Palmyra, VA
Country Comfort

Wine in Virginia has become big business, as is evident when you visit so many of our wineries. The high-end, professionally designed and decorated spaces are often filled with throngs of people enjoying the wine and the well-curated experience.

For those looking for something with a little less bustle (and all the hustle happening behind the scenes), look no further than Cunningham Creek Winery, part of the historic Middle Fork Farm, in Fluvanna County.  The big open spaces, picnic tables, and dog and family-friendly environment recall the earlier, more casual days of Virginia winemaking.  If you’re visiting their off-leash dog park, it’s likely the first to greet you will be resident Australian Shepards Corky, Brix, and Crush.

Open Thursday through Sunday, there is a variety of scheduled events from Trivia Night to live music, food truck visits, and other fun activities for the entire family (four-legged members included). There is even an adorable farm store to snag some snacks and wine-related goods.

Winery owners Debby and Bruce Deal planted their first vines in 2013, produced their first vintage in 2015, and opened their tasting rooms and production facilities in 2016-17.  Today they have over 13 acres of grape-producing vines, growing everything from Cab Franc to Pinot Gris.  

Much of their wine, such as their Rita Mae’s Porch Wine (Chardonnay) or their bestselling Rosé is accessible, easy-drinking wine.  They even have a whimsical Strawberry Wine, made from local strawberries as an homage to their u-pick strawberry fields that were destroyed by bad weather a few years ago.

That’s not to say all their wines fall into the porch-drinking category.  They also have a beautifully complex Meritage blend that won gold from the Virginia Governor’s Cup as well as a Petit Verdot that took silver.  Regardless of your mood, you’ll find a Cunningham Creek wine to fill your glass with.

Bestsellers – Viogner, Cycle 76 Pinot Gris, Menage a Paw (a Malbec blend with $1 per bottle going to support Green Dogs Unleashed Rescue)

Visit Cunningham Creek Winery at 3304 Ruritan Lake Road, Palmyra, VA 22963 1-434-207-3907

Check out their website for event schedule and wine club benefits: https://www.cunninghamcreek.wine