In the heart of Virginia’s wine country, tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, two small businesses are proving that going green and supporting electric vehicles (EVs) is for everyone. At DuCard Vineyards in Etlan and Off the Grid in Sperryville, sustainability isn’t a buzzword; it’s a business decision. And part of that commitment now includes providing EV charging stations for winery and restaurant visitors. These aren’t just any chargers. They’re connected to their own, independent power source – panels powered by the sun – nestled in some of Virginia’s most scenic rural landscapes, and part of a larger mission to preserve the land and lead by example for the future of clean energy.

DuCard Vineyards | Etlan, VA

For Scott Elliff, owner of DuCard Vineyards, installing EV chargers was a natural extension of his environmental values. “I’m an environmentalist at heart. I wanted to keep the place the way it is,” Scott says. “A vineyard is out in nature; it only makes sense to create a space that appreciates it and takes care of it.”

That mindset has shaped every part of DuCard’s operations. The winery is a Green Virginia Tourism Partner, and its sustainable practices run deep. Ten years ago, DuCard added a Tesla and a universal Level 2 charger, installed at no cost thanks to Tesla’s charger program. “It wasn’t difficult or costly. Tesla provided the charger and paid for the installation,” Scott explains. Ducard’s operation is also powered entirely by solar. “In our case, the solar panels provide the electricity for the EV chargers, so we’re double green, as a result.” 

That move has paid off. Customers seek them out using EV charging maps, and it often tips the scales when people from Richmond or D.C. are choosing which winery to visit. Scott shares that, “Folks can get nervous about where to charge out here – we give them peace of mind.” As a result, “people tend to stay a little longer at the winery.” A full charge, great wine, and stunning views, what more could you ask for? 

Off the Grid | Sperryville, VA

Just down the road from DuCard in Sperryville, Off the Grid operates a solar-powered restaurant and market focused on sustainability. The business is driven by a mission to reach net-zero emissions, eliminate waste, and maintain carbon-neutral operations.

Off the Grid opened in 2019 with a vision of creating a restaurant that redefined sustainability and community through food. “My vision was trying to figure out how to have the lowest footprint in the restaurant business,” says founder and owner Sarah Meservey. That pursuit led to the installation of multiple solar arrays, providing more than 60 kW, which helps power the restaurant and farm, demonstrating how renewable energy can sustain a small rural business. The property features three Tesla chargers and one universal Level 2 charger, with adapters available to accommodate more universal ports.

Beyond charging, Off the Grid integrates sustainability into every part of its operation. The team sources all meat from pasture-raised local farms, raises chickens on site for fresh eggs, promotes vegetarian fare, composts food waste, and grows some seasonal produce using low-carbon farming methods.

Those same values make Off the Grid a natural stop for travelers driving electric vehicles. “We power the place with solar, minimize waste, and source responsibly — it’s worth it,” Sarah says. The setting, tucked in the foothills of Shenandoah National Park, makes that sustainability feel right at home.

The EV revolution is alive and thriving in Virginia’s rural towns. Businesses like DuCard Vineyards and Off the Grid show that clean energy and electric mobility can be seamlessly integrated into agriculture, hospitality, and tourism in meaningful, community-focused ways that enhance a visitor’s experience in Virginia. These businesses aren’t just offering charging stations; they’re offering inspiration. So next time you’re exploring Virginia’s backroads, know that you can sip wine, eat well, and charge up, all while supporting businesses that are working hard to protect the land (and air) we all love.