The winery has all the charms of a place that has been there for many decades, unlike a lot of wineries with enormous new construction tasting rooms. There were cozy rooms to sit in. The staff were so friendly and you could tell they really loved the wines they poured and the family they worked for. The scenery outside was lovely with a view of a fountain and the vineyard on their very spacious patio area. With all that said, my friend and I did not enjoy their wine. I don't want to discourage others from trying this place and all tastes are different but none of the wines we tasted were to our liking and actually tasted off to me. But I am still giving this place three stars because the people were just so nice and accommodating. If I were to only give stars for the wine itself, this place would've sadly only received one from me. read more

See all

If wine therapy was a thing, this would be my therapist's office. Mediterranean Cellars in Warrenton, VA is my go-to weekend reset--laid-back, rustic, and welcoming. The old wood walls and cozy furniture give it a timeless vibe, and every visit feels like catching up with friends over something truly special. Louis Papadopoulos, the winemaker and owner, brings decades of Greek winemaking heritage into every bottle. Today I did a white and red tasting with eight themes, and GeorgeAnna--absolute legend--threw in four extra pours just because she's that kind of person. Her hospitality is the heart of this place. The wines are next level. The port-style wines are rich and unforgettable. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is bold yet smooth, and the Moscato--especially the grapefruit and mango versions--hits you with bright, juicy perfection. My personal favorites? Nostalgia, Mejortage, and Latif's Jewel, each with its own personality--silky reds with just the right mix of oak, fruit, and charm. For me, Mediterranean Cellars isn't just a winery. It's that happy place where family, laughter, and seriously good wine come together. One visit and you'll understand why I keep coming back with a trunk that's mysteriously always full of bottles. read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - Room with a view. - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

Super cute winery that is great for the views especially in fall. I got the fall sangria flight and my friend got the dry white flight. There are better tasting wineries in the area but unfortunately those come with flocks of screaming children and loud music so I will stick to Mediterranean! read more

See all

We came here during our weekend get away to Warrenton and I admit I was skeptical at first but it was so fun! I did a tasting with Janis who was so knowledgeable and SO fun. I ended up buying three bottles of wine (I average like maybe 2 a year) I was really into how very non-wine some of the wine was. After the tasting, we sat on their patio and I got a Corinthian spritz which was hands down one of the best beverages I have ever had. It smelled incredible and tasted like heaven and just took in the incredible view. The view is just stunning. We will definitely be coming back! read more

See all

I tried 2 different wine flights here with various red and white wines. I don't remember the names of the wines but I liked the sweeter wines I tried. They also have some food options if you're hungry. There is seating both inside and outside. The winery did have a Mediterranean feel and the view outside was lovely. read more

See all

The people are the nicest and everything is excellent wine food presentation and variety

I fear I'm in the minority here with our experience at Mediterranean cellars. We stopped here based on the other reviews but since we rarely are in this area, I wish we would've gone to a different winery in the time we had. The employees were very pleasant but like other reviewers have stated, this place has very sad, worn down feel. I was excited to try their vintages as none of the wineries I've visited (many, many!) have had 2008s on their tasting menu but I was just not impressed with my flight of 3 "reserve" reds. Bf had the port flight that came with some bites, and I liked two of the ports slightly better than anything I had. We did not finish everything. Their prices are steep, even for the area, and when we left I was glad to do so - unfortunate for a wine tasting day! I saw in other reviews that the owners also own Molon Lave - which I've been to in the past and had a great experience AND enjoyed their wines. This place just does not do it for me. read more

Truly, this is a gem. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Virginia countryside, you will find wine that you cannot believe. It is complex, it is nuanced, it is not like any varietals you have had. The port is. Christmas-present good. Definitely worth the trip and the experience. read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - View from the terrace at Mediterranean Cellars. - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

See all

10/10 experience!!! We had such a wonderful experience here. We came for a wedding party celebration. Rebecca was so warm, inviting and helpful. She set up a beautiful table spread for us and allowed us to taste different wines to sample. It was such a beautiful property and there is ample seating indoors and outdoors. Highly recommend for friends, family and group gatherings. I can't wait to come back!! read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - a patio with tables and chairs - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

