Carriage House Wineworks

Guests enjoying a visit to the red barn winery entrance doors at Carriage House Wineworks in Waterford, VA, captured by local real estate expert Diana Geremia.

🕒 Hours: Mon–Thu: Closed | Fri: 12 PM–5 PM | Sat–Sun: 11 AM–6 PM
📞 Phone: 617-957-0958
📍 Get Directions ↗ 

Carriage House Wineworks has carved out an incredibly authentic, intimate niche just one mile from the historic heart of Waterford, serving as an exceptional neighborhood anchor for anyone exploring the landscape west of Leesburg.

The cozy interior bar at Carriage House Wineworks

The drive down Browns Lane instantly sets a relaxed, unhurried pace, leading visitors to a clean and modern 2,000-square-foot tasting room. The space is flanked by three large stone-and-concrete patios that look directly across their 6 acres of mature vines at Quartz Creek Vineyard. While the property features a gorgeous, pre-Civil War stone barn and silo listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the operational footprint is tight and focused, producing a boutique run of about 500 cases of wine per year. 

View of patio Adirondack chairs at Carriage House Wineworks, Waterford, VA
Overlooking the vines: Carriage House Wineworks blends scenic countryside vistas with beautifully arranged outdoor terrace seating in historic Waterford.

The wine program here is a deliberate celebration of estate viticulture masterminded by owner and winemaker Michael Fritze. A scientist by training and a certified wine judge, Michael brings a meticulous precision to taming the local Waterford terroir. Even after weather curveballs like a late-spring freeze, his pragmatic farmer attitude shines through—he reminded us over a smooth glass of his 2019 white dessert wine that unexpected seasons are just part of the job, and the legendary vintages make the hard work completely worth it.

That resilient focus on quality has earned Carriage House serious acclaim at the Virginia Governor’s Cup. They routinely bring home top honors, including back-to-back gold medals for their robust 2023 Petit Verdot Reserve and their 2021 Red Barouche, a signature red blend named after a historic French carriage. If you appreciate a portfolio built on pure local fruit and survival skills, their award-winning Petit Manseng and crisp white varietals pair beautifully with the panoramic vineyard views.

At a Glance

  • Offerings: Premium estate-grown Virginia wines, specializing in gold-medal Petit Verdot, Red Barouche blends, Tannat, crisp Chardonnays, and an incredible library of cellared 2019 dessert whites.
  • Setting: A scenic 14-acre farm winery featuring a modern tasting room, a 700-square-foot production barn, three spacious stone patios, and a historic pre-Civil War stone barn.

  • Vibe: Grounded, authentic, and resiliently relaxed. Perfect for intentional wine lovers who prefer avoiding massive crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is outside food allowed? Yes! While light fare is available for purchase, guests are completely welcome to bring along their own food and picnics to enjoy on the outdoor patios.

  2. What are the operating hours? Keeping things unhurried and boutique, the tasting room is open on weekends only, operating Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

  3. Do they host special events? Yes. Beyond standard tastings, they frequently host educational wine classes—covering everything from library wine tastings to identifying wine faults—alongside vineyard tours and member barrel tastings.

  4. Do I need a reservation? No, reservations are not typically required for standard small groups looking to drop in for a tasting flight or enjoy a glass outside.

  5. What else is nearby for a full day trip? Want to see what breweries, cafes, and historic backroads are right around the corner from Carriage House Wineworks? Check out other places nearby on our map

🗓 Carriage House Event Schedule

While we love highlighting local spots, event schedules change fast! Check out Carriage House Winework’s official, up-to-date events page before heading out!

➔ See What’s Happening This Weekend!


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