Upper Shirley Vineyards

Well, this was our first time here, and was recommended by a friend. It's crazy that we haven't been here before since I live only 30 minutes or so from the location. There were four of us here this day and besides food, the three ladies had Red Wine Flights. First the location and staff. The location was just wonderful. What a beautiful and appears to be well-kept place. The grounds were well-kept and perfect for picture taking. Since our other two were visiting family from out of town - a lot of pictures were taken. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We did use Open Table to make reservations and were taken quickly to our seats. Although I don't recall Open Table asking about seat locations - the staff was able to get us porch seating. I guess I got lucky on that. Maybe I just missed that tab on Open Table, because I would have requested that. So if you're using that App look hard for that request. Inside was very nice - but outside was amazing. Food for all of us was decent. I had a nice lobster roll and the wifey had the grilled cheese sandwich. She allowed me one bite of her sandwich. I have to say I liked it a lot. Had a wonderful flavor. My lobster roll again was pretty good. Didn't have a lot of flavor, but again, was pretty good. as for our guests, one had a hamburger that she really enjoyed and was very filling and our other guest had a Panini of some kind that was so large, she ended up taking half of it home and eating it later that evening. Now to the wine. I had maybe 1 sip from each of my wife's flights. Since I'm such an anti-drinker and any driving. I apologize. I didn't take a photo of the samples. But it comes down to, to each his own. I know my wife really enjoyed two of the four and the other two samples were good, but just dry wines, which is not her forte. So I do think this was a really nice place and do expect to go back someday. I also think if you're a local and have visiting guests - this is a really nice option.

Upper Shirley Vineyards is a great place to get away and enjoy good food and wine while taking in views of the James River. Both the interior dining area and the long porch in back contain ample comfortable seating.We dined there for lunch and enjoyed a flight of their white and rose wines, as well as a glass of their Divertido, which is a red wine. The wines all complimented the food. I especially liked the sparkling rose! It exudes flavors of strawberry. For lunch, we ordered the grilled cheese sandwich composed of bacon, tomatoes, and spinach with sharp cheddar and havarti cheeses. We also ordered the turkey, bacon, cheese, arugula panini. Both sandwiches were excellent and came with multiple choices of sides, and we chose the yummy house chips. The restaurant was busy and had more than enough staff to accommodate everyone. They were informed and cheerful. After lunch, we strolled the back of the property, which overlooks the James River. It begins with a patio containing couches and chairs under the cover of large umbrellas. It's a relaxing space to sip wine and enjoy time with friends. Beyond the patio is a large grassy area leading to an area overlooking the river. Upper Shirley Vineyards also has a banquet facility. Parking is good and easily accessible.

I really enjoyed the bright lighting in dining area. I ordered the white wine flight with the spinach and artichoke dip. I enjoyed the #2 white wine the most out of the flight. It was the very fruit forward and light which is what I enjoy. The spinach and artichoke dip was nice but a little oily. The crostini was toasted perfectly. I had a great experience and will be back!

Just go! It's worth the drive to experience this food. The fish was amazing and the sides were so good! My aunt and uncle love the lobster rolls. It was a memorable lunch on the back patio. So delish!

What a beautiful place to visit. Even though it's out of the way, the views are tranquil and perfect for a girls day out. The initial service to get seated is a bit confusing since the front attendant was missing, but once we were seated, the server was excellently attentive. The food and wine were deliciously paired. I got the white wine flight and had it with a charcuterie board and the fried green tomato caprese. It's a lovely place and somewhere I'd recommend those visiting nearby Richmond.

The ambiance and views are insuperable, the food is not bad but nothing special either, it is a place to come for the experience.The service was good. We will be back!

This is probably my favorite winery around because it checks all the boxes-- has great food, a wonderful view and great wine! I love their wine flights, and that there's a variety of options. The truffle fries are delicious !!!! The water view is super nice, too.

Decided to take a road trip for some wine and ended up here! The place is stunning, and has plenty of outdoor space for an event like a wedding. The inside has a restaurant feel without feeling too formal. We decided to sit in the back with a view of the water. There's tables on the deck with additional lawn seating (the lawn is huge). My brother and I both got a flight and some shared appetizers. The food was an unexpected standout! I absolutely loved the collard greens in the oysters Rockefeller. We couldn't stop raving about the food after we left. We came here on a weekday afternoon so it wasn't too busy. They have a sign stating that there is a 2 hour seating limit for tables with a server but that didn't seem to be a problem for us. I'd definitely come back again!

Update on Upper Shirley! All the Stars!! Our work had a gathering here... a private wine tasting by the incomparable Nate! He was so knowledgeable yet not at all condescending. He was amazing, his service was on point! The grounds are gorgeous. The estate is fabulous and we all had a grape time!! We had apps with our tasting and afterwards we enjoyed an exceptional lunch on the veranda overlooking the knoll and the river! I had the charcuterie board (to match my earrings!) and the rest of our clan had burgers, pulled pork, salads, and dandy sandwiches. As we dined and sipped our way to elation... we received incredible attention from the servers. No whining from us... we had a blast! To top off the afternoon, we enjoyed nightingale ice cream sandwiches which hit the sweet tooth to perfection! Upper Shirley is Tops with us!!

I love everything about Upper Shirley -- the wine, the wonderful food and the beautiful spaces. Our daughter and son-in-law were married here and we love to go back. We recently ordered wines online and had a great experience with that, too!