Join us for a private tour of what will be one of the largest wineries in the Mid-Atlantic region

by Jeff Ishee

February 2, 2026 - We were recently invited to take an owner-guided tour of Noer Vineyards in Verona, Virginia. According to owner John Noer, the operation recently opened for limited sales after several years of construction and planting. When the entire acreage is under vine (approx. 200 acres), it will be one of the largest family-owned vineyards in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Stunning view from atop the ridge where the future tasting room may be situated. This is looking east toward the Blue Ridge Mountains. Image Credit - Jeff Ishee

EDITORIAL NOTE: The name "Noer" is one syllable. It is pronounced "Noor" and rhymes with "door."

The operation is located just south of Fort Defiance along U.S. Route 11.

Noer Vineyards has already earned significant recognition. Their wines won multiple medals at the 2025 Shenandoah Cup, one of the Shenandoah Valley’s major regional wine competitions.

Gold Medals

• 2024 Chardonnay Lot #1

• 2024 Chardonnay Lot #2

• 2024 Semillon

• 2024 Riesling

Silver Medal

• 2024 Pinot Gris–Pinot Blanc blend

At the time of this article, the winery is open for business for online sales and "pick-up at the cave" purchases. We are told that a tasting room is on the drawing board and should open within the next 18 months. It will be situated atop an elevated ridge with stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley.

One of the unique structures on the property is an underground "wine cave," where wine is aged and bottled. The building was constructed with a 4 1/2 foot thick layer of soil on the roof, and according to the owner, requires no heating or cooling. Tanks inside the cave have a combined capacity of 50,000 gallons, plus barrel storage.

A list of the wines currently available is found here>> https://www.noervineyards.com/collection#/white-wine

A full story about the family and the construction of this vineyard can be found at >> https://www.farmcreditofvirginias.com/blog/vine-vision-how-john-noer-building-legacy-virginia-wine-country

To learn more about Noer Vineyards and view their selection of wines, visit their website: NoerVineyards.com.

Approx. 100 acres of the vineyard are now planted, with another 100 or so acres to be planted in the near future. Image credit - Jeff Ishee

The Noer family. Image credit - Farm Credit of the Virginias.

Click any of the images below to enlarge.