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Home to Prince Michel and Rapidan River Wines, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery is one of the East Coast’s premier wine estates. A family and pet-friendly establishment, Prince Michel is one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Commonwealth and is now the home of Tap 29 Brew Pub, serving up some of the finest local craft brews and pub-style food seven days a week.
Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery was initially founded in 1982 by Parisians Jean and Sylvian Leducq, who had a vision that was formed out of the love of Virginia and its relationship to the vine. Prince Michel was later acquired by Kristin Easter and has grown to become one of the largest, most widely distributed, and recognized wineries in the state as well as along the East Coast. Our wines have won competitions around the world and flourished with the efforts of owner Kristin Easter, employees, and loyal customers.
Although Prince Michel has “Old World” beginnings with original French ownership, there is nothing conventional about the winery or its wines. The Prince Michel story is one of perseverance and innovation in a sometimes too stodgy environment. Prince Michel’s basic approach is that “wines should be enjoyed, and the best wine is what you like.” Much of this fresh approach to wine comes from the present owner of Prince Michel, Kristin Easter. Only one of a handful of female winery owners, Kristin’s business model is centered around hospitality and the pleasure of a great wine experience. Her creative business style has challenged the traditional philosophy of how to experience wine.
The diversity of wines produced by Prince Michel and Rapidan River allows a level of choice most wineries cannot achieve on such a large scale. Wines range from high-end “craft” wines like Petit Manseng, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grown from select Virginia vineyards to more unique wines from the Rapidan River series like the Semi-dry Riesling, Peach, and our fan favorite Sweet Red Reserve!
Located in the heart of Virginia Wine Country and beautifully situated among the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge, Prince Michel’s is conveniently located on Route 29 between Charlottesville and Washington, DC. Located in Leon, VA, this state-of-the-art winery is elegant and spacious. From museum artifacts to robotic bottling equipment, Prince Michel’s is a treasure trove for any wine enthusiast. Wine tastings, private and self-guided tours, fabulous shopping, picnic patios, and courtyards are all available seven days a week starting at 11:00 AM.
For over 40 years, Prince Michel has been a cornerstone of the local community, offering a warm, inviting space where friends and families come to gather, celebrate, and create lasting traditions. Our winery has become a beloved destination not just for wine lovers, but also for local businesses looking to relax and connect. Whether you’re here for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a day in the country, Prince Michel is the perfect setting.
Prince Michel and Rapidan River wines are also well distributed in wine shops, grocery stores, and restaurants throughout Virginia and surrounding states. With a large and active Wine Club, these wines can also be delivered to your door.
Interested in being part of Virginia’s vibrant wine and craft beer scene? Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery and Tap 29 Brewery & Pub offer rewarding opportunities across our tasting rooms, brew pub, kitchen, cellar, and warehouse.
Whether you’re looking to build your career or gain hands-on experience in a fun, fast-paced environment, we’re always looking for motivated team members who share our passion for great wine, beer, and hospitality.
At Prince Michel Winery and Tap 29 Brewery, we strive to provide a welcoming and safe environment for all our guests to enjoy. To ensure the health and safety of everyone, the following policies regarding outside food and beverages are in effect:
General Policy on Outside Food
1. No Outside Food or Beverages in the Facility:
To comply with health and safety standards and to ensure a safe environment for all guests, outside food and beverages are generally prohibited inside our building.
2. Special Occasions – Store-Bought Desserts:
For special occasions (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries), prepackaged or store-bought desserts may be brought into the facility with prior approval. Proof of packaging and labeling may be required to confirm ingredients for allergy safety.
3. Private Events – Catering:
For private events hosted at Prince Michel Winery or Tap 29 Brewery, outside catering may be permitted with prior arrangements and explicit approval by the General Manager. Caterers must comply with Virginia Department of Health guidelines and provide proof of licensing and insurance.
4. Picnic Policy for Outdoor Areas:
Guests may bring packed picnics to enjoy in our designated picnic areas located on either end of the building.
o Picnic Area Restrictions: Food brought for picnics must remain within the specified outdoor picnic areas.
Safety and Allergy Considerations
We are committed to creating a safe environment for all of our guests, including those with food allergies. Allowing only certain pre-approved outside foods ensures we minimize risks related to cross-contamination and unidentified allergens. By restricting homemade foods, we reduce the potential for unknown allergens entering our facility, thereby safeguarding the health and enjoyment of our customers.
Compliance with Virginia Law and Health Department Regulations
As a food-serving establishment, we adhere to the following legal and regulatory requirements:
1. Virginia Department of Health Regulations (§ 12VAC5-421):
o The Virginia Food Regulations require that all food offered for public consumption must be sourced from an approved and inspected facility. This rule applies to all food and beverages served within the premises to ensure safety and prevent foodborne illnesses.
o Homemade food is not allowed in a public facility where it may be served to others unless it is inspected and approved by the Virginia Department of Health.
2. Code of Virginia Title 35.1 (Hotels, Restaurants, Summer Camps):
o Restaurants and similar establishments must follow stringent food safety guidelines, including ensuring that food served to the public comes from licensed providers to avoid contamination and liability issues.
Contact and Approval Requests
For approval of special occasion desserts or to arrange catering for private events, please contact General Manager, Mike Haney at mhaney@princemichel.com or by calling 1-800-800-WINE.
By adhering to this policy, we ensure a consistent, safe, and enjoyable experience for all guests at Prince Michel Winery and Tap 29 Brewery. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding!
For compliance with Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) regulations, outside alcohol is strictly prohibited on the premises, including both indoor and outdoor areas. This restriction applies to all guests. Please note that guests are NOT permitted to bring bottles of wine they they previously purchased from Prince Michel back onto the property for consumption at a later date. However, we offer a variety of beverages for sale, including wine, beer, cider, bottled water, juice, and sodas. Parents can certainly bring in drinks for their little ones.
When it comes to bringing your furry friends, we have some specific guidelines for dogs. They must always be leashed with a non-retractable leash, and, unfortunately, they cannot access the tasting room, the far pub room, or any area with untiled flooring. For more information, you can find detailed guidelines in our Children and Pets Policy below. Cats, birds, iguanas, chickens, ferrets, gerbils, snakes, and other exotic pets are prohibited.
Please note that coolers are not allowed inside the winery unless you receive prior approval from our General Manager for a private/catered event.
Unfortunately, due to space and safety considerations, we can’t allow tents brought in by customers. We have ample outdoor seating, including gazebos, shaded areas around trees and tables with umbrellas, available on a first-come, first-served basis. You’re welcome to bring fold-up or sports-style seating on Saturdays and Sundays, and picnic blankets are always encouraged for a relaxed experience.
For groups of 10 or more, we recommend making a group reservation or considering one of our event rental packages. You can reach out to Mike Haney, our Wine Shop Manager, for assistance.
Absolutely! You’re welcome to embark on self-guided tours along our catwalk anytime during our operational hours. Additionally, we offer private tastings and tours. For more information, check out the details on our tours and tastings page.
For those looking to savor the delights of our Tap 29 Pub, you’re in for a treat. It’s open daily from noon until one hour before closing. Be sure to explore our menu for a taste of classic American pub grub that you’ll love.