Chester Gap Cellars

One of my favorite wineries in Virginia! I love wine, vegan treats, and hiking. This location offers all of the above! The tasting room is cozy, the wines are tasty, and the locally baked stuffed bread is amazing! Bonus that you can take a quick hike on their property to a waterfall! I visited after several storms so the trail on the property wasn't clear (which I was warned might be the case), but I was able to climb over the trees to get to the waterfall! Amazing experience! Highly recommend this winery!

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)

Nothing but good things to say! Absolutely gorgeous view- I can’t wait to come back in the fall. The wine was great- get the frozen white! So yummy. Stuffed bread also delicious. Lots of great seating, kind staff and we met the owner who is humble and so nice!

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.

Stop #1 from when my mom and I traveled the "Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop". What a fantastic start, maybe too fantastic because we didn't want to leave! The outdoor deck and views across the mountain just make you forget all your worries, and that's before you even have your first sip of wine 🤪 The wines are very tasty and the staff love bragging about what makes their wines so good!

First time visiting Chester Gap Cellars and I can’t believe I didn’t know about this place! I’ve visited several wineries across NoVA and this one is a hidden gem. The staff was so kind and helpful and the only thing better than the view was the wine it self. Big fan of the Chardonnay. I went on a hot June day and they also offer a frozé cooler which hit the spot. They’ve got a covered area to relax and enjoy a gorgeous, sweeping view of the blue ridge valley. Enjoyed the Petit Verdot, Rose, and viognier. Theres also a really great food truck on Saturdays and Sundays that makes a great Ruben. There are also several hiking trails nearby making this one of the best winery stops near dc.

Absolutely hands down the most amazing winery I’ve been. The view alone would be enough, but the food and wine are great too. A MUST visit!

Not only was the setting picturesque af, the wines were all amazing! I had no choice but to pick two favorites to brings home with me. I’d love to stop here again when I’m in the Shenandoah region.

Beautiful views, amazing staff, and great wine- Chester gap has it all! Loved our time at Chester gap with the beautiful scenic views of the mountains. The wine has good and affordable- I'd go with the wine flight as a great way to try all their offerings. They don't have a large food menu, mainly cheese boards and artisanal breads, but there was a food truck outside when we visited. We ordered the flight, frozen white wine, cheeseboard and stuffed cheese bread. My favorite from the flight was the rose, it was perfectly crisp and paired so well with the cheese and bread. The frozen wine is a great option if you like sweet drinks. This is a perfect place to relax, hang out with friends and enjoy the views.

Amazing and breathtaking view! We both tried the wine flights and enjoyed them outside overlooking this amazing view! I can't wait to go here with my family when they visit me. Next time I'll try a wine slushie! My favorite wine was the lighter side of red. The service was fast and friendly. I can't get over how serene and remote the venue is. Another thing to mention is that they had a food truck as well on the Saturday when we went!

The wine was worse than the venue. Don't waste your time. Sad little place without shade or ambience. Literally any other winery would be better.

Highly recommend! Kind hostess, great drinks, and amazing views. We all ordered the frozen white wines and loved it! The wonderful scenery and overlook added so much. When we went, there was a food truck there with very yummy salad and sandwiches. The winery also sells cheese and meat boards and stuffed artisanal breads (that smell like pizza)!

I love the views and ambiance here at Chester Gap Cellars. The service is good and are currently only doing flights, glasses or bottles sales. The wines were decent but would definitely go back again because of the views.

We've been here a few times and have always enjoyed ourselves. They don't have an extensive wine list, but their wines are enjoyable and the staff is always friendly. As others have stated, the views are incredible. It is a small winery, but they are currently making improvements. One that has already been completed is the drive into the winery. They have widened it, so it is a bit easier to get there. I believe they are making more parking as well. Now onto the wines. When we went there they had 5 wines to try. I do want to point out that I prefer red wines, so I'm not one to talk alot about any whites. Roussanne '19 - It was a nice crisp white wine. Chardonnay '19 - It is oak barrel aged for 16 months, but keeps a clean crisp taste, not a buttery taste as a lot of barrel aged wines Rose '22 - Nice light rose. Lighter Side of Red '21 - This is a blend of Cab Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. I generally really like blends such as these, and this one wasn't bad, it just didn't make me go wow. Cabernet Franc - This was a non-vintage with a blend of 2019, 2020, and 2021. It seemed a little light, or not as strong or peppery as some Cab Francs I enjoy. Come out and check them out. They have some seating inside, some seating on the deck and additional seating out on the lawn. The views are incredible from both the deck and the lawn. We will definitely be coming back.

best winery in front royal!! I live just minutes from this place and this has been my second time here. The wine for the prices are reasonable and very nice people who work there. I got a bottle of Riesling and their charcuterie board. So refreshing and just the perfect amount of food on a wonderfully sunny day. The pastrami was definitely the best part! Also, amazing views. Took my boyfriend's family here to see and they were breathtaken as well. overall, definitely come here to check out the amazing views while treating yourself to some wine!

