About Open-Air Dining
The height of a DC summer isn’t when we’d typically put together a guide to eating alfresco. Nowadays, though, a restaurant’s plant-filled rooftop or charming patio feels as important as its food. If you’re ready to get out, here are 77 favorite ways to dine under the sun, shade, and stars (and stay six feet apart!) right this very moment.
For wine connoisseurs: RdV Vineyards (2550 Delaplane Grade Rd., Delaplane). Oenophiles swear by the Bordeaux-style blends and elegant setting. The reservation-only experience (max four guests) starts with a glass of cuvee Champagne and a tour before a private cellar tasting matched with charcuterie ($120 per guest).
For couples: Linden Vineyards (3708 Harrels Corner Rd., Linden). Lauded winemaker Jim Law’s vineyard is open by reservation for up to four guests on the terrace (no kids or pets). It’s perfect for duos looking to unwind with a bottle of Hardscrabble Chardonnay (note: there are different visiting policies for members and non-members).
For (small!) groups: Hillsborough (36716 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro). Gather your friends and head to this winery/brewery, reminiscent of a French country getaway with its crisp rosés and picturesque setting. Reservations are suggested for groups larger than six.
For dog lovers: Three Fox Vineyards (10100 Three Fox Ln., Delaplane). Not only are dogs welcome here, but they can run off-leash on the spacious grounds, which also boast plenty of outdoor seating and creekside hammocks.
For a weekday escape: Winery at Bull Run (15950 Lee Hwy., Centreville). This close-to-DC vineyard offers lovely grounds flanked by Hillwood Park. It’s open daily from 11 to 7; picnic, patio, and other tables are available for walk-ins or reservations. Drop by for live music Friday through Sunday evenings.
For an actual escape: The Farmhouse at Veritas (72 Saddleback Farm, Afton). An 1893 house overlooking the vines provides a lovely respite outside Charlottesville. In addition to complimentary breakfast, there are alfresco prix fixe wine dinners.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
