Megan and Mark Davis, Napa Valley winemakers, purchased property in Loudoun County to take wine making to the next level in Northern Virginia. 

“After many years in California, we were ready to move back to the East Coast and build something of our own,” said Megan Davis. “Loudoun County stood out because we saw so much potential in the wines being produced here and in what the region could become.” 

The winery, Dara Cellars, is located in Paeonian Springs. 

An Emerging Wine Region 

According to Megan, Loudoun County offered the couple a chance to create something that felt personal from the ground up, from the vineyard and wines to the way people experience Dara Cellars. Moving from Napa Valley, a region known almost exclusively for its winemaking, to Northern Virginia where the art of winemaking is a developing industry brings with it some areas of opportunity. 

“Virginia keeps you on your toes”

Mark Davis, owner, Dara Cellars

“In California, especially Napa Valley, you are in a much more established winegrowing environment with relatively predictable conditions. Virginia keeps you on your toes,” said Mark Davis. “The growing season can be more variable, and humidity and rainfall play a much bigger role. Vineyard decisions have to be made very thoughtfully.”

Loudoun County is known for its potential for producing distinctive, high-quality wines. The team is not trying to make “California wine” in Virginia. They are taking their combined experience, education, and learned technical approaches developed in California and applying it to the varieties, vineyards, and conditions that work best here. 

“That process of learning a new region and helping define what its wines can be is incredibly interesting to us,” said Megan. 

An Introduction to Dara Cellars 

Right now Mark and Megan are focusing on getting established in the area and opening a working farm winery with a tasting experience that feels personal, welcoming, and distinct from the traditional Virginia winery model.

“We plan to continue investing in our newly purchased vineyards in order to expand our Virginia wine program,” said Mark. “We will gradually grow Dara Cellars while remaining closely involved in both the wines and the guest experience. Ultimately, we want Dara Cellars to become a place people come to not only for great wine, but because it feels like somewhere they genuinely want to spend time.”

Chris Blosser, Rural Business Development Office for Loudoun County, has assisted the duo in navigating county processes and department connections with his firsthand wine industry experience. The Davises have already converted two existing barns on the property and have added a building to be used for a crush pad. As permitting and vineyard preparations allow, Dara Cellars plans to be open for business by Spring 2027.