Fantastic wine and wonderful service. The bread was delicious! The view over the valley was perfect and the food truck on the premises had some great food!
Mike Nichols
I've visited Chester Gap Cellars twice - once in July and again in September. Each time, the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about the wines. The quality of the wines were better than I expected for a Virginia winery. I particularly enjoyed the Rose and the Vintner's Red and bought a case to take home and share with friends, who also enjoyed the wines. The views from the tasting room and deck are simply beautiful. There was a food truck on-site during my recent visit and the winery sells/serves Charcuterie boards and other light bites to go along with the wine flight/tasting, wine by the glass, or bottle you purchase to enjoy while taking in the view. I look forward to returning and bringing friends with me.
Ed Summers
Chester Gap Cellars is a small Winery with a Pub feel. The moment that a patron walks into the door they are treated with warm, welcoming smiles from both the staff and the local regulars. The views overlooking the Rappahannock River Valley are spectacular. The wines are very good too. What makes it great though is the Vinter, Jeff Seese. Jeff has a true joy for the industry and what he is doing. Most days, if he is not behind the bar, he mingles with the guests. One can feel, see and hear his passion as he talks about the winery, grapes, wine production and his small but incredible role in the industry. It is pure pleasure to listen to him. If you ever find yourself out in the Blue Ridge near Front Royal, make sure and stop by and check the place out. You won’t regret it.
Kyle Hurlbrink
Spent our post engagement moment here. Great spot.
bobbi h
Chester Gap Cellars On our way to Central VA/Monticello wine trail we decided to drive through Front Royal and check out a few spots. Chester Gap Cellars has beautiful grounds with gorgeous views! There is cozy indoor seating, a patio with umbrellas and lots of grassy area to enjoy your wine and the views. Wines were nice. Subtle flavors They offer flights, glasses, and bottles. Shout out to Evan who helped us in the tasting room He was personable and very knowledgeable about the wines and the vineyard. He also gave us suggestions of other spots to try in the area
What we tasted (descriptions are from the winery tasting note sheets) White Flight: *Viognier '21 - A purist's example of Viognier. Fermented in stainless steel to allow for only the grape's expression to dominate. *Viognier Reserve '20- Aged in French Oak to smooth and soften this otherwise vibrant white. This is a great comparison to the first Viognier on this flight, taste the Oak influence in this glass vs. the stainless steel earlier. *Roussanne '21- A French Rhone varietal, full of fruit but no residual sugar. Aged in stainless steel to highlight its naturally crisp flavor. *Petit Manseng '20- A full bodied white, slightly sweet (1% residual sugar) aged in stainless steel. *Rose '23 - Beautiful and light in color yet full of flavor. 2023 rose is a blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 20% Petit Verdot.
Red Flight: ‣ Lighter Side of Red '22 - A lighter red with a full-bodied flavor, Blend of Cabernet Franc and Grenache for a peppery aroma and flavor without overpowering tannins. ‣ Merlot '21 - Estate grown and aged in French Oak, this is always a favorite . It has just a hint of Petit Verdot for added color and to further express the strong Merlot tannins. ‣ Hillside Red 22 - They experiment with their Hillside Red line using grapes they are thinking about planting in the vineyard. This is a blend of estate grown Merlot and a newcomer to the cellar, Tempranillo. Big, juicy and full bodied. ‣ Petit Verdot '22 - Estate grown and aged in a combination of new and neutral French Oak barrels for a smooth, rich and delicious flavor profile. This is a big, bold red! ‣ Vintner's Red '21 - Expressing the true character of the vineyard. All estate grown 60% Cab Franc, 20% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot aged in French Oak.
My rating rationale for beer, wine, or spirits: +1 Service +1 Atmosphere/Vibe +.5 Taste/Quality (Flavor, aroma, and overall quality of the beverage) +1 Presentation (Glassware, garnishes, and visual appeal of the drinks) +1 Selection/Variety (Range of beer, wine, or spirit options and uniqueness of offerings)
Andrew Wagner
Great wine selection and beautiful view! The boys brought us here because it was one of their top picks, the wine and views did not disappoint.