Came here on Memorial Day and it was very surprisingly not crowded. The upper patio is small, but mostly shaded which is nice during the summer. The interior was pretty large and hosted 2 bars + air conditioning. Our server was very nice. The flights are reasonably priced-- $15 for 3 wines. Plus our server made an error and poured 2 incorrect flights, which they then allowed us to keep which offered the opportunity to taste more. They also have a limited food menu with 3 bread-based dishes available to order. In my opinion, the wine was just "okay". The sangria was delicious, but I wish they sold it in a pitcher for the table instead of just by the glass. Overall, the view, ambience, and service, definitely made this 5 stars in my book. read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - a person holding a glass of wine - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

See all

Did a wine tasting: 2013 Chardonnay - both steel and oak 2013 Riesling - dry which I liked 2013 Pinot Grigio 2008 Belleview Blanc 2013 Viognier 2008 Calypso Reserve - dry rose which I ended up buying $30 bottle 2013 Chambourcin 2013 Mejortage (Meritage) Reserve 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - pretty old vintage but very expensive 2007 Romance 2007 Sweet Romance 2007 Sweet Lucia 2008 Virginia Red Dessert Wine - well developed flavor and not overly sweet for $95 a bottle Also did a Greek olive oil tasting (it was suggested in this order): Plain Blood Orange Lemon Basil Greek Seasoning Garlic Pretty views and a very informative wine tasting. There is also a large selection of wines so you're able to find something you will either enjoy a glass of or to buy a bottle for later. I bought a bottle of the garlic olive oil which is from Sparta for $18. I also bought a bottle of the 2008 Calypso Reserve which was dry and full bodied for a rose for $30. And for a nice port I went with the 2008 Virginia Red Dessert Wine for $95. I splurged knowing that I could keep this bottle for a very long time. read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - Wine Tasting - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

The wine is amazing and the service is excellent. It is off the beaten path, but well worth it!

One of my absolute favorite wineries. The wine is amazing, the grounds are beautiful and the staff is so incredibly helpful and accommodating. They also have delicious Olive Oil that they import directly from Greece. Today we were expertly guided by Rebecca who is just incredible! We will definitely be back! Thank you for a perfect day! read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - 2010 Sweet Lucia - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

See all

This is our favorite winery in VA. The wine is made without chemical. The staff are nice and personal. Love the tasting menu and the variety. They also import olive oil with infused flavors from Greece. This is our favorite spot to visit now and we always bring back many bottles home to enjoy. read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - Outdoor seating and view - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

Score another one for the Greeks! A mom & pop winery that stands up to just about any competitor in the state. 9.5 acres of vines (although most of those are recently replanted), which allowed their wines to be 100% estate. Mediterranean is one of the older wineries in VA; when they opened in 2004 they were the 89th winery in the state, and many of those older ones are long gone. The wine maker (and his wife) is an emigrant from Greece; he's also a gold smith & architect to boot. That makes him a Greek Superman in my book. The tasting room has a real log cabin feel, with a few rooms you can rent for parties. It's not exactly close to any other wineries (the one across the street is now closed), but there are several maybe 20 minutes away. The most amazing thing about Mediterranean is how long they age their wines. Some places keep them in barrel for just under a year, but they age their reds for 3-4 years (!!!). Their tasting menu had bottles from 2007 & 2008. That's un-friggen believable. What I tried: 2011 Chardonnay: Steel and oak fermented; I got some oak but only a tad. Not bad. 2010 Reisling: Light fruit notes; I suspect it was made in a dry style but forgot to ask. 2008 Vidal: Floral nose but I think too much acid for me. 2011 Moscato: Dry style, lots of peach flavors and a hint of sweetness (mostly because that's just how the grape is). 2013 Viognier: Didn't taste like a Viognier to me, which is a complement since I only sometimes enjoy this grape and almost never love it. But theirs...theirs was amazing. Especially with their cheese pairing. Honeysuckle notes. 2013 Chambourcin: Cherry nose, raspberry on the palate. 2008 Cab Franc: Lighter colored 2007 Cab Sav: 3 years in oak, so the barrel really came thru, more so than the grapes. I'm so unaccustomed to heavily oaked Virginia reds that I don't know how else to describe it. 2007 Romance: Blend of 4 grapes. Lighter than expected but still complex. 2008 Sweet Lucia: Desert wine but too sweet for me 2013 Port style: Made with Chambourcin; I liked it quite a lot, probably because the whisky came thru very well. read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

