October 2020 is Virginia Wine Month

This gives us a great opportunity
to highlight some of the many
incredible wineries we’ve visited
over the years.

We look forward to visiting these
wineries again very soon.

Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, CrossKeys Vineyards is a family-owned 125-acre estate winery that welcomes every guest with a warm smile and award-winning wines.

When the Bakhtiar family first laid eyes on the beautiful rolling hills they now call CrossKeys Vineyards, it was nothing more than a thick forest. After crossing the fence which divided the land from the road, they saw the vision of the vineyard come to life. With no roads on the property, they walked through the untouched forest to the top of the first hill. Through the dense trees they could see the immaculate Massanutten Mountain peeking through, dominating the landscape. 

A few months after purchasing the land, they had a family picnic to celebrate the wonderful new beginnings with a bottle of Pinot Noir. It was there in that moment the realization of the endless possibilities this land had to offer was planted in our minds. Not too long after, in 2001 the first vines were planted. After many years of hard work, passion, hope, and most importantly perseverance breathed life into their dream; opening the doors to our their vineyard. In May of 2008, they opened the doors to the tasting room and offered the first vintage of 2006, 100% estate grown Virginia wine from the once forgotten land.

Aside from the impressive beauty of the land, the old Cross Keys Tavern was and still is one of their biggest inspirations. The old Tavern served as a town center for the community in the early to mid-19th century. Friends and family gathered after long days and could unwind and enjoy the pure essence the valley has to offer. However, on June 8th of 1862, the small village was engulfed by Union and Confederate troops. The old Tavern became a place of healing as wounded soldiers were carried off after the infamous battle of Cross Keys. The family has a dream of rebuilding what the old Cross Keys Tavern offered a century and a half ago; a place of relaxation and gathering for visitors and the locals of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. They strive to be an establishment that gives back to our community. 

The two gold crossed keys are an old symbol of hospitality, excellence, and a place of prestige. The keys embody the goal of producing exquisite wines, delicious food, fabulous events, but most of all they are a daily reminder that they are here to provide an excellent experience for every guest that walks through our doors.

learn more about CrossKeys vineyards here.