The Williamsburg Winery is a grown-up change of pace from living-history days, and it ties neatly into the wine story that Virginia has been telling since the colonists first planted vines. It is widely described as the largest winery in Virginia, set on an estate at 5800 Wessex Hundred, a short drive from the Historic Area. A series of guided tours leads visitors through the vineyard, the barrel cellar and the winemaking areas before sitting them down for a tasting. The Highlights Tour is the family-friendly option, with about 30 to 45 minutes of touring and 30 minutes of tasting, and guests under 21 are served non-alcoholic drinks. The Founder’s Tour starts at Wedmore Place and takes about 90 minutes to two hours, ending with a tasting of estate wines. The Barrel Cellar Tour is the most in-depth, and a private estate tour with a seated tasting and cheese pairings is available with advance reservation. Visitors who prefer no tour can order flights in the Susan Constant Hall tasting room, each of four two-ounce pours, and the Gabriel Archer Tavern serves lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. A tasting room and wine bar also operates at Merchants Square.
How it works
Tours are booked in advance through the winery’s tours page or by calling the tasting room, and the winery says tours are non-refundable but can be rescheduled with 48 hours’ notice. Tour prices vary by type, and the more in-depth tours cost more, so check the current rates when you choose. Start times and tour days are given on the booking page, and the private estate tour needs at least 24 hours’ notice. Most tours require guests to be 21 or older, with the Highlights Tour the exception.
What to expect
The more in-depth tours include a keepsake tasting glass and, on some, a copy of the founder’s book, and they combine winemaking explanations with the history of the estate. Wine flights are available daily in the tasting room without a tour. The tavern has set days and hours, so check them before you plan lunch or dinner. Outside alcohol is not allowed on the estate, and all drinks must be bought on site, and picnic areas close when the wine shop closes.
Making the most of it
Arrange a driver or rideshare if you plan to taste several wines, and choose the Highlights Tour if children are traveling with you. A tour fits neatly between a morning at Jamestown and an afternoon in the Historic Area, and it makes a good rainy-day option. The Merchants Square tasting room is open daily from late morning into the evening, so it is also an easy way to taste Virginia wine after a day on foot. Bring a light layer, because the cellar can be cool.
What to expect
The experience
A guided tour of the vineyard and cellar followed by a tasting of estate wines, or a flight in the tasting room.
Best time
A weekday afternoon or a rainy day, and in autumn when the estate is at its most colorful.
How long
About 30 to 45 minutes for the Highlights Tour, and about 90 minutes to two hours for the longer tours.
Tips
Book tours ahead, arrange a driver, check the tavern days and hours and bring no outside alcohol.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples, friends and adults who enjoy wine and want a break from history.
- Families
- The Highlights Tour is family-friendly, with non-alcoholic drinks for guests under 21.
- Couples
- A tasting and a long lunch at the tavern make a relaxed date.
- Pair with
- A morning in the Historic Area, then the winery in the afternoon.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Which tour is suitable for families?+
The Highlights Tour is described as family-friendly, with about 30 to 45 minutes of touring and 30 minutes of tasting, and guests under 21 receive non-alcoholic beverages.
Do I need to book a tour?+
Yes. Tours are booked in advance through the winery’s tours page or by phone, and the private estate tour needs at least 24 hours’ notice.
Can I taste without a tour?+
Yes. Wine flights of four two-ounce pours are available daily in the Susan Constant Hall tasting room, and there is a tasting room and wine bar at Merchants Square.
Can I bring my own wine or a picnic?+
Outside alcohol is not allowed on the estate and all drinks must be bought on site. Picnic areas close when the wine shop closes.
Where is the winery?+
The winery is at 5800 Wessex Hundred, Williamsburg, a short drive from the Historic Area, and a second tasting room is at Merchants Square.