See all

Another fabulous Virginia winery! Mediterranean is right across the way from Marterella - so you can visit both of them in the span of a very short amount of time! An Australian woman (I forget her name) was my pourer/hostess. I tasted 12 wines. As Takaki stated in his review, one of the more interesting wines was the Rechina - but it's not wood that you are tasting, it's a pine resin. Historically, the wine was transported in clay jugs which had been sealed with a pine resin - the resin imparted a flavor into the wines - this is their attempt at recreating this ancient flavor - although not as strong. It was very interesting. They even gave me a small branch of this pine to sniff - the lady at the counter snapped the twig open to release the resinous odors and let me have a whiff. Very fragrant! I thought all of the wines were pretty good - I would not go out of my way to drink some of them - but they were so very different than any other VA wines I've tasted - I did appreciate them for their interesting and provocative flavors. I also loved the ambiance of this winery - another one that deserves multiple return visits! read more

See all

Everything about this winery is 5 ! The staff are awesome and the wine is phenomenal! Hands down the most flavorful and fun wines we have ever had. A very relaxed and old fashioned ambiance! Love it read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - Winemakers Favorite Flight, Award Winning Flight, and bread with Greek olive oil! Amazing - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

Pros: Family owned and operated, beautiful area, good view, many wines, generous pours Cons: Average atmosphere in tasting room, newer staff I decided to check out this winery after finding out that it's family owned and operated by the same Papadopoulos family which also owns and operates the Molon Lave Vineyards. Overview: Located in Fauquier County, Mediterranean Cellars Winery is just about 5 miles Northwest a Warrenton, Virginia. Family-owned and operated, by the Papadopoulos family, with over forty years of wine-making experience. The property has been owned for 25 years, and opened the winery in 2003, crafting hand-made classic and regional varietals. The tasting room combines an "old world" atmosphere and breathtaking views from our comfortable patio. My experience: It was a little cold and windy the day I visited, which was unfortunate due to the area and outside seating and views providing a relaxing outside experience. I was glad to have the nice drive off of a main road, it made the feeling of an actual winery and left the busy and rushed feeling behind. The exterior of the winery was decorated to give you the feel of the Greek family, yet not overwhelming. The interior was a little more plain then I imagined but still provided the comfortable tasting room experience. I was greeted by Leah Papadopoulos and Birgitta. It was earlier in the day on a Friday, the winery only had one other couple there and they were getting ready to leave, which I was happy to have the tasting room with little distractions to myself. Birgitta was newer to the winery, she was very friendly and seemed to have a passion for the wines she was learning about and serving. Although she worked off some of the notes she had written down, she was able to describe them well and the pours were very generous :) I was hoping to have the tasting provided by Leah to learn more about the history first hand, but I enjoyed the tasting non-the-less. The wines had a unique feel and taste to them, definitely tribute to the Greek family style and traditions of the winemaker. They have a good variety of whites and reds, with a few sweeter style wines, to include Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Moscato (not sweet), Viognier, Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and two other sweeter style. Overall, I liked most of the wines but I was hoping for a few more unique type wines, like Molon Lave had. Overall: I would recommend this winery. The location is a nice relaxing area, away from the highway. The area surrounding and inside the winery provides a good feel, but not as great as other wineries offer. Although Birgitta was newer to serving, she provided a great experience and good pours throughout the tasting. The wines are pretty good and I would definitely return for a few glasses or bottle of a few favorites, although I will say they may not stand to the level of other wineries in the area. If for some reason you don't favor the wines, there's another winery eyesight from this one. However, the Papadopoulos family has two great wineries established, and I would love to have another one to visit! read more

This place has an amazing tasting. We asked around town while shopping in Warrenton and no one recommended Mediterranean but I am so glad we followed the great Yelp reviews to drive down the country roads to Mediterranean. Tip- don't pay attention to the labels and just taste the wines w/o preconceived notions. They had a 2006 wine on the tasting which is insane. If you love ports, then you have to visit Mediterranean since they just bottled two 10 year old ports. They added port to our tasting- smart because I bought a bottle- and they are AMAZING! The woman pouring the tasting was very personable and super knowledgeable about the wines so that definitely added to the experience. Oh and they have mulled wine which is always a plus for winter! read more

Stopped by here after a long day of hiking. The wine here is one of the best and the scenery is beautiful. Definitely recommend!

