Calling all wine lovers to Stafford, Virginia! Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind, get dressed up, or a little bit of both, consider visiting Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery in Stafford County, Virginia.
Potomac Point is situated along interstate 95 and offers a taste of Tuscany in Northern Virginia. This Mediterranean estate offers an up-scale ambiance with award winning wines. Recently featured on the front cover of the Washingtonian for the best Winery Day Trips in the DMV area, this winery offers an escape from your everyday.
This winery showcase a variety of unique experiences. The hard part? Choosing which one to do first.
Potomac Point leans in to each of the seasons, and fall is no different. This fall, make a reservation and taste your way through their new fall bistro menu, highlighting local flavors and your favorite fall cuisine. Put a spin on traditional Halloween traditions with their Fright Flights – where experts at Potomac Point have paired their wines with popular Halloween candies.
Take the experience outside and capture your memories onsite. Participate in multiple photo-op locations. Take a picture in front of the wine-inspired butterfly wings known as the “Winery Wings”, the Virginia LOVE barrels, or stroll through the vineyards and capture the rich green color of the vines.
During Virginia Wine Month, Potomac Point is offering two complimentary bonus wines to taste as part of the Premier Cru and Grand Cru tasting experience. Make your reservations and cozy up at one of their fire pit tables throughout the season, or book your wine tent reservations from November 23rd through the end of March.
Want to bring your best furry friend? You’re in luck! Potomac Point Winery was named one of Virginia’s friendliest wineries for pets.
On your way out, don’t forget to purchase your specialty Virginia Wine Month and Halloween custom labels that will make each bottle of wine perfect for you!
Whether you’re looking to gather with friends and family or take your experiences on the road, make a day-trip or weekend getaway and tour Stafford, Virginia.
Abel Lake Reservoir
Best for: Kayak fishing and quiet, off-the-grid angling
Abel Lake Reservoir is a 185-acre lake offering a serene environment for anglers seeking a peaceful fishing experience. The lake has some big largemouth bass, which can be challenging to catch. There are good crappie and chain pickerel populations, with pickerel as large as three pounds caught annually. Bluegills and an excellent channel catfish population round out this catchable menu.
Why fishermen love it:
-Excellent for non-motorized watercraft
-Quiet and uncrowded
-Natural shoreline with minimal development
Little Falls Boat Ramp
Best for: Quick access to the Rappahannock River
The Little Falls Boat Ramp provides access to the Rappahannock River in the southern portion of Stafford. It’s an ideal launch point for anglers looking to explore the river’s diverse fishing
opportunities. The ramp offers a short single launching lane, fixed courtesy dock, and parking for about 20 boat trailers. Please note that there are no restrooms at this location.
Why fishermen love it:
-Access to prime river fishing
-Strong current flow and good seasonal runs
-Ideas for drift fishing or trolling
Lake Mooney
Best for: Trophy bass and deep-water fishing
Lake Mooney is a 520-acre reservoir opened to public fishing in 2017. The lake offers a boat ramp (electric motors only), canoe launch, and parking facilities. It has been known for being stocked with primary warmwater species, including bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, black crappie, and largemouth bass. The lake’s fish populations are surveyed annually to monitor size structure and forage base.
Why fishermen love it:
-Known for big bass
-Deep water and clear conditions
-Great for finesse techniques and electronics
Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve
Best for: Scenic solitude and fly fishing
Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve is a large wilderness area located between Potomac Creek and Accokeek Creek. While fishing is permitted in the public waters surrounding the preserve, it’s important to note that fishing is not allowed from the shoreline or the canoe/kayak launch platform on Accokeek Creek.
Why fishermen love it:
-Remote, paddle-in access
-Pristine ecosystems
-Great for fly fishing and birdwatching
Stafford’s Marinas: Your Gateway to Potomac Fishing
Best for: Boat owners and full-day excursions
Stafford’s marinas offer unique amenities and direct access to a range of fishing environments:
-Aquia Harbour Marina: A 136-slip marina situated in the calm, protected waters of Aquia Creek. It features floating docks, 30/50-amp water service, and is accessible to both residents and non-resident boaters.
-Holiday Harbor Marina: An RV & Park Marina offering 104 slips and a boat ramp with access to Aquia Creek and the Potomac River. It encompasses a 17-acre campground with 55 full hook-up sites featuring waterfront and water view options.
-Hope Springs Marina: A full-service marina located on a protected section of Aquia Creek, offering a 300-rack indoor fully enclosed boathouse, 180 deep water slips, 4 paved launch ramps, and 700 feet of sandy beach.
-Willow Landing Marina: Provides direct access to Aquia Creek and the Potomac River, featuring 94 slips.
Why fishermen love them:
-Full-service options with bait, fuel, and dockage
-Easy access to both freshwater and brackish environments
-Ideal for long outings or group fishing trips
Plan Your Fishing Adventure in Stafford
With easy access, diverse waterways, and both relaxed and rugged environments, Stafford County is a true hidden gem for anglers – and this isn’t even all we have to offer! Whether you’re casting a line from the shore at Curtis Lake or launching your boat from a marina to chase stripers on the Potomac, Stafford offers something for every type of fisherman. To check out our other fishing spots, visit our fishing page.
So grab your rod, pack your tackle box, and experience what locals already know – Stafford is a fishing destination worth discovering.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check local regulations for licensing and seasonal restrictions before you head out; a Virginia Fishing License is required for fishing. And don’t forget to tag @TourStaffordVA in your fishing photos – we’d love to see your big catch!
Photo credit: Sam Dean, 2024 Fishers of Men
