Cross Keys Vineyard: A Guide to Virginia's Premier Wine Destination

CrossKeys Vineyards is a family-owned estate winery located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. The vineyard offers a Tuscan-style villa with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and an easy setting for weddings, private events, or a quick weekend escape. With more than 103 awards since 2008, the 100% estate-grown wines speak for themselves. CrossKeys Vineyards welcomes every guest with a warm smile and amazing, award-winning wines.

The vineyard is situated on a 125-acre estate, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning mountain views. CrossKeys Vineyards has been a staple in the wedding industry since 2008, offering a full-service venue that takes care of every aspect of your special day. The venue is perfect for ready-to-wed couples looking for an expansive wedding venue with a breathtaking backdrop.

Unlocking the love for Virginia wines, CrossKeys Vineyards offers an unforgettable experience to all its visitors. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a wedding venue, or a wine-tasting experience, CrossKeys Vineyards has something to offer for everyone.

History of Cross Keys Vineyard

Founding and Early Years

Cross Keys Vineyard is a family-owned winery located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. The winery was founded in 2001 by the Bakhtiar family, who had a vision to create a welcoming hub in the community where people could enjoy exquisite wines, delicious food, and fabulous events.

The name Cross Keys comes from the nearby Old Cross Keys Tavern, which was a popular gathering place in the early to mid-19th century. The tavern served as a town center for the community, where friends and family gathered after long days to unwind and enjoy the pure essence the valley has to offer.

However, on June 8th of 1862, the small village was engulfed by Union and Confederate troops during the Civil War. The Old Tavern became a place of healing as wounded soldiers were carried off after the infamous battle of Cross Keys.

Development Over Time

Since its founding, Cross Keys Vineyard has grown to become a 125-acre estate winery that welcomes every guest with a warm smile and award-winning wines. The winery has received more than 103 awards since 2008, and their 100% estate-grown wines speak for themselves.

Over the years, Cross Keys Vineyard has expanded its offerings to include a tasting room, a bistro, and a variety of events such as weddings, concerts, and wine tastings. The winery has also become a popular destination for tourists visiting the Shenandoah Valley.

Today, Cross Keys Vineyard remains committed to its founding vision of producing exquisite wines, delicious food, and fabulous events while remaining a welcoming hub in the community.

Wine Varieties

CrossKeys Vineyards is known for their wide variety of wines, all made from 100% estate-grown grapes. They offer red, white, and dessert wines, each with unique flavors and aromas.

Red Wines

CrossKeys Vineyards produces several red wine varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, and Touriga. These wines have a rich, full-bodied taste and are perfect for pairing with grilled meats and hearty dishes. The Cabernet Franc is a standout, with notes of black cherry, tobacco, and vanilla.

White Wines

CrossKeys Vineyards also offers a variety of white wines, including Ali d'Oro, Chardonnay, Joy, and Viognier. These wines are refreshing with bright acidity and fruit-forward flavors. The Ali d'Oro, a blend of Chardonnay and Viognier, has a crisp, clean taste with hints of green apple and pear.

Dessert Wines

For those with a sweet tooth, CrossKeys Vineyards produces a selection of dessert wines, including Fiore, Fruit d'Vine Apple, and Fruit d'Vine Peach. These wines are perfect for sipping after dinner or pairing with a cheese plate. The Fiore, made from Vidal Blanc grapes, has a honeyed sweetness with notes of apricot and orange blossom.

Overall, CrossKeys Vineyards offers a wide variety of wines to suit every taste. Visitors can enjoy a tasting or purchase a bottle to take home and savor.

Vineyard Tours and Tastings

Tour Experience

CrossKeys Vineyards offers a unique and immersive tour experience for visitors. The knowledgeable staff will guide guests through the vineyard, explaining the history of the winery and the different varietals of grapes grown on the 125-acre estate. The tour includes a visit to the production facility, where guests can see how the wine is pressed, produced, stored, and bottled.

The tour concludes with a wine tasting in the tasting room. Guests can choose from a variety of tasting options, including self-guided wine flights and traditional wine tastings. Reservations are recommended for tours, and can be made by calling (540) 234-0505.

Tasting Options

CrossKeys Vineyards offers a variety of tasting options to suit every palate. The knowledgeable tasting room associates will guide guests through tasting the wines, whether they are a novice or a seasoned veteran.

The self-guided wine flights are a popular option, with four different flights to choose from: Red Flight, White Flight, Mixed Flight, and Fruit Flight. Each flight includes four different wines and a note card with descriptions of each wine. The cost for the wine flights ranges from $15 to $18.

For those who prefer a more traditional tasting experience, CrossKeys Vineyards offers a White Tasting, which includes a selection of their amazing white wines. The cost for the White Tasting is $10.