Decided to spend some time celebrating my birthday here with my best friend and so glad we did! Rebecca (sorry if misspelled!) was such a warm and welcoming energy. She explained everything so well and did not make us feel like we were just customers she was trying to get through and graciously accommodated when we requested a table change. The wine was delicious, beautiful location. Have already recommended to my friends. Will definitely be making future visits! read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

This is a good spot if you make it out to Warrenton! It is Greek owned and operated. They father owns Mediterranean Cellars and his son operates their sister winery Molon Lave. We had a great tasting and loved their port style wine! Bought a bottle of their Vidal Blanc it was so good! They also do a nice cheese and cracker pairing with their tasting! read more

Tucked away in the hills that are near Warrenton lies a quaint little winery and to much of our delight it was the perfect rustic fall day to be amongst the vines, wines and barrels of this very warm slice of paradiso. All that we needed was some acoustic classical guitar music by Andres Segovia to round off this bit of perfection. Wife, myself and joined by two life long old friends, we were in for a special treat and we knew it right from the start. To start you must find your way there, it helps not only to use a GPS but also in these parts GPS may lag a little behind so print up a detailed map of the immediate area with directions. But if you are like me that may not do you well too so just go on your built in sense of direction. Once arrive at the loins gate cause it's guarded by two big life like stone lions, you just drive up the gravel narrow path to the tasting and retail house not the other house to the right that's were the owner lives. You got it this winery is basically a family farm. A farm with grape vines as the crop and heavenly liquid nectar bliss as the end product. The first thing that you notice is the very nice and serene setting that surrounds the place. It doesn't quite feel like Virginia but more like VA with a European accent. Anyway you slice it I'm loving it and the outdoor patio I know is going to be our final destination. Inside the little space is beautifully laid out with a few tables and plenty of bottles arranged nicely on display. There is a double door to the back room that has large wine barrels and a big wine rack along the side wall. Yes this is how I want my future dream house basement to look. The wine pourers are there ready to assist and they know their product well. Unfortunately I don't have the space here to go into great lengths and details of every sample which by the way is a bargain at $6 for sampling over 12 to 14 I lost count after a while and our pourer was very generous on the inventory. I will tell some of our samples 2007 Chardonnay - Oak aged steel finished flavors of apple honey and a smooth finish. This was our fav I could tell before even tasting by the nose that this was it for me. 2006 Rechina - Straight up NO just not into wine with added pine sap flavoring (it's a Greek thing). it made the next two tastings taste funny had to seriously wash out my glass and my mouth before proceeding and had to re taste two of the bottles cause of that.... no thanks. 2005 Romance - Light crisp body, fruity. Ahhh the perfect Wolftrap lawn concert wine great on a picnic with fruit. 2005 Cabernet Franc- Spicy and complex. Wife and I disagree on this one I say yes with the proper food parings she says no doesn't matter with what pairing. 2008 Sweet Lucia - Ummmmm this is desert! French Oak aged enjoy slightly chilled with chocolate dessert...... no..... just skip the chocolate dessert part and enjoy the wine by itself. I could go on but the best of all things was once we were done with the samples we purchased several bottles of the Chardonnay and sat outside enjoying the beautiful day and lovely view with one of the bottles and four glasses. That is what really matters great wine with wife and old friends reflecting on the old days and current times. The time went by but it didn't matter cause we were in our own field of dreams. read more

See all

What a pretty place! We got there early (12:45) to beat the crowds, and the 4 of us were the only ones in the tasting room. The two owners were very pleasant and charming with their Greek accents. The tasting room is quaint and not too big. The $6 fee allows you to taste 11 wines. Typically I like whites better than reds, especially in the summer, but I wasn't a huge fan of any of their whites. However, many of the reds were quite good, and we bought 3 of them (cab franc, cab sav, romance). Many of them are to be served slightly chilled, so maybe that's why I liked them better. A few interesting notes about some of the wines: 2007 Chardonnay: A lot sweeter than typically chardonnays, with hints of apple. 2006 Rechina: Oldest table wine in Greece, and it's made with pine instead of oak which you can really taste. Very original. 2005 Merlot: I don't really like merlot, but this is the most mellow one I've ever tasted. Not a lot of tannins. 2005 Romance: Really interesting wine. An extremely slight effervescence feel in mouth. Very drinkable. There are about 4 or 5 tables with umbrellas in the front of the winery with sweeping views of the hillside. But, we sat along the side of the winery, under the trellis in the shade which was beautiful. It was covered in grape vines giving it a very private and romantic feel (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k5-ZDb1HV1JA2mcMDzQSdg?select=PgKuUmYiWALBcRpyw5LKSw). We got 2 bottles and ate our picnic lunch there for a few hours. A great low-key afternoon! Oh, I almost forgot: 15% off if you get 8 bottles. They have a 10% off deal if you buy 6 I believe. read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - Sitting under the trellis - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