Katie Ann
The best views around! Highly recommend for the scenery, the great wine, and the friendly service! Always a pleasurable experience here.
Meaghan Webster
The wine is great, the views are really nice, and the staff are notably very friendly and hospitable, even in the middle of a very busy day! Plus the stuffed breads they serve from a local bakery are incredible. Seems like some growth is happening on the property to accommodate their well-earned demand.
Chi Pham
Most beautiful vineyard for fall foliage viewing
Margaret Helmus
Such a great place! The property itself is beautiful- plenty of spaces to sit and enjoy your time there. Highly recommend the wine flight so you get a feel of the variety they have here. You also must get the stuffed bread.
My friend, pup and I had such a lovely time visiting Chester Gap Cellars! It was a gorgeous, easy 1.5 hr drive from DC. The wine was delicious, and there was a food truck on Saturday with delicious sandwich options (including vegetarian). The staff were all extremely welcoming and kind. It’s very dog friendly too! We headed down the hill to enjoy a special woodsy walk, through the vineyards to a waterfall (be warned it’s a little steep on the way back up!). Can’t wait to visit again soon!
Michael Tanner
Folks there were very nice. Views are great and the wines; exceptional. A must.
Catharine Parnell
What a gorgeous view on a beautiful day. Dog friendly outside and with a magnificent vantage point over the hills of Virginia. We’ll be back.
Trevor Austin
Stopped here for a flight on a trip to the National Park. Very pretty landscape and great vibes. Good place to grab some wine and look out into the valley. Folks were nice enough and the place seems well kept. All of the wines we tried were good, but I'm a little wine-ignorant so I preferred the sweeter milder white wines, but they were all tolerable to me. Great place to stop for a break on a road trip and enjoy a beautiful view.
Kevin Anderson
What a stunning winery! Best views of any vineyard in Virginia. The wine is delicious (rose all day!) and the staff is very friendly and accommodating. The owner and winemaker, Jeff, is often there to host and make all feel welcome. You can either hang out on the upper deck and mingle with fellow customers, or you can find a private spot in the field. Whatever you are looking for, Chester Gap delivers!
Fantastic wine and wonderful service. The bread was delicious! The view over the valley was perfect and the food truck on the premises had some great food!
I've visited Chester Gap Cellars twice - once in July and again in September. Each time, the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable about the wines. The quality of the wines were better than I expected for a Virginia winery. I particularly enjoyed the Rose and the Vintner's Red and bought a case to take home and share with friends, who also enjoyed the wines. The views from the tasting room and deck are simply beautiful. There was a food truck on-site during my recent visit and the winery sells/serves Charcuterie boards and other light bites to go along with the wine flight/tasting, wine by the glass, or bottle you purchase to enjoy while taking in the view. I look forward to returning and bringing friends with me.
Chester Gap Cellars is a small Winery with a Pub feel. The moment that a patron walks into the door they are treated with warm, welcoming smiles from both the staff and the local regulars. The views overlooking the Rappahannock River Valley are spectacular. The wines are very good too. What makes it great though is the Vinter, Jeff Seese. Jeff has a true joy for the industry and what he is doing. Most days, if he is not behind the bar, he mingles with the guests. One can feel, see and hear his passion as he talks about the winery, grapes, wine production and his small but incredible role in the industry. It is pure pleasure to listen to him. If you ever find yourself out in the Blue Ridge near Front Royal, make sure and stop by and check the place out. You won’t regret it.
Spent our post engagement moment here. Great spot.
Chester Gap Cellars
On our way to Central VA/Monticello wine trail we decided to drive through Front Royal and check out a few spots.
Chester Gap Cellars has beautiful grounds with gorgeous views!
There is cozy indoor seating, a patio with umbrellas and lots of grassy area to enjoy your wine and the views.
Wines were nice. Subtle flavors
They offer flights, glasses, and bottles.
Shout out to Evan who helped us in the tasting room He was personable and very knowledgeable about the wines and the vineyard. He also gave us suggestions of other spots to try in the area
What we tasted (descriptions are from the winery tasting note sheets)
White Flight:
*Viognier '21 - A purist's example of Viognier. Fermented in stainless steel to allow for only the grape's expression to dominate.
