back to Rappahannock Cellars, and hopefully you won't either. I went with 8 other friends for one of my good friend's bachelorette party. I realize most business owners and other visitors hate the big groups, but the bride's sisters called ahead to make an appointment and we were all in good shape when we arrived. After being rushed through our tasting (under 15 minutes to taste about 8 wines) which mostly involved hard-sales tactics to get us to join their wine club, we were told the charge for a tasting was $7.50. Ok, fine, however when we got to the cash register, we were told our fee was $12.50 each just because we arrived in a group!!! Not only was that offensive, it was a total rip-off. We visited two other wineries that day where the charge was between $5 and $10, one even included a tasting in a private room for about half an hour. Further, we got to keep our wine glasses. At Rappahannock we did not get to keep our glasses, we did not get a private room, we did not get extra hospitality or larger pours, but we did get charged $5 more than any other tasting room patron. Apparently Rappahannock would prefer we each walked in one minute after the other and sidled up to the bar with not reservation since we would have received the same service for $5 less. I have worked for the Virginia Wineries Association and my family works in the wine business in California and even in the snootiest Napa winery I have never been charged more just for arriving with more people, unless you are receiving more services/goods for the price. Do not go to Rappahannock Cellars, there are plenty of more accommodating, hospitable and tastier Virginia wineries in the area! read more

Love Rappahannock! Their wines are delicious, and the tasting room is very welcoming. We've enjoyed all three of our visits so much we became club members. This and Hume are two of the best wineries in the area. read more

Really good wine. The best when we've had in va. The place is really nice and the service really good too. One star knocked off because it's a little pricey. read more

Perhaps not as widely talked about as Linden but this was my personal favorite on a recent trip to wine country, VA. The daughter of the owner handled our tasting and was an absolute pleasure to work with. Hands down this winery provided the most friendly service. I was actually impressed that every wine was quite good, not a single wine I couldn't see myself drinking. Definitely check this place out if you're in the area, it's worth the stop. read more

Had a great visit with a friend to Rappahannock on a Wednesday afternoon. There were a surprising number of people at both the tasting bar and in the wine club's private room. There were a lot of wines to taste and only one pourer working the whole counter, even though other staff were around (they seemed dedicated to waiting on the members in the private room). He was very nice but the tasting was slow as a result of his large crowd (maybe 4 or 5 sets of 2-3 people). He did give us samples of additional dessert wine at the end and these were very unique (one ferments in the sun and tasted like pecans!) so we liked him a lot! The cheese plate that came with my voucher was nice and had awesome crackers too and they let us sit in the members only room. read more

Great, family friendly, quiet winery to enjoy an afternoon. We did not do a tasting, but enjoyed a bottle of their Rosé at the picnic tables on the front lawn while our two small children played. Plenty of space on a Sunday in July. The tasting room looked spacious & very nice. Another family brought some lawn games & their was plenty of room for each of us to enjoy our own space. Would definitely go back! read more

Very fine red wine. The best Virginia wine in the area. Dogs allowed outside. Check out their membership. Really nice deals. Love the members area too. read more

This place is great. My husband and I have been coming here for years and the staff are always extremely friendly and helpful and fun to interact with. We love the wines, and being members of their wine club is definitely worth it. It's always a great treat to come out here. read more

Probably the worst tasting experience of any winery we have been to in Virginia (over 50). Olive oil bar, but no bread to sample. Then we said we would like to do a wine tasting. Very formal. Tasted the first wine, OK and looked around for crackers or bread to clear the taste. By the the third wine, all my tongue could not differentiate between one wine to the next. Go to any other winery, be treated like a guest and not just another customer. Bus companies I bet love them, they can handle a bus load with no problem. If you want to be one of the masses you might like this place. read more

I love this winery! They are super friendly and very family oriented. Their wines are fantastic, I have not had a wine yet that I did not like. We became members of the wine club after our first visit because the quality of the wines are superb. The wine club is great and offers the best discounts that I have ever seen in a wine club. Do yourself a favor and check them out if you are in the area! read more

My favorite winery in Virginia. Very nice people and the wine is much better than anything else around. They have a wine club members only room which is very comfortable to hang out in. Try the Cabernet Franc and the Viognier, definitely highlights in the lineup. But also their stainless steel Chardonnay and French style Rose wines. Upon entering the tasting room there is a large window where you can look down into the cellar and occasionally see activity. Very impressed! read more

Gorgeous Tasting room with fabulous wines! One of the select few that is definitely a must in this area. Always a wonderful selection and their Solara is a fabulous dessert wine! They do everything to a wine that SHOULDN'T be done, and the results are amazing! Ask them about the story. read more

We got welcomed the moment we walked in the door. Our server waited on two tables. He did a good job, the wines were great. our first time there, and we will go back. We live in the area.... The cheese platter looked good too! read more

Having lived on both Coasts and spent many a day in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys along with the Monterey Peninsula, in search of a relaxing and informative wine tasting experience, Rappahannock Cellars far exceeded all of my expectations and previous experiences from the West Coast. The wines are truly fantastic, as evidenced in the number of awards they have won, both on the national and international level. As I prefer a red wine, I have tasted all of Rappahannock Cellars' reds - they all live up to their afore mentioned award winning reputation. My favorites are the Meritage and the Carbernet Franc. My Bride of over 20 years and a California native, recommends the Viognier and Chardonnay. The proprietor has created a wonderful environment to relax and enjoy the fruits' of his labor - he is often there in the tasting room with a quick smile and answers to your questions. The staff are always attentive to your needs and helpful. I always come away from visiting Rappahannock Cellars a more informed wine enthusiasts and better for the experience. Don't miss this the opportunity to visit Rappahannock Cellars! read more

My wife and I have been patrons since 2005, when we stumbled upon this place after a visit to Oasis. Back then, the owner used to do the tastings in person on the weekends. I was NEVER charged for a tasting, but I guess things are busier now. Happily, the winery has been tremendously successful, and has grown into what it is today. We joined the wine club a few years ago and have found tremendous value in our membership. This is a family run operation. The children (and there are many of them) work here, and you can meet them, talk to them, and in turn see their little children from time to time. As such, this operation is child friendly, and that's a good thing. People here are friendly. The atmosphere in the tasting room, and the member area is wonderful. There is nothing better than a view of the mountains (regardless of season), and a fine glass of wine. Their wine is OUTSTANDING. Key to their success in my opinion....they plant what works in Virginia. Cab and Merlot....tough to do well in Virginia, so guess what? They don't do it, or they acquire the fruit from a family vineyard in California (where it's not tough to do), and drive it across. The Cab Franc is outstanding. A perfect grape for Virginia. Problem is, there's not enough of it. Do yourself a favor and check this place out. My recommendation, do it during the week, so you really get a personalized experience. This place IS NOT a Barrel Oak, which is set up for the masses, tour buses, and limo circuit. It's a smaller winery, and capacity is what it is, but they've built it up from the original tasting room, which is now the general tasting room. Give this place a shot, and you won't be disappointed. read more