DuCard Vineyards: Summer 2026 Live Music & Wine Guide

DuCard Vineyards Is in Full Summer Swing — and the Roses Are Blooming

If you've been looking for a reason to make the drive out to Etlan, Virginia this summer, DuCard Vineyards just handed you several. Bordering Shenandoah National Park in Madison County, this award-winning vineyard has kicked off its full summer season with an ambitious live music calendar, a weekly wine deal that's hard to pass up, and — according to a recent post from the vineyard itself — rose bushes that "clearly didn't get the memo" about the spring frost and are now blooming beautifully.

"We are open all month, 7 days/week, and we would love to see you," the venue shared on Facebook at the start of June. That warmth comes through in everything DuCard is doing this season.

Friday Night Out: Half-Price Wine Flights and Live Music Every Week

Every Friday in June (and into the summer season), DuCard extends its hours until 9:00pm for Friday Night Out — a weekly evening event with live music and a deal that wine lovers should know about: half-price wine flights starting at 4:00pm.

That means you can arrive in the late afternoon, settle into a view of the Blue Ridge, sip through a flight of Virginia wines at 50% off, and stay for the music. It's one of the better-value wine experiences in the region right now.

Recent Friday Night Out performers have included Dave Goodrich, a singer-songwriter who played May 29 from 5:00–8:00pm — the kind of intimate live set that fits perfectly against a mountain backdrop.

Music in the Mountains: Weekend Afternoons at the Vineyard

Saturdays and Sundays bring the Music in the Mountains series — afternoon sets running roughly 2:00–5:00pm, with picnics welcome, dogs invited, and a light noshing menu available. It's explicitly family-friendly, making it a great option if you're bringing kids or just want a relaxed outdoor afternoon rather than a formal tasting experience.

Past performers have included:

The Blowbirds featuring special guest John Whitlow from Scuffletown (Saturday, May 30, 2:00–5:00pm)
Kirsten Haze (Sunday, May 31, 2:00–5:00pm)

The vineyard has teased new wine releases for the summer season as well, with some expected through late June — worth asking about when you visit.

Second Saturdays: A Second Band from 6–9pm

Here's the feature that makes DuCard's summer calendar stand out from the typical winery lineup: on the second Saturday of each month, the venue adds a second live band from 6:00–9:00pm. That means on those weekends, you can catch afternoon music from 2:00–5:00pm and then stay — or come back — for an evening set that runs into the night.

For June, that's Saturday, June 13. It's the kind of programming that turns a quick wine stop into a full evening out.

The Rose Garden and the Mountain Views

DuCard's scenic appeal extends well beyond the glass. The vineyard sits at the edge of Shenandoah National Park, and the mountain views are a draw in their own right. This summer, the rose garden — which apparently survived a tough spring frost intact — is in full bloom, adding a colorful foreground to what is already a striking landscape. The venue noted with a bit of humor that even Jackie Kennedy would approve of how the roses turned out.

It's the kind of detail that makes DuCard worth visiting mid-week, not just on event days. Pack a picnic, bring the dog, and let the afternoon stretch out.

Planning Your Visit

Address: 40 Gibson Hollow Ln, Etlan, VA 22719
Hours: Open 7 days a week throughout the summer season; Friday Night Out hours extend to 9:00pm on Fridays
Friday Night Out: Every Friday, live music evenings; half-price wine flights begin at 4:00pm
Music in the Mountains: Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00–5:00pm (picnics and dogs welcome)
Second Saturdays: Second band of the day, 6:00–9:00pm on the 2nd Saturday of each month (June 13, July 12, etc.)
Phone: (540) 923-4206
Website: ducardvineyards.com

Note: Performer lineups for upcoming Fridays and Saturdays are announced closer to the date. Follow DuCard on Facebook for weekly updates on who's playing.