Chester's gap is a nice spot to hang out and catch amazing views of the mountains. Chelsea is very kind and hospitable.

I visited this place with some friends this past weekend. I found them online and decided to visit their website. I loved that they mentioned on the site "All are Welcome" "We are proud to celebrate the diversity of all of our guest. No matter your gender, race, ethnicity, religion, ability or sexual orientation, we welcome you to our tasting room and vineyard. Celebrate what makes you unique now and always." I absolutely loved that they were inclusive and this is what makes a great business. Not to mention, service was great, the views were amazing and the wine was delicious. What more can you ask for? I would definitely visit this place again. We did the wine flights so we got a taste of 5 wines. There was a sweet wine that I really enjoyed that kinda had a tootsie roll taste to it. The rose' was a close second for me. Well done.

Amazing wine and amazing views. Extremely nice people. What a great place to come and relax. Take a nice stroll around the property with a fantastic glass of wine and snacks. This is a destination place.

Wonderful reason to drive an hour. The wine is very good, the people are really nice, and the views are spectacular. Enjoyed the Petit Manseng and Frozen Rose (Sue me, i was hot). Looking forward to a return visit in the fall.

Sign and website say they close at 6, but they really close at 530 (last pour at 530). Disappointed as we made a detour to stop and taste (and buy) on our way home from vacation, but got there at 550 and couldn't be served. We knew we were cutting it close but were looking forward to adding another Virginia winery to our list of those we've tried. Just wish their signs and site were more clear.

This winery was recommended to us by another couple at a wine tasting at Luray caverns (who had awful wine and did the tasting outside in the bitter cold). The couple said that Chesters Gap was wayyyy better so we looked them up. I totally agree .. much better experience.. highly recommend. wine was not cheap but reasonable. All the wine was good. the view is lovely but it was cold and rainy that day .. so too foggy to see the view.

Great view and really good wine. I was presently surprised by how good Virginia wine can get. The bottle we bought was on the high side at 40 dollars but to support the Vinyard I was very happy to do so and really happy with how good it was.

Intimate winery, friendly staff, best spacious sitting, wine tours, expansive mountain views, charcuterie available. Had a wonderful time.

Randomly stopped in on Friday April 21, 2023 with my wife after hiking. The views are exceptional and they match the wine. The reason for this review is to share the experience - the "I feel like I am a member of the family" experience. I felt like every guest that walked in was a good friend or relative. The charming woman behind the bar (sorry, I don't remember her name :-( ) was genuinely interested in everyone and while she educated me on their wines she made me feel connected as though I was a friend of the owner. In short, great wine, great people, great views - check them out. The only bad thing I can say is I live too far away to be a regular, but the next time I am hiking in that area I will be making a stop at Chester Gap Cellars.

Beautiful scenery and plenty of places to sit and enjoy! We had mulled wine, wine flight, cheese, salami and crackers and it was all good! Staff was very friendly! Our pup loved it too!

The views are gorgeous! The staff is friendly! The guests the day we went, were so kind and welcoming as well. We had a glass of wine, charcuterie plate, and each did a five wine tasting. The owners came and said hello, and stayed to talk to us for a bit; we loved that personal touch. We also heard there is an AirBnB at the entrance to the property, and I would SO check that out next time I'm here.

So in love with this winery! We went to two other wineries in the area and this place definitely has the best view of the surrounding mountain/hills! It has the easiest access for dogs since their seatings are mostly outdoor and you did not have to pass the main bar to access the patio. The wine selection is pretty good too. Their 2016 Cabernet Franc was very smooth. A glass of wine here (and also tasting) is $8 -- relatively cheaper to LWW or Qvmont. I mean with that gorgeous view -- it's super worth it! The employees are also very friendly and they seemed genuinely interested in talking to their customers. Definitely my favorite VA winery so far!