This is a little, family owned winery that's got such a great personality. Everyone there is very knowledgeable about the wines and they're all very courteous and helpful. The sad part about this whole experience is that my husband and I did not like their wines at all. Everything had a bouquet and taste of pine needles. The earthiness, pine taste and flowers weren't a mixture that we could appreciate. We really wanted to like this winery, but it definitely wasn't for us. read more

We really had a great time visiting this winery. The staff and the Papadopoulos family made the experience all that much better. First off, the scenery is gorgeous...very lush and green with a cute little farm in the view from the patio. The wines were pretty good, although not my favorite of VA wineries. They did some cheese pairings and told lots of fun stories. You get to taste quite a few wines here for the tasting fee...many more than most other wineries in the area. I think just chatting with them made the wine even better for me. They have a unique wine there that I have never had in VA wine country or any other wine country that I've been to for that matter. It's called Rechina. I actually did not like it at all, which is likely the reason why they are the only winery in the US to make it, but it was fun to taste something so very different from any other wine I have ever had. It's supposedly a Greek wine. The wines I did enjoy were the Matina's Rose and the Cab Franc. This place is definitely worth a visit for the fun experience and unique flavors!! read more

See all

Beautiful Vineyard in Warrenton VA. They a great wine tasting and the staff is great and very knowledgable. Location and phenomenal wines makes this a go to vineyard. The European winemaking makes this one of the best vineyards in VA. The family atmosphere and beautiful grounds makes this worth a visit. It is definitely worth a visit. read more

Went with a few friends. Loved the look of the place, very beautiful. Thought the tasting price was very reasonable. Did find two wines that we liked a lot and bought a bottle to drink there. We were able to bring in our own snacks and enjoyed our wine on the patio overlooking the vineyard. One of the better wineries that we have been to and will definitely visit there again. read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - Looking over the vineyard. - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

I do not like Chardonnay but they have the best and only one I'll ever drink! Also all the staff is so friendly, and I love how the whole family works together so well. Also the views from their outside seating is amazing read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

I can't stop raving about this place to my friends and family. We came here using a Living Social deal and were so leery that things might go terribly wrong. Plus 1: We got there super early (like our tour started at 12 and we were there at 10:45 because we weren't entirely sure about the length of time to get there). One of the employees saw us sitting in the car and welcomed us to get out of our car and come in early to get our wine on. Plus 2: We did wine tasting with Michelle, who was super friendly and knowledgeable. She gave us generous nibbles of crackers, cheese, and chocolate to pair with some of the wines, setting aside our wine selections so we could check out later and enjoy our tour and visit. Plus 3: While sitting outside with our glasses of wine waiting for the tour to begin, Katie, the Owner's daughter-in-law, a 70+ old lady, lovingly came to us to chat and asked us to try their olive oils and whichever one we liked, she would give us extra bread and olive oil to enjoy. She totally did just that and even told us to leave our wine bottle and bread on a side table and she would personally make sure no one would touch it. Plus 4: The tour guide was super friendly, funny, entertaining, and knowledgeable. All the characteristics you want in a tour guide. Every wine tour is different and you always learn something different. This place is no exception. Plus 5: The family-owned feel and environment. I didn't feel like a transaction. I felt like I was part of the family and that goes way beyond any word description or customer service explanation. Plus 6: The breath-taking scenery and uniqueness of a Greek Vineyard in VA. Tips: - Arrive early on nice days because they do get packed. - They encourage you to come hang out with them all day, outside, with family, friends, and pets. - Katie occasionally makes spanikopita and lamb for the guests (yes, please!) They had about 12 different types of wine they make all at the vineyard. The Viogner was by far my favorite (and I abhore white wines). We also found a dessert wine that we just had to get as well. They have reds, but they don't do big bold reds like most other local vineyards Because Greeks like to sip on their wine without food...see? There's a reason for their wines. Wine-loving is like clothes and food - Very subjective. You can't win them all, but they truly have in my book. read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - Beautiful day at the vineyard - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

The place was nice and service was good but we did not care for the wine. I did a flight of wines and didn't finish any of them.