*Viognier Reserve '20- Aged in French Oak to smooth and soften this otherwise vibrant white. This is a great comparison to the first Viognier on this flight, taste the Oak influence in this glass vs. the stainless steel earlier.
*Roussanne '21- A French Rhone varietal, full of fruit but no residual sugar. Aged in stainless steel to highlight its naturally crisp flavor.
*Petit Manseng '20- A full bodied white, slightly sweet (1% residual sugar) aged in stainless steel.
*Rose '23 - Beautiful and light in color yet full of flavor. 2023 rose is a blend of 50% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 20% Petit Verdot.
Red Flight:
‣ Lighter Side of Red '22 - A lighter red with a full-bodied flavor, Blend of Cabernet Franc and Grenache for a peppery aroma and flavor without overpowering tannins.
‣ Merlot '21 - Estate grown and aged in French Oak, this is always a favorite . It has just a hint of Petit Verdot for added color and to further express the strong Merlot tannins.
‣ Hillside Red 22 - They experiment with their Hillside Red line using grapes they are thinking about planting in the vineyard. This is a blend of estate grown Merlot and a newcomer to the cellar, Tempranillo. Big, juicy and full bodied.
‣ Petit Verdot '22 - Estate grown and aged in a combination of new and neutral French Oak barrels for a smooth, rich and delicious flavor profile. This is a big, bold red!
‣ Vintner's Red '21 - Expressing the true character of the vineyard. All estate grown 60% Cab Franc, 20% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot aged in French Oak.
My rating rationale for beer, wine, or spirits:
+1 Service
+1 Atmosphere/Vibe
+.5 Taste/Quality (Flavor, aroma, and overall quality of the beverage)
+1 Presentation (Glassware, garnishes, and visual appeal of the drinks)
+1 Selection/Variety (Range of beer, wine, or spirit options and uniqueness of offerings)
Great wine selection and beautiful view! The boys brought us here because it was one of their top picks, the wine and views did not disappoint.
The best views around! Highly recommend for the scenery, the great wine, and the friendly service! Always a pleasurable experience here.
The wine is great, the views are really nice, and the staff are notably very friendly and hospitable, even in the middle of a very busy day! Plus the stuffed breads they serve from a local bakery are incredible. Seems like some growth is happening on the property to accommodate their well-earned demand.
Most beautiful vineyard for fall foliage viewing
Such a great place! The property itself is beautiful- plenty of spaces to sit and enjoy your time there. Highly recommend the wine flight so you get a feel of the variety they have here. You also must get the stuffed bread.
Restaurantji Recommends
My friend, pup and I had such a lovely time visiting Chester Gap Cellars! It was a gorgeous, easy 1.5 hr drive from DC. The wine was delicious, and there was a food truck on Saturday with delicious sandwich options (including vegetarian). The staff were all extremely welcoming and kind. It’s very dog friendly too! We headed down the hill to enjoy a special woodsy walk, through the vineyards to a waterfall (be warned it’s a little steep on the way back up!). Can’t wait to visit again soon!
Folks there were very nice. Views are great and the wines; exceptional. A must.
What a gorgeous view on a beautiful day. Dog friendly outside and with a magnificent vantage point over the hills of Virginia. We’ll be back.
Stopped here for a flight on a trip to the National Park. Very pretty landscape and great vibes. Good place to grab some wine and look out into the valley. Folks were nice enough and the place seems well kept. All of the wines we tried were good, but I'm a little wine-ignorant so I preferred the sweeter milder white wines, but they were all tolerable to me. Great place to stop for a break on a road trip and enjoy a beautiful view.
What a stunning winery! Best views of any vineyard in Virginia. The wine is delicious (rose all day!) and the staff is very friendly and accommodating. The owner and winemaker, Jeff, is often there to host and make all feel welcome. You can either hang out on the upper deck and mingle with fellow customers, or you can find a private spot in the field. Whatever you are looking for, Chester Gap delivers!
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