Chester Gap has a tiny tasting room but it's well worth the trip, both for the wine and the view. Built along a steep slope, its 7 acres must get a lot of drainage. At 1,200 cases/year, their wines are all estate. One thing I really appreciate is how this place focuses on dry wines; given so many places are catering to the sweet wine/party crowd, this place is doing it right. Even more impressively, its wine cellar still has a lot of wines from years 2012 and 2013, which is impressive given many Virginia wineries are pushing out wines that are 2015s already. What I tried: 2013 Viognier Reserve: Strong nose, honeysuckle and butterscotch notes. Aged 24 months. 2012 Viognier "Boisseau": The one exception to the 100% estate rule, I'll give it a pass because it comes from one of Jim Law's vineyards. Softer, but actually I didn't like it as much. 2013 Roussanne: A rare French grape; apricot notes but I didn't like it all that much. 2013 Merlot: Nice tannins but not soft enough for me. Why can't I love VA Merlots more?!?! But aged 32 months. 2013 Cab Franc: Felt very 'big'. I swirled my glass around and saw it has huge legs. Aged 33 months (!!!) so it didn't have the standard Virginia pepperiness. 2012 Vintners Reserve: 2/3 Cab Franc 1/3 Petit Verdot. I didn't get the barrel time but it must have been a while since it was a nice balance of bold and smooth. 2013 Cuvee Manseng: Desert type wine but not sweet; enjoyed it.

A group of 3 of us visited Chester Gap Cellars one afternoon a couple of weekends ago for a wine tasting and to relax. We were the only customers in the place - it was one of the first sunny, warm, beautiful afternoons in a very long time. I'm guessing a lot of people were going outside to enjoy the warmth and not run out to visit places - hence the quietness of the winery. First, the view off the back deck is spectacular! It looks off into a wooded, remote valley. I'd love to see what this looks like in the Autumn when the leaves are turning various colors! As for the wines, the wines were decent and show promise. None of them wowed me, but overall I enjoyed the tasting and the visit. The Wines 2013 Viognier 2012 Viognier "Boisseau" 2012 Rousanne 2012 Merlot 2012 Cabernet Franc 2012 Vintner's Red 2012 Petit Manseng After the tasting, we each selected a glass of wine and went out on the deck to enjoy the company, the view, the wine, and the sunshine! We had brought some food (salami, cheese, grapes, etc, to snack on.) The one thing I will ding them on is the individual who poured during our tasting. He was not very friendly or talkative. I felt like we really had to work hard to get him to say much of anything about the wine. We enjoy hearing about the wine and the wine making process, the challenges faced in making that particular vintage of wine, and so on.

This is our go-to day trip destination. A one-hour drive from DC, it's The perfect spot for friends, family, and romance. Super dog and kid friendly. Amazing views and fabulous wine. The owners and staff are attentive, professional, and after many visits it almost feels like home. Can't say enough about the place!

The views are amazing and right off the main road near the skyline! The mulled hot wine is absolutely amazing. Beautiful views. They need better crackers for their Charcuterie board. Pita crackers or some ritz would be great whatever they had was awful.

Small charming winery w nice wines and great Mountain View's. Tasting room is very small but charming. Staff (chelsea) was attentive and pleasant. We were impressed w the $20 charcuterie board that was pretty robust for the cost. We most enjoyed the Rose and the Lighter Red.

My Father and I went today and were blown away coming down the driveway. What an incredible view, and it gets better when you get out of your car and see where the Adirondack chairs are. The owner greeted us and spent a good bit of time answering our questions and showing us around. Really really cool place and we are definitely going to come back in the Spring and enjoy the view and a glass of wine. They have a very unique microclimate owing to their elevation and the layout of their vineyard and I'm psyched to open the next bottle of their wine. They have very sensible COVID policies and everything was well thought out. We bought a bottle of Viognier and a bottle of Petit Verdot, both of which will be on the table for Thanksgiving in a few days. Definitely check it out if you are in the area, you wont be disappointed!

To start the road is not Corvette friendly. Pulling up to the winery the view is spectacular. Talking to some of the pourers they sell about 1500 cases per year and most of their wine is estate grown. They have a roussanne that only about 2 other wineries make in Virginia. It has a unique taste. My favorite is their Cabernet Franc. It's a great place to visit...