For starters the view is amazing! You are surrounded by vineyard with horses and the hills in the background. My husband and I liked every wine we tasted. They truly were exquisite. The lady that did our tasting, Jeanie, was extremely informative, and the stories of the couple that owns it were an added bonus. It was like being in Greece in the middle of VA! We will definitely be back! read more

See all

The wines were good, especially the Ports, but you definitely feel ripped off. They are not worth the price per bottle--$70 to $150. I can buy a bottle of Caymus at Costco for $70-$80. Don't bother ordering food. We ordered cheese and crackers and got a slab of cheddar cheese straight from the grocery store along with a package of Club crackers still in the plastic wrap. I think we paid $30. The grounds are pretty, but the seating area is looking a bit shop-worn. Very disappointing. I was here about 8 years ago and had a much more pleasant experience. Try a different winery. Trust me. read more

My daughter and I went for a wine testing for her birthday. The drive up there was beautiful and once we got there it was even prettier. Leah the granddaughter was our tour guide. She was pleasant and very nice. The inside was amazing and the group we were with was very nice. The wines were even better. Most of the time you go to wineries and like one or two we loved them all. Now I will say the prices were a little high, but well with it. Leah's wonderful grandmother served our tasting and was so sweet. I got my tickets for two off Living Social. Couldn't beat the price. We sat on the outside and enjoyed our picnic basket that came with our ticket and a nice chilled wine. We thank you and your staff for a great day. We will be back. read more

Mediterranean Cellars Winery - Great time at Mediterranean Cellars. - Wineries Near Me - Warrenton, Virginia

Such a cute winery! Stopped here on the way back to northern Virginia after hiking in Shenandoah. I would definitely stop here again. We tried their hot mulled wine which was perfect for the season (fall) and tasted like warm apple cider. We also tried one of their white wines which tasted great too! They have indoor and outdoor seating and a good amount of parking. There isn't much for food options however. They have a fridge with some cheese and cold cuts for purchase that looks like what you could get from the grocery store. Perhaps bringing your own snacks would be the best option. read more

This place was amazing! Fantastic wine paired with ABOVE AND BEYOND service!!!! We had a fantastic time here, highly recommend. Of course, we left with some bottles!!! read more

Very good wine the view is nice I recommend for couples and groups and I also recommend the pentali wine it's the best when available.

