The Williamsburg Winery is Virginia’s largest winery with an annual production of some 60,000 cases.  Established in 1985 by the Duffeler family, the winery released its first wine, Governor’s White, in 1988.  Within two weeks Governor’s White took a Gold Medal at a local fair, the first award of many.  Throughout the past twenty years the Winery has continued to receive increasingly prestigious awards and recognitions from a wide variety of sources.  Perhaps most notably, our wines are now consistently recognized by Decanter magazine as among the best in the world.  In addition, Wine Enthusiast has rated our chardonnay as a  ‘Best Buy’ and we regularly receive medals and commendations at such notable competitions as the World Wine Awards, the Critics Challenge International, and the Challenge International du Vin.  The wines we produce are appealing to a broad range of wine lovers and can be found in stores and restaurants not just in Virginia, but across the United States, as well as in select international locations such as London and Copenhagen. 

The Winery and its sister hotel, Wedmore Place, are nestled into a 300-acre farm with some 50 acres of vineyards.  The also property includes two restaurants, the Gabriel Archer Tavern and the elegant Le Provencal.  Located just three miles from Colonial Williamsburg, the Winery is pervaded with a sense of history and houses a museum featuring the extensive history of the property, as well as archeological findings from the property and a collection of more than 300 18th century wine bottles.   In addition, many of the wines are named for persons or achievements from Virginia’s illustrious history. 

Offerings: 

The Tour and Tasting

-         An introductory video details the history of the winery and many aspects of viticulture and winemaking, including harvest, crush, cellar activities and winter pruning.

-         After the video, guests are taken on a guided tour of the winery, including a trip to the barrel cellars and a visit to our museum, which features the history of the property, archeological findings from the property, and a collection of more than 300 18th century wine bottles.

-         During the tour our knowledgeable guides provide an introduction to the basics of wine making.

-         After the tour, which lasts approximately 35 minutes, guests will be treated to a tasting of 7 of our wines.  Guests are welcome to keep the specially etched glass as a memento of their visit.

-         Tours and tastings are available on a first come, first serve basis and although tickets can be purchased here, the times cannot be scheduled in advance.

The Tour, Tasting and Lunch

-         With this option, guests will be treated to the tour and tasting experience outlined above, and will also join us for lunch at the Gabriel Archer Tavern.

-         The Gabriel Archer Tavern is nestled among the vineyards and features a lovely wisteria covered patio for outdoor diners and treats indoor diners to peaceful vineyard views from the interior. 

-         The lunch provided features a broad choice of sandwiches, all of which are served with a salad of mixed-baby greens.  A glass of wine is included with the meal, and scrumptious house-made cookies are featured for dessert.

-         The tour, tasting and lunch is available on a first come, first serve basis and although tickets can be purchased here, the times cannot be booked in advance.

Hours: 

-         Hours of operation April through October are: Monday-Saturday 10 – 6 PM and Sunday 11 AM – 6 PM (the last tour departs at 5 PM on all days)

-         Hours of operation November – March are: Monday- Saturday 10 – 5 PM and Sunday 11 – 5 PM (the last tour departs at 4 PM on all days)

-         Reserve tours are offered at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM Monday- Saturday and at noon and 3 PM on Sundays.  Reservations are required.