Visit Madison County for the day or the weekend (or longer!) to explore everything the area has to offer. Click the menus below to learn more about great places to stay, eat and explore.
Hiking: Old Rag Mountain and White Oak Canyon
The trailheads for these beautiful hikes are around the corner from our tasting room. We have found it best for you to hike and THEN come to DuCard for wine, afterward !
Graves Mountain Lodge
This family-run institution, two miles from DuCard has festivals celebrating springtime, bluegrass, apple harvest and many other events as well as lodging, a restaurant, trail rides and a petting zoo for kids.
Possum’s Store
This historic former general store is now an art and artisan center, with paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more – all created by local artists. Workshops and special events are also offered. Located in Criglersville, just down the road from DuCard.
Shenandoah National Park
Take Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods and past spectacular vistas. Hike in the shade of oak trees along the Appalachian Trail, discover the stories from Shenandoah’s past, or just relax in the wonder of wilderness.
Montpelier
This glorious 2,650-acre estate in Orange County, Virginia, was the lifelong home of James Madison. Recently restored to its early 1800s appearance, this is where the man wrote the Constitution of the United States, looking out over the Blue Ridge from his upstairs office. Incredible. Tours of house and grounds available.
Luray Caverns
One the most famous and popular attractions in our region, Luray Caverns is ‘over the mountain’ half an hour to the west on Route 211. Open daily year-round for tours, it’s one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.
MAD ARTS – Madison Arts Exchange
Great shop, down Route 29 about 5 miles south of Madison, with local arts and crafts, garden supplies and plants, and an eclectic mix of other interesting things.
Graves Mountain Lodge
Country lodging with horseback riding, fishing, petting zoo and other activities, plus several seasonal festivals and three family style meals available daily. Just down the road from DuCard, in the town of Syria. Rental cabins also available.
Inn at Meander Plantation
Gorgeous historic inn on eastern edge of Madison County, with spacious grounds, fine dining, cooking and other classes and range of activities.
Mimslyn Inn
Venerable and gorgeous full service restored 1930s hotel/inn in Luray. Immaculate rooms, fine dining and speakeasy bar, great service plus fitness center, pool and spa.
Inn at Willow Grove
Elegant 18th Century restored plantation house and surrounding cottages, 14 rooms total plus gourmet restaurant and amenities, all with unique blend of chic and country style, on outskirts of the town of Orange.
Hotel Laurance
A beautifully renovated 1880’s former stagecoach stop and tavern, reborn as a luxurious boutique in downtown Luray. Already voted one of the top places to stay in the Shenandoah Valley
https://www.hotellaurance.com/
Others
Blue Rock Inn, Glen Gordon Manor
Shadow Mountain Escape
The romantic couples’ retreat has three timberframe cabins at the edge of Skyline Drive on the road to Luray – with campfires. a lookout tower and wonderful hosts – a unique getaway.
Walden Hall
With only five guest rooms, Walden offers an intimate and inviting atmosphere perfect for romantic getaways, family gatherings and memorable weddings. Named a Best B&B in Central Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine
Sharp Rock Vineyards
Just up the road from DuCard, at the Rappahannock County line, they have two B&B cottages – and are our partner in the local Foothills Scenic Wine Trail.
La Bella Terra
Restored, historic farmhouse in Reva, with tranquil setting, mountain views, pool and yoga lessons on-site, plus locavore breakfasts.
Belle Meade
Victorian farmhouse on 138 acres with fabulous views, extensive gardens and five beautifully appointed rooms just up the road from DuCard
Ebenezer House
Historical Madison country chalet with five rooms (incl. handicap accessible), great room with wood-burning stove, library, and dining room opening onto deck and pond.
Hopkins Ordinary
Former 1820’s roadside inn and tavern in historic Sperryville, with two floors of wraparound porches, five guest rooms with fireplaces and a two bedroom cottage, plus a microbrewery on-site.
>White Moose Inn
Sleek, new modernist six room inn in Little Washington with luxurious designer decor. They want guests to ‘chillax’ in their relaxing setting.
Conyers House
Rappahannock County’s first and oldest inn, featuring seven rooms, each with fireplace and private bath, plus beautiful gardens and stone walls in relaxed atmosphere.
Inn at Mount Vernon Farm
Historic 1827 Sperryville manor house with five bedrooms and cabin, all meticulously restored and decorated. Gorgeous mountain views atop hillside with trout streams, organic farm, and hiking trails below. Elegant dinners are also served.
Fairlea Farm
B&B on working sheep and cattle farm just two blocks from the center of Little Washington, with great views. In operation by the same owners for 25 years.
Holladay House
Six room B&B in historic town of Orange close to Montpelier, including Jacuzzi suites, great breakfast and friendly, knowledgeable innkeeper.
Chestnut Hill B&B
Grand Orange County manor house situated atop a grassy knoll with breathtaking panoramic views.
Inn at Westwood Farm
Sun-filled, elegantly appointed 1910 farmhouse on 15 lovely acres with four guest suites.
Mayhurst Inn
Plantation manor house on 37 acres of rolling Virginia Piedmont, surrounded by manicured lawns, gardens, old growth trees and fields.
Piney Hill B&B and Cottages – Luray
Consistently top-rated lodgings with three guest rooms and two cottages, on a peaceful two-acre setting.
South Court Inn – Luray
Beautiful Victorian bed and breakfast in Luray, newly owned and managed by welcoming and fun couple. Four guest rooms plus private cottage that sleeps four.
