Vines & Vibes: Wineries and Vineyards in WashCo

Ripepi Winery & Vineyard is, to put it simply, stunning. Tucked away on a 10-acre estate property in Monongahela, this boutique winery has been growing grapes for its handcrafted wines since 1987. Some of the vines on the property are over 30 years old, an impressive age attributed to both owner Richard Ripepi’s meticulous care and the fact that each grape harvest is done entirely by hand.

Ripepi Winery boasts more than a dozen local and regional varieties on its tasting menu, making it an attractive spot for a full day of fun at the vineyard. The winery even hosts a happy hour every second Friday of the month complete with live music, food trucks, wine specials and more.

Also located in Monongahela, Dead Head Winery is the perfect combination of the region’s best wines, high-energy events and even a little bit of the macabre. What was once a century-old funeral home is now a freshly renovated full-scale winery, complete with a wine production area, spacious tasting room and outdoor concert venue.

Contrary to its name, Dead Head is at its most alive when the sun goes down and the lights shine down on the act of the night. The winery has a packed entertainment schedule that runs throughout the summer, making Dead Head Winery a popular spot for unique nighttime fun with great local wine that just might be worth dying for. It's worth noting that Dead Head Winery is only open seasonally through the summer, so be sure to check its website for updates on opening and closing dates, 

Speaking of turning the energy up, Red Fox Winery & Lounge is all about good vibes and even better wine. Located on a sprawling rural property in Hickory, Red Fox is a winery, brewery, kitchen and event space all wrapped up into one, making it the total package for friends to gather, dance and enjoy themselves.

Beyond its varied offerings, Red Fox is becoming increasingly popular across Washington County for its creative and themed events, with trivia nights, craft workshops, parties and more available in addition to its regularly scheduled live music on Sunday afternoons.

What started out as a hobby back in 2007 has turned into a full-scale wine-making operation at J&D Cellars in Eighty Four. Owners John and Dot are involved in every aspect of their winery, from managing the vineyard to the actual winemaking, packaging and tasting room sales, as well as managing events on their 16-acre vineyard. From sweet to semi-sweet and dry, J&D Cellars has a little something for all kinds of wine lovers.

Visitors can sample J&D’s full variety of wines while relaxing at the picturesque vineyard, enjoying live music on the back patio or participating in events put on by the winery. No matter how one chooses to experience this vineyard, J&D is sure to please on a day out. J&D Cellars is open seasonally from April through December.

Other wineries in Washington County include Raccoon Creek Winery at Kramer’s Greenhouse in Burgettstown, which specializes in small-batch wines and offers free tastings in the attached greenhouse. When in downtown Washington, the Washington Winery is absolutely worth a visit for a unique urban winery and tasting experience. Silver Mark Cellars in Canonsburg offers award-winning wines alongside a signature “Grand Charcuterie Board” to make for quite the grand day out.

For a more laid-back and intimate vibe with tons of options to choose from, consider PK Winery in McDonald. Last but not least, Giant Oaks Winery is all about the full experience, as this winery is also a popular restaurant complete with weekly events.

With all these unique winery experiences to enjoy right here in Washington County, it would be hard to blame any wine lover for wanting to spend the rest of the summer touring and exploring these world-class wineries and vineyards.