We had the perfect day yesterday at Chester Gap Cellars. Chelsea greeted us upon arrival, made sure we had a beautiful place to sit and took our order for wine. If you love a smooth, rich and flavorful red wine be sure to grab a glass of their Petit Verdot! It will not disappoint...neither will the view. We will be back soon

While the wines here are okay/good it was the views that really made our group's time here so spectacular. The one wine we did love was not ready to be sold yet as they were waiting of the labels for the bottles. I would definitely go back for that Cab Franc. The views at Chester Gap are breathtaking. I can't imagine a more picturesque porch to sit and drink wine on with friends. Staff/Owners are very friendly as well which is a plus. It's good to see owners so involved with the day to day operations.

This is such a lovely, quiet place to enjoy some local wine. And the owners and staff are so welcoming. Definitely worth a trip if you're in the area!

This is a must see!! The wine is delish especially the mulled wine! The owner Jeff was so wonderful and you can tell quality, taste and atmosphere are all important to him! The views though- the BEST ever! We will be back- great for large parties and couples! Add this to your list!

We stopped by this winery after a hike. The back deck has a beautiful view, blankets, and allows dogs! The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. We did a tasting and ultimately got cheese and crackers too. The cab franc was really smooth and not as spicy as others. I can't wait to come back over the summer.

We enjoyed our visit to Chested Gap Cellars. The views were absolutely beautiful! Staff were friendly and the wine was pretty good. We will be back in the future!

We came back for another tasting since we were again visiting our family. Too bad we missed the peak leaves because the view is just as gorgeous as can be imagined. Bought all the Viogner varietals this time. Wineries in VA have exploded since 1986 when there were about 4 in the DC to Strasburg corridor. It's a mind jumble to pick the ones you should visit, but we can't leave this one out.. GOOGLE + Craft Whiskey & Distilleries

Stopped by this winery while visiting from out of town. Amazing wine, fantastic service and such a welcoming atmosphere. The employees were kind and made an effort to make me feel welcomed while visiting alone. 10/10 would recommend to anyone. Very reasonable pricing as well.

We stopped in on a Friday afternoon when there was no other customers there. The younger girl working really didn't seem interested in serving us. She was yawning the entire time and walked away rather than talk in between pours. When she poured one wine, she simply poured it and walked off without even saying what the wine was or explaining anything about it. Something we've never experienced anywhere else! The wines also had an odd taste to them. Perhaps it was the first one having such a horribly sharp flavor that put a bad taste in our mouths for the rest? Not sure, but we literally spent less than 10 minutes getting our tasting, paying and leaving. Not an enjoyable visit at all.

The view!!!! This is probably one of the nicest views I've ever had from a winery. The mountains in the backdrop are phenomenal. Service was good, it wasn't crowded which was nice. I didn't do a wine tasting but I liked the bottle of petit manseng, it was pretty good; also, the frose was good too! Will probably go back to do a tasting and enjoy the scenery

I don't know why this place only has 4 stars because if I could give it more than 5 I would! Truly a stellar experience! My girlfriend doesn't even like wine but they took the time to find her something she'd enjoy. We will be back!

Such a great find! Right outside Front Royal, this is the perfect stop on your tour of VA wine country. The owners are super friendly and love talking about their wines and their new adventure in wine-making.

Chester Gap is a charming winery in a stunning Shenandoah setting. Sitting outside at a picnic table with a glass of wine overlooking the valley is a perfect way to spend the afternoon. Chelsea was a lovely hostess, and we met owners Travis and Jeff, who were gracious and welcoming. Definitely will be back!

The wine highlights the best of VA offerings, and even offers a Vintner's Red, which is a softer blend of the regional, peppery Cabernet Franc. The atmosphere is comfortable, informal, and friendly - it's a great spot to come for a tasting and stay for the views and very delicious, drinkable wine. We loved our visit!!

Don't let the driveway scare you. The wine and view are amazing. And the staff is wonderful. Just go and experience.

Love this small German roots couples location and their lovely commitment to wine making. Enjoyed a new wine - Roussanne. The Merlot is bright. I wished they still had the Viognier Reserve from their estate but sold out. The 2012 Cabernet Franc is already fine and in time should be suburb. We have drunk one of our 2007 Cabernet Franc and give high praises. I give this place a special praise for personal touch.

