These 13 signature West Virginia wines hit all the right notes

Whether you prefer a dry red or a sweet dessert wine, you’re sure to find the perfect glass at these West Virginia wineries. Take a tour of the grounds, then settle in for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting. You can even make a long weekend out of it by hitting several wineries at a time or enjoying nearby activities and attractions!

1. Forks of Cheat Winery

Morgantown
Forks of Cheat has racked up more than 200 awards — a sure sign you’ll find some tasty offerings here. Sip from a variety of red, white, fruit or specialty wines while you enjoy the scenic views from the sales room deck.
Wine to try: Redbud, a semi-dry red table wine with hints of strawberry and spice.
To do nearby: Go for a hike at Coopers Rock State Forest. Take in a West Virginia Black Bears ballgame (in season).

2. Moss Farms Winery

Wheeling
The winery produces a variety of wines including seasonal fruit wines, the vintner’s specialty. Moss Farms Winery produces a Mountain Moonlight line with chardonnay, merlot and sangria.
Wine to try: Hula Dancer, a sweet white wine with notes of citrus and pineapple.
To do nearby: Enjoy a paddleboat ride on Schenk Lake at Oglebay Resort and Conference Center. Stop for a bite to eat in the historical downtown Centre Market.

3. Batton Hollow Winery

Lost Creek
Batton Hollow draws upon 40 years of experience to produce a variety of sweet and dry red and white wines as well as seasonals.
Wine to try: Summer Breeze (available at the end of May), a sweet white wine made with Vidal Blanc grape.
To do nearby: Visit Watters Smith Memorial State Park and learn about pioneer life at the restored 19th century homestead.

4. Lambert’s Vintage Wine

Weston
This hand-cut stone winery is worth a visit just for the beautiful grounds alone, but the wines are just as rewarding. Lambert’s offers a variety of reds, whites and blushes to suit every taste.
Wine to try: Blackberry Merlot, a 50/50 blend of merlot grapes and blackberry.
To do nearby: Tour the historic Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Watch a hand-blown glass demonstration at Appalachian Glass.

5. Potomac Highland Winery

Keyser
Known for their fine table wines, Potomac Highland Winery produces several top-notch reds and whites. (By appointment only.)
Wine to try: Chardonnay, a crisp, dry smooth wine with oak aging.
To do nearby: Board the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railway for a scenic excursion through the Trough, an area known for its bald eagle sightings.

6. West-Whitehill Winery

Moorefield
West-Whitehill is known for its sweet dessert and specialty wines, but the winery also make semi-dry whites and aged reds.
Wine to try: Classic Currant, a blending of white grapes and black currants for a rich and harmonious dessert wine.
To do nearby: Go for a hike and take in the view from the Cranny Crow overlook at Lost River State Park.

7. Kirkwood Winery

Summersville
Home of the annual Grape Stompin’ Festival, Kirkwood is best known for its wide variety of fruit, specialty and even vegetable wines. (The garlicky Appalachian Ramp Wine is great for cooking!)
Wine to try: Mountain Blueberry, a well-balanced sweet wine with a lively taste.
To do nearby: Go boating on Summersville Lake. Climb the lighthouse at Summersville Lake Retreat.

8. Daniel Vineyards

Crab Orchard
Daniel Vineyards’ stunning scenery provides the setting for many weddings and social occasions. You’ll find a wine for every occasion here as well, from dry reds and whites to dessert wines.
Wine to try: Blackberry, with its rich berry taste and nice bite, has racked up several prestigious awards.
To do nearby: Shop for handcrafted gifts at Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia. Tour an underground coal mine and re-created coal camp at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.

9. WineTree Vineyards

Vienna
WineTree produces traditional-style, award-winning dry white and red wines as well as a variety of delightfully sweet wines. Ask for a tour to learn more about the winemaking process from the vine to the bottle.
Wine to try: Noiret, an award-winning dry red wine with notes of green and black pepper.
To do nearby: Hunt for collectibles at WhiteHouse Antiques (WineTree’s downtown shop.) Select a customized box of handcrafted Swiss chocolates at Holl’s.

10. Stone Road Vineyard

Rockport
The first thing you’ll notice about Stone Road Vineyard after you recover from the sweeping panoramic view is the variety of red, white and blush wines cleverly named after traffic signs and signals. (By appointment only.)
Wine to try: Alternate Route, a golden wine made with West Virginia maple syrup.
To do nearby: Board the ferry and tour the mansion at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park (seasonal). Explore archeological and regional exhibits at Blennerhassett Museum and the Oil & Gas Museum.

11. Chestnut Ridge Winery

Spencer
The deck at Chestnut Ridge is well-suited for enjoying a warm spring day while sipping a signature ice wine, a sweet, concentrated wine made from grapes left to freeze naturally on the vine. You’ll also find traditional reds and whites here as well as seasonal favorites and made-to-order wine gummy bears (yes, candy … for adults).
Wine to try: Peach Chardonnay, a crisp sweet brunch wine described as Bellini minus the fizz.
To do nearby: Visit the blacksmith shop and woodworking studios at Chestnut Ridge Artist Colony.

12. Fisher Ridge Winery

Liberty
Fisher Ridge specializes in a variety of semisweet and dry wines that will leave your taste buds humming. (By appointment only.)
Wine to try: Hog Wild, a blend of Viognier and Chardonnay, dry but with some residual sweetness.
To do nearby: Shop for locally-grown produce and plants and flowers at Gritt’s Farm in Buffalo. Enjoy a horse show at Winfield Riding Club (seasonal).

13. DeFeo Family Vineyard and Winery

Le Roy
Affectionately known as “Toscano in Appalachia,” the DeFeos produce dries and semisweet reds and whites crafted in the family’s Italian tradition. (By appointment only.)
Wine to try: Pam’s Sangria, made with red wines and fresh fruit. Serve over ice!
To do nearby: Sample flavored moonshine at Appalachian Distillery. Sign up for a weekend artisan workshop at Cedar Lakes Conference Center.

Which of these signatures wines is Almost Heaven to you?

This post was last updated on July 31, 2020