New Kent County doesn't get the same wine-country hype as Napa or the Blue Ridge, and that's part of the appeal. Virginia is the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the country, with over 300 wineries across the Commonwealth, and New Kent County sits right in the middle of the action — five tasting rooms, breweries, and cider houses spread across its four communities, each with its own personality and pour.
What makes the wine and beer scene here special isn't just the product. It's the settings — vineyards overlooking the Pamunkey River, a lakeside deck at sunset, a tap house inside a century-old schoolhouse. It's the fact that you can visit all five spots in a single afternoon without ever feeling rushed. And it's the people behind the bars and tasting rooms, many of them military families, veterans, or multi-generational locals who chose this patch of Virginia countryside for a reason.
Where Can I Find Wineries and Breweries in New Kent County?
Every community in New Kent has at least one winery, brewery, or cider house — and each one offers a different experience. Some are quiet, farm-based retreats. Others are lively weekend gathering spots with live music and food trucks. Here's a closer look at all five.
New Kent Winery & Talleysville Brewing
New KentFamily-owned winery built from reclaimed pre-Civil War bricks and century-old heart-pine railroad trusses. The estate produces a range of Virginia wines, while Talleysville Brewing Company — sharing the same property — crafts lagers, IPAs, and sours. Open daily 11 AM–6 PM (Fridays until 8 PM) with a seasonal food menu and live music every Saturday evening through summer.
- Dual winery and brewery on one property
- Reclaimed historic architecture
- Live music and food trucks every Saturday
- Talleysville expanded statewide distribution in late 2025
Jolene Family Winery
QuintonA beautiful family-owned farm winery nestled between an 18-acre private lake and lush vineyards. Open Thursday–Monday (11 AM–6 PM, Fridays until 9 PM), the tasting room overlooks the water with a veranda and greenhouse seating. Summer weekends bring acoustic musicians, wood-fired pizza, and rotating food trucks on the lakeside deck.
- Lakeside tasting room with 18-acre private lake
- Award-winning Virginia wines and craft beer
- Wood-fired pizza and food trucks on weekends
- The Anniversary Market on July 6 is a summer highlight
Saudé Creek Vineyards
LanexaA hillside vineyard overlooking the Pamunkey River with a chalet-style lodge, landscaped grounds, and panoramic views from the outdoor patio. Open Monday, Wednesday–Sunday (closed Tuesdays; Fridays until 9 PM). Seasonal wine releases and live music on select weekends make it a Lanexa summer staple.
- Panoramic Pamunkey River views
- Chalet-style lodge and landscaped grounds
- Live music on select weekends
- Seasonal wine releases throughout summer
Gauthier Vineyard
New Kent — BarhamsvilleA woman- and veteran-owned working farm and vineyard in Barhamsville. Open Monday, Wednesday–Sunday (closed Tuesdays; Fridays until 8 PM) with estate wines, charcuterie, and live jazz piano nights. The relaxed, community-driven atmosphere and beautiful countryside views make it a favorite for military families and wine lovers alike.
- Woman- and veteran-owned
- Live jazz piano nights
- Charcuterie and estate wines
- Welcoming community vibe for families
Old School Cider House
Providence ForgeA restaurant and tap house set inside a beautifully renovated 1920s schoolhouse. Open Wednesday–Sunday (11 AM–8 PM), featuring Virginia craft ciders, beer, and wine alongside soups, sandwiches, flatbreads, and sharable plates. Themed seating rooms and a shaded outdoor patio make it a unique Providence Forge gathering spot.
- Renovated 1920s schoolhouse setting
- Virginia craft ciders, beer, and wine
- Full food menu with sharable plates
- Themed rooms and shaded outdoor patio
How Should I Plan a Wine Trail Day in New Kent?
New Kent County is compact — the farthest point from any winery to another is about a 20-minute drive — which makes a self-guided wine trail easy to pull off in a single afternoon. The key is pacing. Start light, eat as you go, and let the views do the rest.
A Sample Afternoon Route
Begin at Gauthier Vineyard in Barhamsville, where the veteran-owned farm sets a relaxed tone with estate wines and charcuterie on the countryside patio. From there, head to New Kent Winery for a tasting at the historic brick building — if you're there on a Saturday, stay for the live music and food trucks. Then finish at Jolene Family Winery in Quinton, where the lakeside deck is the best seat in the county for a sunset glass of wine.
If beer or cider is more your style, Talleysville Brewing shares the property with New Kent Winery, and Old School Cider House in Providence Forge is worth a stop for its craft cider flights and full food menu. The renovated 1920s schoolhouse setting alone is worth the drive.
What Days and Times Are Best?
Most wineries open around 11 AM and close between 6 and 9 PM, with extended Friday hours. Weekends bring the most energy — live music, food trucks, and larger crowds — while weekday visits tend to be quieter and more intimate. If you're planning a group outing or a date afternoon, Wednesday through Friday mornings are the sweet spot.
Why Is New Kent Becoming a Virginia Wine Destination?
New Kent's wine and brewery scene has grown steadily over the past decade, and it's not hard to see why the area appeals. The county's position between Richmond and Williamsburg puts it within easy reach of two metro areas without any of the suburban sprawl. The rolling pastures and river views provide naturally beautiful settings for vineyards, and the agricultural zoning protects the open landscape that makes the tasting experience feel authentic.
For military families stationed at Fort Lee, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, or Naval Weapons Station Yorktown, New Kent's wine country offers something that's hard to find on most military installations — a genuine sense of community rooted in the land. Several of the area's winery owners have military connections, including the veteran-owned Gauthier Vineyard, and the welcoming atmosphere reflects that. It's the kind of place where you come for a tasting and end up staying for the conversation.
As more visitors discover what locals have known for years — that New Kent County is one of Virginia's most underrated wine communities — the scene continues to grow. New seasonal releases, expanding brewery operations, and weekend events keep things fresh throughout the year. But the heart of it remains the same: good wine, beautiful views, and the kind of warmth that makes you feel like a regular from the first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Kent Wineries
How many wineries are in New Kent County?
New Kent County has five wineries, breweries, and cider houses spread across its four communities — New Kent, Quinton, Lanexa, and Providence Forge. That's roughly one pour for every 1,000 residents, making it one of the densest wine communities in eastern Virginia.
What's the best way to visit multiple wineries in one day?
A self-guided wine trail works well since the county is compact — no winery is more than about 20 minutes from another. Start in the morning at Gauthier Vineyard in Barhamsville, head to New Kent Winery for lunch and a tasting, then finish at Jolene Family Winery in Quinton for sunset on the lake. Designate a driver or use a local car service.
Are the wineries family-friendly?
Yes. All five wineries and taprooms welcome families. Jolene Family Winery has open lawn space near the lake, New Kent Winery's grounds are spacious and relaxed, and Old School Cider House has themed seating rooms that work well for groups. Gauthier Vineyard and Saudé Creek both have outdoor areas where kids can enjoy the countryside while adults taste.
Do any of the wineries serve food?
Several do. New Kent Winery has a seasonal food menu and hosts food trucks every Saturday. Jolene Family Winery features wood-fired pizza and rotating food trucks on weekends. Old School Cider House is a full restaurant with soups, sandwiches, flatbreads, and sharable plates. Gauthier Vineyard offers charcuterie boards with their estate wines.
Is New Kent wine country easy to reach from Richmond or Williamsburg?
New Kent County sits almost exactly between the two cities — about 30 minutes from Richmond and 25 minutes from Williamsburg along the I-64 corridor. It's one of the most accessible wine destinations in Virginia, with no mountain driving or long detours required.
