The Best Wine, Beer & Cider Options in Goochland County
Image Credit: Elk Island Winery
If you are looking for a quick, boozy adventure not too far from Richmond (with a DD!), head to Goochland County* for a day of fun.
Insider tip: Elk Island Winery and Byrd Cellars** are right next to each other. You can make a fun afternoon trip out of both of those stops!
by Paige Poprocky - Contributor Writer
*Under the current circumstances, please follow all city, state, and federal guidelines surrounding social distancing and use of face coverings. Use your best judgment to determine if an area is too populated to safely distance yourself from others.
**Before visiting, we recommend that you double-check each establishment’s website and/or social media channels to confirm hours of operation as we move from phase to phase of Virginia’s gradual reopening plan.
Image Credit: Courthouse Creek Cider
Courthouse Creek Cider
Courthouse Creek Cider has two locations. For this guide, we invite you to venture to their flagship location in Maidens, VA. Their farm location is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon tasting through their delicious ciders and beer. While enjoying a cider, tour the orchard and small farm. Fun fact: Both their cider and beer are 100% gluten-free.
Location: 1581 Maidens Rd
Hours: Friday, 4 - 8 pm; Saturday, 2 - 8 pm; Sunday, 1 - 6 pm
Image Source: Elk Island Winery
Elk Island Winery
Elk Island is a small family-run winery. The owners and winemakers are a husband and wife duo who have since handed over their duties to their son and daughter-in-law. The husband makes the reds while the wife makes the whites.
Their tasting parlor is cozy and located in what was once a house. Tastings are done at the bar and are $6 for a sample of 6 wines that you get to pick. The tasting fee is waived if you buy a bottle of wine — so stock up!
Their list is extensive but they do focus on Norton. Just to give you a little history, Norton is native to Virginia and grows well here. It was discovered by Daniel Norton, hence the name!
Elk Island also serves an amazing cheese plate and fun snacks. I suggest you order up a plate and enjoy a bottle of wine out on their back deck.
Location: 5759 River Rd West
Hours: Saturday - Sunday, 12 - 6 pm
Image Credit: Byrd Cellars
Byrd Cellars
Byrd Cellars is a cozy little spot tucked right off Route 6. They have seating both indoors and outside — their upstairs seating area is just the place to enjoy a glass of wine during the colder months.
Tastings are $7 and include a complimentary logo glass of your choice. Theyhave 17 wines, but you taste about 8 of them in a prefixed tasting. The selection rotates based on what they have available; however, wines not selected for the tasting can also be sampled for a small fee. Some favorites include their White Cat and Rose.
Location: 5847 River Rd West
Hours: Friday - Sunday, 12 - 5 pm
Image Source: Lickinghole Creek Brewing
Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery
After enjoying some wine, you can head over to Lickinghole Creek for a local craft beer! They pride themselves in making innovative, premium beers for beer lovers. You can bring your dog, have your kids play on their playground, and even enjoy a round of disc golf.
They have an extensive list of beers to choose from.Some favorites included: Uptown Blonde, Three Chopt Tripel and their Blueberry Obsession.
Location: 4100 Knolls Point Dr
Hours: Friday, 3 - 8 pm; Saturday - Sunday, 12- 8 pm
Image Credit: Sips and Trips with Paige
Grayhaven Winery
If you want a unique wine experience, head to Grayhaven Winery. This winery is so distinctive because they specialize in small batch production. They bottle nearly once a week, so each time you visit, it is likely that you will taste something new. Their list generally has 4 - 7 wines you can taste.
I encourage you to go and sit at their bar, order a cheese plate, enjoy a glass, and chat! If you want more space, pack a blanket and sit down by their pond. They also have a few tables by their tasting room.
Location: 4675 E Gray Fox Circle
Hours: Monday, 11 am - 5 pm; Thursday - Friday 11 am - 5 pm; Saturday, 11 am - 6 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 5 pm
This city guide was contributed by Paige Poprocky, author of the blog Sips and Trips with Paige.
Sips and Trips with Paige is a wine, travel, and experience blog that revolves around wine adventures, travel, and date night experiences.