White Fence B&B – Luray/Stanley
1890s Queen Anne Victorian with 3 bedroom carriage house and three-room cottage, both with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, in romantic getaway setting near Shenandoah National Park.
Uphill House B&B – Gordonsville
Five sumptuous guest rooms on 11 secluded acres outside Gordonsville with wonderful, hospitable owners.
Others
Sunset Ridge, Brightwood Farm, Jerrell Farm, Gay Street Inn, House on Water Street
Rose River Farm Luxury Rental Cabins
Brand new 2BR/3BA cabins with kitchen, flat screen TV and all the amenities, including on-site fly fishing for trout and bass, just around the corner from DuCard – wine tasting coupons included with all reservations.
Old Church Cottage
Quaint and comfy renovated Mennonite church in secluded location. Great for girls’ weekends, guys weekends, family getaways, just around the corner from DuCard – wine tasting coupons included with all reservations.
Etlan A-Frame with Old Rag View
Fun property with direct view of Old Rag Mountain out the back deck. Hot tub and fire pit too. Right around the corner from DuCard – wit free tasting coupons with all reservations.
Others
Old Rag Mountain Cabin, Lydia Mountain Lodge
Spirit Dancer and Sun Dancer Lodges
These two jewels, tucked in the side of Old Rag Mountain five minutes from DuCard, are perfect retreats for couples, friends, families and corporate gatherings – each with sleeping for groups as large as 16. DuCard tasting coupons included with all reservations.
Old Rag Mountain Lodge
Luxurious secluded three-bedroom lodge with deck, lily pond, gardens, hot tub and more – right around the corner from DuCard. Wine tasting coupons included with all reservations.
Old Rag View Horse Farm with Log Lodge and Treehouse
Gorgeous western-style lodge retreat on hilltop with great views of Old Rag Mountain. Six bedrooms, sleeps 16 in fully appointed luxury, just across the road from DuCard.
Whipporwill Manor Farm
200-year-old large Madison County farmhouse near Old Rag Mountain, 10 minutes from DuCard.
Tucker’d Out
Two bedroom cottage (sleeps 6) at base of Old Rag Mountain, just around the bend from DuCard.
Pristine Mountain View House
Beautiful five-bedroom house in Graves Mill area, near Shenandoah National Park. Stunning mountain views in pristine natural setting. Sleeps 11. DuCard wine tasting coupons included with all reservations.
Cardinal Springs
Renovated 1860s farmhouse on 130 acres and 3 acre stocked pond, with two bedrooms, fireplace plus separate Mountain Loft rental and modern amenities including whirlpool tub in tranquil setting near Sperryville.
Hunters/Hikers Paradise
Situated at the crest of Delaney Mountain overlooking Shenandoah National Park, this 4 bedroom, 2 bath house sleeps 10 and affords luxury and provides tranquility.
White Oak Canyon Cottage
Two-bedroom cottage just two minutes from White Oak Canyon Trailhead – perfect for a family retreat, a romantic getaway or a hiking weekend in a quiet natural setting.
Antique Virginia Farmhouse
Madison County farmhouse with bedroom cottage just two minutes from White Oak Canyon Trailhead – perfect for a family retreat, a romantic getaway or a hiking weekend in a quiet natural setting.
Barn at Edgewood Farm
Two private apartments above barn event venue on beautiful Stanardsville farm.
The Inn at Little Washington
The reputation speaks for itself. This is a world-known dining destination.
Thorton River Grill
Great food and a comfortable atmosphere. Pizza too. A local Favorite.
The Bavarian Chef
A favorite area restaurant.
Etlan’s The Little Country Store
Best barbecue around, sandwiches, ice cream and plenty of country hospitality.
A small Veteran owned American Eatery with locally sourced focus and a variety of snacks, salads, sandwiches and burgers on the menu.
Miranda’s
Southern comfort food on Main Street in Madison.
Sharp Rock Vineyards
Just up the road at the Rappahannock County line, and our partner in the Foothills Scenic Wine Trail.
Early Mountain Vineyards
Under new ownership, this large winery and tasting room is just down the road in Madison.
Prince Michel
In operation for 28 years, this large winery along Rt. 29 between Madison and Culpeper also has luxury suites.
New operation also in Madison County. Quaint log cabin tasting room and nice views.
Gadino Cellars
This family run operation is north of DuCard in Rappahannock County.
Rappahannock Cellars
When we first started growing grapes a decade ago, our harvests were used in their outstanding wines. Worth a visit for sure if you are heading north on Route 522.
Desert Rose Vineyards
Our friend Cowboy Bob operates this fun, boutique operation. Great themed tasting room and nice folks, just down the road from Rappahannock Cellars.
Quièvremont Winery
New operation tucked away on a back road in Rappahannock County 20 minutes to the north. An interesting getaway.
Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop
We are proud to be a charter member of this outstanding collection of wineries, distilleries, restaurants and lodging establishments along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Check the site for “loops” that you can use to plan your visit to our wonderful area.
Bald Top Brewing
A farm brewery in Madison, VA specializing in crafting beers in a variety of styles and flavors.
Virginia.org
Official VA site – events and attractions all over Virginia, with a great day by day calendar and lots of suggestions
Madison County, Virginia
History of Madison and things to do locally – including wine tasting
Rappahannock County, Virginia
Excellent site for events and activities of interest in the next county up