What a sleeper! What a gem! I'd had pretty high expectations for our visit (because obviously Yelpers know what's up), but Mediterranean Cellars far exceeded them. First of all, the property is beautiful, set atop the foothills outside Warrenton overlooking the vineyard, farmland (with cute wee sheep), and foliage. The tasting room is an amusing and charming combination of log cabin and Greek temple. Second of all, when we arrived on a gorgeous fall Sunday afternoon, the tasting room was busy. Not crowded, but busy. Six of us rowdy fools rolled in. Instead of rolling her eyes, one of the tasting attendants -- Mary Anne -- greeted us with what I can only assume is warm Mediterranean hospitality (I haven't visited but I will, by Zeus!). Instead of herding us to the end of the tasting bar, she led us to a lovely private table with a huge glass top situated upon an even huger carved wood base. She proceeded to guide us through one of the most animated, entertaining, personable, and informative tastings I've had the privilege of taking. Not to mention she laughed at all our lame jokes and kept resupplying the crackers and cheese which the boys were inhaling with embarrassing speed. Third of all, for the obscenely low price of $6, we sampled 15 really good wines. Most all were above average: 2006 Chardonnay - part oak and part stainless fermented, the subtle oak didn't overwhelm. 2005 Vidal Blanc - dry because of the higher rainfall amounts in 2005. 2007 Vidal Blanc - noticeably sweeter because of lower rainfall amounts. It was neat to do a side-by-side comparison of the two years. 2005 Belleview Blanc - very light and refreshing, I imagine a perfect wine for a hot Virginia summer day. 2006 Viognier Reserve - which won a silver medal at the Finger Lakes. 2006 Rechina - a Greek style wine fermented with pine tar. The pleasant pine flavor remained in the background. 2006 Matina's Rosé - one of my favorites we tasted, it was dry, crisp, and light. 2005 Merlot - lighter tannins than most Merlots. 2005 Chambourcin - easily my favorite wine sampled. It was spicy up-front with a smoky finish that tasted eerily of bacon. We bought several bottles... 2005 Cabernet Franc - an appealing bell pepper-y flavor. 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon - the boldest of Mediterranean's many offerings. 2007 Mejortage - had a deeply grape bouquet. 2005 Romance - my least favorite of the wines, it was slightly effervescent like wine-flavored Alka Seltzer. 2005 Sweet Romance Reserve - I don't like sweet wines, but this wasn't syrupy. And when we paired it with the dark chocolate non pareils Mary Anne gave us, the wine suddenly tasted just like chocolate covered strawberries. 2005 Sweet Lucia - distinctly peachy. And fourth of all, the family who runs the winery hails from Greece, and their last name is Papadopolous. "Webster" anyone? George and Ma'am? I couldn't stop giggling the whole visit. Man, I miss that show... We had a wonderful experience at Mediterranean Cellars. We will most definitely be back. And in case you're wondering: you can skip the winery directly across the country lane from Mediterranean. Buy a bottle of wine here and enjoy it on the patio with spectacular scenery instead. read more

See all

Let me start off with the experience going to the place... it's a beautiful winery nestled within the confines of Warrenton. Scenic drive, but a little tricky leading up to the place as there as some sharp turns on a dirt road (not for big buses). After a dusty half-mile driveway into the place, the wine house is atop a hill with a very nice view--reminiscent of a Mediterranean countryside. Walking up to the house, there is a somewhat rancid, cat pee-like smell (also noted by a previous reviewer, whose write-up is excluded from the reviews--don't know why). The tasting room was nice and charming. After reading all the good reviews here, we had booked this place for a gathering. However, we had to change plans as the group size grew due to the road restrictions leading to the place, and we gave more than two week's notice. The contact person (the daughter of the owner) emailed me back and said 'no problem', especially since she did not discuss their cancellation policy (trying to get a responsive person from that place is almost impossible, but that's another story!). Yesterday, instead of picking the refund check, I got a rude, obnoxious, unprofessional owner taking me to the back of the store to harass, intimidate, and insult me for taking away business. With the email from his daughter in my hand, I explained to him the situation and my conversation with his daughter to no avail. He can be such a sweet talker one minute, then turned into a nasty hyena the next. After taking me to the very back room, he turned nastier and was getting physical (placed his hand on my left shoulder). I didn't feel safe being alone in that dark back-room alone with him, so I started walking back to the front of the house. The way the whole thing was handled was absolutely unprofessional, illegal, and most of all, NOT A WAY TO RUN A BUSINESS!! He made it sound as if the $300 deposit will either make or break the business. I offered to just leave the money with him if it mattered that much, but he turned simply more obnoxious and rude. If they had told me and warned me about losing my deposit or getting billed for part of it, I would have totally understood--I would have paid a cancellation fee. But after yesterday, I don't want to have anything to do with this business. read more

Score 5. This by far is our favorite winery, and we've tried dozens so far. Mediterranean encapsulates everything one would think a working family vineyard is all about, and enhances the wine tasting experience to the umpteenth level! Their wines are fabulous, showing they take pride in what they do. Mr. Pop Papadopoulos' alone is worth the visit - he and his wife pour their heart and soul not only into the wine but into the customers - making you feel right at home. The winery boasts an incredible scenery and front patio with an extraordinary view of the vineyards sloping down in front of the building, not to mention a side portico that shades you back to a place on the Mediterranean. All which has been lovingly designed and landscaped as if it were in the old country. There must be something in the soil around these parts, because our second favorite winery happens to be across the road! This is a must for anyone wine tasting, picnicking or just wanting to have a relaxing afternoon. Of the many good offerings they have, a few of the must try wines include: Martina Rose; Chambourcin Red; Romance Red; and Vidal Blanc. read more

See all