Standard fare at wineries now are stylish tasting rooms and at least a modest outdoor space to enjoy a glass of wine. But a number of Virginia wineries are expanding their vision beyond wine production, crafting an additional role for themselves as entertainment providers. Barrel Oak excels at this - it's big, it's fun, and it's friendly. And now, it's got craft beer, too.

Open 7 days a week year 'round - including a late night every Friday (and Saturday in summer)- hundreds flock to Barrel Oak for their weekend wind-downs. You'll think you've stumbled on the coolest wine festival ever, with firepits, dozens of picnic tables, live music, and beautiful sunsets over the mountains. And when you go, bring your dog. Nowhere are dogs more beloved than at Barrel Oak.

Barrel Oak is a large production facility (for Virginia), making well over 10,000 cases a year. Their 26-acre vineyard Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Petit Manseng, Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Traminette, Chambourcin, as well as newly planted Norton, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

In addition to individual tastings offered inside and outside (weather permitting), Barrel Oak offers food trucks most weekends, wood-fired pizza on Saturdays, and Sparkling Sundays with mimosas and poinsettias starting at 10AM, including a copy of the Sunday paper or a bagel. 

Reserve Tastings can be booked ahead of time for groups of up to 16 people during the fall and winter on Saturdays at 1:00. The seated tasting includes limited inventory, library, pre-release, and current premium wines, presented by a master team member, and includes gourmet small bites and food pairing, a private tour of the cellar area, and a souvenir glass. 

You can also take a self-guided tour of the downstairs production area, where you may run into winemakers Shai Van Gelder or Sharon Roeder.

Added in 2017: the Barrel Oak Farm Taphouse, or BOFT. Beers brewed on-site include Kolsch, IPA, Winter Amber, Belgian Doubel, and others.

Kids and pets welcome; bring a picnic; reservations requested for groups of 8 or more.