Guests can also choose to purchase wines by the glass or by the bottle, and enjoy them on the beautiful terrace overlooking the vineyard.

Overall, CrossKeys Vineyards offers a unique and enjoyable experience for wine lovers and novices alike. With its stunning location in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, award-winning wines, and knowledgeable staff, it is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the area.

Events at Cross Keys Vineyard

Cross Keys Vineyard is a stunning location for events of all kinds. Whether it's a wedding, corporate event, or social gathering, the vineyard offers a beautiful backdrop for any occasion. Here are some of the events that Cross Keys Vineyard specializes in:

Weddings

Cross Keys Vineyard is a popular choice for weddings, and for good reason. The vineyard offers several different ceremony and reception locations, including the Grand Reserve Room, the Tuscan-inspired Courtyard, and the picturesque Vineyard Lawn. The vineyard also has an experienced wedding coordinator on staff to help couples plan their dream wedding.

In addition to the beautiful location and expert planning services, Cross Keys Vineyard also offers a variety of catering options. From elegant sit-down dinners to casual buffets, the vineyard can accommodate any style of reception.

Corporate Events

Cross Keys Vineyard is also a great location for corporate events. The vineyard offers several different meeting spaces, including the Grand Reserve Room, the Courtyard, and the Vineyard Lawn. The spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, making them perfect for presentations and meetings.

The vineyard also offers catering services for corporate events, with a variety of menu options available. Whether it's a business lunch or a company retreat, Cross Keys Vineyard can provide a unique and memorable experience for any corporate event.

Social Gatherings

Cross Keys Vineyard is a great location for social gatherings of all kinds, from birthday parties to family reunions. The vineyard offers several different spaces for events, including the Grand Reserve Room, the Courtyard, and the Vineyard Lawn.

In addition to the beautiful location, Cross Keys Vineyard also offers catering services for social gatherings. From hors d'oeuvres to full meals, the vineyard can provide delicious food and drinks for any event.

Dining at Cross Keys Vineyard

Restaurant

The Bistro at CrossKeys Vineyards is a must-visit for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant is located on the estate and offers breathtaking views of the vineyards and the surrounding mountains. The ambiance is relaxed yet elegant, making it perfect for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a night out with friends. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, Saturday or Sunday brunch, and offers a variety of options to suit every palate.

The menu at The Bistro at CrossKeys Vineyards is a delightful combination of classic American dishes and international cuisine. The chefs use only the freshest ingredients, many of which are sourced from local farms and markets. The menu changes seasonally, ensuring that guests can always enjoy the best of what the region has to offer.

Some of the highlights of the menu include the Crab Cakes, which are made with jumbo lump crabmeat, and served with a roasted red pepper aioli. The Bistro Burger is another popular choice, made with locally sourced beef, and topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, and caramelized onions. Vegetarians will love the Grilled Vegetable Sandwich, which is made with marinated portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and goat cheese.

For those looking for something a little more substantial, the restaurant offers a selection of entrees, including the Grilled NY Strip Steak, served with garlic mashed potatoes, and the Seared Scallops, served with risotto and asparagus. The chefs also offer a Chef's Tasting Menu, which is a six-course meal that changes daily and showcases the best of what the restaurant has to offer.

Overall, The Bistro at CrossKeys Vineyards is a fantastic dining destination that is sure to impress even the most discerning foodies. With its stunning views, exceptional cuisine, and warm hospitality, it is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night out.

Reviews and Accolades

Awards

CrossKeys Vineyards has received numerous awards and recognition for its exceptional wines. Since 2008, the vineyard has won over 103 awards, including gold and silver medals from the Virginia Governor's Cup and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

In 2019, CrossKeys Vineyards was awarded the prestigious Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition for its 2017 Ali d'Oro. This award recognizes the best wines produced in the United States, and CrossKeys Vineyards was one of only 12 wineries to receive this honor.

Customer Reviews

CrossKeys Vineyards has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers on various platforms. On Yelp, the vineyard has a rating of 4.0 stars out of 5, with over 244 reviews. Customers praise the vineyard's beautiful setting, delicious food, and exceptional wines.

On TripAdvisor, CrossKeys Vineyards has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5, with over 500 reviews. Customers rave about the vineyard's stunning views, friendly staff, and award-winning wines.

Many customers also appreciate the vineyard's commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness. CrossKeys Vineyards uses solar panels to power its operations, and the vineyard's wines are made with grapes grown using sustainable farming practices.

Overall, CrossKeys Vineyards has established itself as one of the premier wineries in the Shenandoah Valley, with a reputation for exceptional wines, beautiful scenery, and top-notch customer service.