The Cottages at Sharp Rock Vineyards

Sharp Rock Vineyards, located on the Hughes River at the foot of Old Rag Mountain, is one of the most beautiful vineyard locations in Virginia. When you visit, you are invited to taste our wines, meander through the vineyards, and meet our dogs. Then settle in at a picnic table or hammock to absorb our exceptional scenery, enjoy our wine, and sample our gourmet cheeses and bread (or your own picnic lunch).

Our tasting room is open Mid-February through December, Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are also open by appointment year-round. When you cannot visit, we invite you to shop in our online store, where you can conveniently order wine for direct shipment to your home.

Life on the Farm

Wake to golden sun rays peeking over the mountains. Lull yourself into a complacent, slower rhythm of life as the Hughes River plays its constant song. Unwind by relaxing on the decks while you drink in the refreshing air. Stroll through the vineyard, or simply cozy up in your cottage with a good book or conversation. We have two lovely accommodations from which to choose.

Sharp Rock farm was established in the late 1700s by the Yowell family. The farm was named after the sharp edge of a large granite outcropping now covered by a bridge over the Hughes River. The first farmhouse was a small cottage built in the 1790s. Johannes Yowell built the main house shortly after his return from the Civil War (circa 1866); he and his wife Elizabeth are buried in a small cemetery on the property.

The first vineyards were planted in 1992, three acres of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. The second planting consisted of two acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, special Chardonnay clones, and Sauvignon Blanc. The popularity of Sharp Rock reds led to the planting of another acre in 2003 split between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

The winery opened in September of 1998. In 1999, the 1998 Sauvignon Blanc won the first Sharp Rock medal -- a bronze at the Virginia Vinifera Association competition. In 2000, the 1999 Chardonnay Reserve received the first gold at the Virginia State Fair. Every year since then Sharp Rock wines have won many awards in state, national, and international competitions.

Award Winning Wines

Sharp Rock Vineyards is a "boutique" winery, with wines made in small lots from hand-selected grapes. All but two wines are made from grapes grown on the property: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The "Chamois" wines, named in memory of the Armors' late dog, Shammy, are blended with small amounts of purchased Vidal and Chamboursin grapes. Sharp Rock's newest wines are the Chamois label: a semi-dry white wine blended from Chardonnay and Vidal, and a semi-dry red blended from Chamboursin and Cabernet Franc.

Set in an unspoiled, rolling valley at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains with the Hughes River gently meandering along the property, Sharp Rock's twenty-five acres embody the peace and pleasures of country life at its best. Sharp Rock Farm is not only a bed and breakfast but a working vineyard and winery. Guests are invited to tour the vineyard and taste the award-winning wines in our tasting room.

Each year, we provide the setting for everything from weddings, music events, small business getaways, family reunions, and birthdays. With Old Rag Mountain and the vineyards as the backdrop, talk with us about hosting your next special gathering at Sharp Rock.

• Riverside and Vineyard Weddings and Receptions
• Wine and Music Festivals
• Private group and winery events