Chester Gap shines mostly due to it's amazing setting. Plus, it's always a good sign when they have strict rules about limos and groups over 6. We went on a Friday evening around 4:45 during harvest season and the grapes were busting off of the vines, which surround the tasting room. They have a beautiful deck off of the tasting room with picnic tables, where you can bring a picnic. The wine is not spectacular but pretty good; this place is more about ambiance than mind-blowing wines though. They have a few viogniers and a cab franc. It is also family run, which I love. A couple runs the vineyard and the wife was telling us all about their harvest and the process at the vineyard, she was extremely friendly. It is true what some other reviewers have said about the unfinished tasting room and feeling like being in a family room - but I found that charming. Their son was hanging out with the dogs and we felt like we were part of the family.

Amazing spot! Owners are very friendly and the reds are the best I have had. Views are exceptional!

Allows picnics (inside and out). Beautiful setting. Small tasting room. Beautiful, quite grounds. A one-way road in and out, no limos or buses. We arrived after a group of 8 was finishing up their tasting. The person serving the tasting was nice and informative. She told us the history of the owner/vineyard and offered pairing suggestions. (All grapes grown on the premises.) I left with a bottle of white, my boyfriend left with a bottle of red (I believe I got the Sauvignon Blanc--I drank it that night and it was delicious!) Good wine. A must stop if you are in the area. A couple we met at this winery told me their local friend said this was one of three wineries they should visit. If I'm in the area again I would visit and definitely recommend to friends. It was a smaller wine tasting list but tasting fees are waived if you buy a bottle. Also decent prices.

Yes, the view is gorgeous. Let's get that out of the way quickly so we can talk about everything else. The winery is all estate. Let's talk about that for a moment. That means they grow everything they turn into wine. That is extremely, profoundly difficult. In Virginia, we have vastly different and variant growing seasons that challenge even the most astute wine grower and winemaker. They make it work, and spectacularly so. Try the Cuvee Manseng and their (sometimes vertical) assortment of Viognier vintages - you will be most impressed. I pour at a different Virginia winery, and I am continually sending folks to Chester Gap as an additional example of how to handcraft wine that is elegant, simple, and magnificent. You'd do well to include Chester Gap in your next trip to the emergent Virginia winery countryside.

I give 4 stars for the wine. It is true, there is not much of a physical plant to this winery and it appears you are in a backyard. But, look, this guy has the best wine I tasted all day long on our tour around NOVA. Hands down. He's from Germany, and knows a think or two. The reds actually have character, which is something no other wine from NOVA I've tasted has. I'm not saying these wines are going to beat California reds, no way, but they are fine for VA. If you're along for a Saturday ride and want to see pretty things, stay on the main path and skip this one, but if you are interested in the wine you're tasting, go to Chester Gap.

Have been going to Chester Gap a couple times a year for about 8 years and enjoyed every visit. Besides the great view from the deck, the wines are among the best we've had in VA. The Viogniers are consistently outstanding. If you're looking for a fancy tasting room, keep driving. If you're looking for some of Virginia's best wines, stop by. Chester Gap proves a theory I've had for a while - the fancier the tasting room, the worse the wine.

Up and coming winery. They grow their own grapes, something that should be profoundly basic but unfortunately not the case, especially in large drunk bus settings nearby. Their wines are... unique. Most, if not all, of their varietals are the typiical ones you see in Virginia - Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Manseng, etc. There was one unusual one that I remember from my tasting and a somewhat different style of wine than I am used to at nearby gems at Glen Manor or Linden. None of the wines were exceptional but all were good and I did end up getting a petit manseng for a future summer to enjoy with friends out on a porch. Cold. Most of the wines had sufficient complexity and interesting notes that made them above average, and the price point of their wines make them more interesting to crack open on whim than, say, a bottle of the 2007 Avenius from nearby Linden. The views are amazing. It's tucked away in the middle of nowhere and that's often a good thing. Some of the wine reviews with one star or two stars are a touch harsh. One goes for the wine, not the friendliness of staff and if you know your wines, they're very much happy to talk to you about their wines. Looking forward to seeing how they grow in the next few years.

Definitely skip this "winery" if this is on your list. This place was suggested to us because it was up and coming and the view was supposed to be amazing (and it was). The winery looked like it was set up at someone's backyard, where the "tasting room" consisted of a foldout table right outside the house. And the wine - not so great. Every one of them had a metallic taste to it with some of them tasting especially tannin-y. I felt bad, but I so wanted to spit out every wine I tried.