Chateau Morrisette Winery is one of Virginia's oldest wineries and offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge mountains. William and Nancy Morrisette founded the winery in 1978 as the Woolwine Winery. In 1981, the family moved closer to the Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd and renamed it Chateau Morrisette Winery.
What makes visiting this family-operated winery special is that it combines wine tasting with its latest venture, opening a restaurant. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner and offers a menu that it describes as "Elevated Southern Cuisine."
The culinary focus is on using seasonally fresh ingredients, which translates into a revolving menu. Rest assured, no matter when you visit, you'll dine on the region's best bounty!
The winery's location near the Parkway makes visiting other attractions like Villa Appalaccia Winery possible. Imagine sampling Virginia's premiere vintages while taking in the splendor of the Blue Ridge mountains.
Seasonal events and festivals are another reason to add Chateau Morrisette Winery to your Virginia vacation itinerary. The venue is also a popular spot for weddings, and live music events range from folk to rock to jazz.
Visiting the winery is a chance to savor creative Southern cuisine, sample superb wines, and listen to live music, all within sight of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
You'll swear you are in Europe when you walk the stone pathway leading to Chateau Morrisette Winery. The building exudes architectural elements reminiscent of a French chateau, making visiting all the more exhilarating.
When the weather suits, you'll find guests sitting out front sipping wine, enjoying the views, and listening to live music. And since it's a dog-friendly winery, you'll spot many leashed pets lounging beside their owners.
The French-inspired decor and ambiance continue indoors, with vaulted ceilings, wood beams, and stone fireplaces. Such detail adds warmth to one's visit, making it ideal for romantic dinners or a fun-filled wine-tasting adventure with friends.
The expansive dining area features a wood-paneled ceiling and plenty of windows for gazing at the scenic mountains. The atmosphere is idyllic for meals with family or special occasions, where cuisine and conversation unite for a memorable dining experience.
Whether you're grabbing lunch or dinner, Chateau Morrisette Winery's cuisine tantalizes and excites the senses. The menu masterfully pairs regional cuisine with its award-winning wines, creating a delightful dining experience.
The Charcuterie and Cheese are the perfect starters to pair with wines at Chateau Morrisette. This appetizer features local cheeses and cured meats with Morrisette Farms wine jelly. It comes with crostinis and pairs with the 2015 Petit Manseng.
A seasonal entree favorite is quail, which pairs well with Our Dog Blue wine. Succulent Manchester Farms quail is wrapped in house-made bacon and cooked in an estate vinegar reduction. Add Byrd's Mill grits and rhubarb mostarda, and you have a meal fit for a king!
The Roulade of Beef is another crowd-favorite and comes with braised Tuscan kale and roasted mushrooms. Combine fingerling potato ragout and grilled asparagus in a Cabernet demi-glaze and paired with Archival, and you'll quickly understand why the entree is popular.
When it's time to select a wine, one can't go wrong with The Black Dog, Chateau Morrisette's signature wine. This refreshing red blend combines Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. It delights the palate with its fruit-forward and balanced profile. It's a must-try for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Another standout is the semi-sweet Our Dog Blue. This white wine is crafted from Riesling, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, and Petit Manseng grapes. Its floral aroma, coupled with notes of peach and apricot, makes it an irresistible choice for those who prefer lighter, fruitier wines.
Whether savoring a gourmet meal after visiting Floyd Country Store or sipping exceptional wine, Chateau Morrisette Winery promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.