In the heart of northern Virginia’s Piedmont, known for horses and foxes, Three Fox Vineyards demonstrates the area’s rich potential as a wine region. The boutique winery, situated on 50 undulating acres, produces several award-winning estate wines from varieties native to or grown in Italy, like Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Here, proprietors Holli and John Todhunter have combined their passion for life, wine, and Italy to bring a little bit of la dolce vita (the sweet life) to Virginia.
Grinning statues of three foxes provide the first friendly welcome along the tree-lined drive. Vintner Holli and Winemaker John are usually in the tasting room ready to chat about vines and wines. There’s a brick patio and flower gardens, a tented al fresco terazza, and a barrel-table garden where guests can relax, plus a “barrel bar” right next to the vineyard. The rolling grounds are dotted with hardwood tables that invite wine tourers to appreciate the splendid views, reminiscent of Tuscany. Crooked Run, a vast meadow with more picnic tables and hammocks, can be easily reached in one of the winery’s four-seat Wine Mobiles.
But the views aren’t the only things to savor at Three Fox Vineyards. Several of the wines have brought home many medals, including the Alouette Cabernet Franc, one of the highest-rated reds ever to come out of Virginia.
Located just 40 minutes from Washington, D.C.’s beltway, Three Fox Vineyards hosts many fun events for wine lovers seeking a quick getaway. The “Lucy Stomp” in mid-September is a perennial favorite, as is the Post-Harvest Roast in November. Three Fox Vineyards is a founding member of the General’s Wine and History Trail that melds wine touring with the rich Civil War history of the region. It’s easy to see why the Todhunters say, “every day is a festival of life at three Fox Vineyards.”