The closest winery to D.C., the Winery at Bull Run...

The closest winery to D.C., the Winery at Bull Run's best feature is its sprawling, scenic grounds. It's located just off Lee Highway (Route 29) and you drive down a long gravel road before you see the winery. There's a vineyard on the left across from the parking lot, where they grow the grapes for the Norton wine.

The tasting room is pretty spacious. Vintage barnwood and oak beams create lofty ceilings and a comfortable atmosphere. There are three separate tasting counters which is smart for minimizing crowds at one particular spot. In the middle, there are some tables and chairs for folks to drink and snack. There are even a few couches in one corner to lounge in. They displayed artifacts and relics from the Civil War found on the property such as muskets found on the grounds, which I thought was really neat and added a historical component to the winery that doesn't exist in other wineries. There's a porch outside the tasting room with tables and chairs (including rocking chairs), as well as a small stage for musicians to sing and play songs.

The setup outside is the real kicker. They have designated areas for adults 21+ and those with children which I think is very clever. Surrounded by wooden fences, both areas have wooden benches to sit and enjoy some wine and soak up the sun. On the adults 21+ section, you can see the ruins of the original Entwisle House and it's been converted as a patio area and also used as the platform for wedding ceremonies. The outdoor seating area is very open and lovely. Folks drank wine, chatted, and even played cornhole. When I went, there was a BBQ station and they'll have other restaurants and caterers to offer food during the summer, so you can get other chow besides cheese and meats.

Now for the tastings, it's $10 for nine wines, $12 if you want to keep their etched wine glass. All of the tasting wines are available for $9 a glass. Plenty of both red and white wine to try, such as their 2011 Merlot, 2011 Meritage Reserve, 2012 Petit Verdot, 2012 Pinot Gris, 2011 Chardonnay, 2012 Delaney, etc. Dessert/fruit wines - Classic Blueberry and Fort - are available by the glass or by bottle. Whether you like light, sweet whites or complex reds, there's a wine for everyone to try. I came here with a group and after the tasting was over, we got bottles of the 2011 Meritage, 2012 Pinot Gris, and 2012 Delaney to drink outside. When you buy bottles to drink at the winery, they'll give it to you on ice in a metal pail.

The winery is rife with history and provides a beautiful view of preserved farmland from the 19th century. It adjoins over 5,000 countryside acres of the historic Manassas Battlefield. So not only are you able to sample some award-winning Virginia wines, you're also getting a view into Virginia history.