DuCard Vineyard
Located in Etlan, Madison County, on the border of Shenandoah National Park. About two hours from Washington. Started by Scott and Karen Elliff as a private wine selling business in 2000, with the winery opened to the public in 2010.
Wine. Among the Top 15 wineries in Virginia. Ducard wines made an outstanding showing at the 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup state-wide competition, coming away with three gold medals. Their 2021 Triskele red wine blend and 2022 as well 2023 vintage Cabernet Franc Reserve were awarded golds, while the 2023 Cab Franc was selected to the “Governor’s Case,” the top 12 wines in Virginia. The winery also received three silver medals at the event, for their 2023 Viognier, TANA Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio. Their 2019 Triskele was a gold medalist at the 2024 Governor’s Cup, while the 2021 TANA Chardonnay was awarded a gold medal at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle nation-wide wine competition in 2023. Grapes are all either estate of locally sourced.
Setting. Two stars. Scenic views of the National Park from both indoors and outdoors. Wine writer Michael Leahy calls DuCard “a small and welcome wine Shangri-La, near Old Rag Mountain.” Light snacks available. DuCard was also named the 2016 Virginia Green Winery of the year.
Stories. Virginia Mountains – Old Rag. DuCard is the closest winery to Old Rag. Old Rag Mountain is Shenandoah National Park’s most popular hike. This 3,284 foot mountain has an exposed summit – unlike most of the Blue Ridge peaks – which allows for wide-ranging panoramic views of the Blue Ridge and nearby valleys that are part of its popularity. Old Rag is also one of the more dangerous hikes in the Park, as attested to by the number of search and rescue missions that have been needed for hikers. Inexperienced hikers should be particularly careful. Old Rag is best experienced before, and not after, a wine tasting tour in the neighborhood.