From Chateau Morrisette Winery and Restaurant’s lofty perch, our view of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains was breathtaking. Pillowy clouds cast a kaleidoscope of colors across the peaks. Endless wildflowers grew nearby.

Winery and tasting room operations occupy one of the nation’s largest buildings crafted from reclaimed wood. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

But it’s the wine that draws visitors to Chateau Morrisette. This family has handcrafted their varietals since 1978. During a typical year, more than 40,000 people visit here.

Pandemic Policy

This year is obviously different. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the winery is currently closed (curbside pickups and shipping continue). And the family has posted this information on their website:

Good day,

We hope everyone has been doing well during this challenging season.

As different parts of Virginia and the country slowly open their businesses, Chateau Morrisette is taking a more conservative approach to opening to the public. After diligent consideration, we have decided that the best decision for our employees and our customers is to delay our reopening.

When the decision to reopen is made, we will inform everyone through social media and our website thedogs.com

Thank you for your consideration and support. We appreciate you and miss you all!

God bless,
The Morrisette family

Wonderful Wines at Chateau Morrisette

As soon as the restaurant and winery reopen, they are must-dos on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The property includes a 32-acre vineyard, a restaurant, a winery, and a tasting room. 

Wines at Chateau Morrisette. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

Chateau Morrisette sells numerous wines with bottle prices between $9.99 and $33.99. They range from Vidal Blanc and Chardonnay to Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Dog images appear on many bottles, from this canine loving family. Check out Our Dog Blue®, This semi-sweet Riesling blend scored 95 points at the 2015 San Diego International Wine Competition. For a slightly spicy red wine blend, purchase The Black Dog®.

You can sample 10, half-ounce wine pours and take home a souvenir glass during daily $10 wine tastings. Stop by between April and December.

The barrel room is one stop on winery tours. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray.

Get a great ‘window’ into the making of Chateau Morrisette wines, too, during complimentary winery tours.

Going Natural

Chateau Morrisette occupies one of the nation’s largest reclaimed wood buildings. The wood decorates a gorgeous vaulted ceiling above a two-story atrium.

The atrium at Chateau Morrisette is full of gorgeous wood. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

It creates wall-spanning diamond-shaped wine racks. And rugged wood doors sit inside a frame of natural stone.

Reclaimed wood was used throughout the building. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

Gourmet Dining at Chateau Morrisette

In another ‘green’ effort, composted grape skins nourish a massive onsite vegetable and herb garden. These ingredients enhance gourmet restaurant fare. Think savory duck egg rolls, perfectly fried green tomatoes,  broccoli quiche, and quinoa stuffed peppers.

Restaurant meals feature ingredients from the onsite garden. Photo by Lisa Waterman Gray

With beautiful surroundings, delicious wines, and mouthwatering cuisine, a visit to Chateau Morrisette is delightful entertainment. Wander has more great ideas on what to see and do in Virginia and the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains.

Note: As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with accommodations (meals and other compensation) for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the writer believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.