Frequently Asked Questions
Are you dog / pet friendly?
Yes. Well behaved pets are welcome throughout our facilities (except not in the winery)
Do you have food available, and do you allow outside food (picnics)?
Yes and yes. We have gourmet charcuterie and cheese boards, a selection of dips (hummus, French onion, crab), warm baguettes, artisanal chocolates, and more. You are welcome to bring your own picnics also. On rare occasions we will have a food truck, usually listed in our event write ups.
Are kids welcome?
Yes, Well-behaved children are always welcome. We have complimentary juice boxes and water, and a selection of lawn and inside games available. Our expansive back lawns are great for kicking a soccer ball or throwing a football.
Are you handicap accessible?
Yes, there is reserved parking in front, all facilities are on one level and can be traversed by a wheelchair, and we have an accessible family bathroom.
Do you have charging for electric vehicles?
Yes. For free. We have a universal and a Tesla station.
Can we make reservations for our visit?
Yes, but it is not required. You can stay as long as you like – we won’t ‘turn the tables’ on you. Reservations are a good idea for a busy Saturday or for if your favorite band is playing. Make your reservation here.
Do you ever close for private events?
No. We are always open to the public, for the hours listed on our website.
Is there a dress code?
No. Come as you are for sure. We are close to hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park and lots of customers come over directly after their hikes.
Can we bring our RV and stay overnight?
Yes, we are members of the Harvest Host program. Make your reservations directly through their app.
What’s the vibe at your operation?
Low key, informal, personable, and friendly with high quality wines and top-notch personal service in a gorgeous mountainside location. Check out our reviews.
What are you known for?
First, Gold medal winning wines, grown and produced by us on site. Second, our customer service model – of wine flights served at your table in crystal glassware by an experienced wine ambassador. We will engage with you regarding the wines and our history and philosophy, answer your questions and more. Third, our sustainable operations – named the Greenest Winery in Virginia, focused on environmental stewardship. And fourth, our natural beauty, being sited in a gorgeous location bordering the Shenandoah National Park out the back door.
Do you offer tours of the facilities?
Sometimes, especially when arranged in advance for groups. We love to take people right out into the vines to explain what we do in farming the grapes, and into the winery to explain how we produce the wines. You might also just hear us announce ad hoc that we are doing a tour – and you’d be welcome to join in, no charge.
Will there be music or special events when I visit?
We have a long tradition of local live music at DuCard with an outstanding line up of musicians Saturday afternoons all year long, plus (in May – October) every Friday night and the Second Saturday evening of the month. See our Calendar for all of our upcoming events!
How do I get there?
We are located at 40 Gibson Hollow Lane in Etlan, VA.
From Washington, DC and areas north: I-66 West to Gainesville; exit Rt. 29 South to Warrenton. Exit at Bus. 29 to Warrenton; follow signs to Rt. 211. Take Rt. 211 West 28 miles to Sperryville, turn left on Rt. 522 into town.
Stay on 522 and follow signs to Rt. 231. Go 1/2 mile, turn right on Rt. 231. Continue south for 10 miles on Rt. 231 to Etlan, then right on Rt. 643. Go 2.5 miles to a right on Rt. 719 (Gibson Hollow Lane). Entrance is on the right.
From Charlottesville and areas south: Take Rt. 29 North to Madison; left on Business Rt. 29/Rt. 231. Turn left onto Rt. 231 North and proceed to Etlan. Turn left on Rt. 643. Proceed 2.5 miles to a right on Rt. 719 (Gibson Hollow Lane). Entrance is on the right.
Do you have cell service/internet?
Enjoy the quiet solitude of the Mountain views, babbling Popham Run and live music without the technical interruptions from your devices. DuCard Vineyards does not have readily accessible internet but we do have a landline available to the public if needed.
This place is beautiful. The mountains in the background with the fall foliage are stunning, especially in the morning golden hour. The vineyard was great for taking some family photos. The wines and charcuterie were fantastic showcasing local farm products. There was live music outside, and they provided blankets for the chilly night. Everything was outstanding!