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ANKIDA RIDGE VINEYARDS NAMED AMONG AMERICA'S BEST WINERIES

Amherst County Winery Earns National Recognition from The Daily Meal and VinePair AMHERST, VA — Ankida Ridge Vineyards has been named one of The Daily Meal's "12 Best Wineries Across America in 2026," earning national recognition for a small, family-run winery situated on a remote mountaintop in Amherst County. The recognition comes on the heels of another major accolade: VinePair awarded 98 points to Ankida Ridge's 2022 Pinot Noir and included the wine among its list of the best Pinot Noirs in America, as well as 30 Best Red Wines for 2026.

For Ankida Ridge, the honors reflect years of dedication to cultivating world-class wines in a location unlike any other in Virginia. Perched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the vineyard sits at nearly 2,000 feet elevation, where granite soils and a particular microclimate uniquely suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Beyond the wines themselves, Ankida Ridge has become known as a destination that celebrates the natural beauty of Amherst County and offers unique agritourism experiences. Visitors are invited to enjoy tastings overlooking the vineyard, hike or ride to the property's scenic Overlook, and take in panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The winery also offers unique experiences such as guided off-road adventures through the property and seasonal events featuring collaborations with local farms and chefs.

The Daily Meal highlighted Ankida Ridge among a select group of wineries across the country, recognizing both the quality of its wines and the experience it offers visitors when they visit the tasting room.

“Our guests feel like part of a community from the moment they walk through our doors,” said Owner Christine Vrooman. “It all comes together in the tasting room. Our welcoming staff create a real atmosphere of conviviality. You might arrive as a stranger but you’ll leave as a friend.”

As Virginia's wine industry continues to gain national attention, Ankida Ridge's accolades reflect Amherst County as a growing destination for agritourism and outdoor recreation--a hidden gem in the Commonwealth waiting to be discovered. For more information, visit www.ankidaridge.com.