Casanel Vineyards & Winery on a Vineyard Voyages wine tour
Casanel is a family-owned Leesburg winery whose name joins the first three letters of owners Casey and Nelson DeSouza's names. The family hand-planted over 10,000 vines on eight acres, and estate Norton goes into a still red, a sparkling wine and a port-style wine.
Casanel Vineyards & Winery is one of three stops on the Catoctin Heritage Excursion.
Casanel Vineyards & Winery at a glance
| Location | 17952 & 17956 Canby Road, Leesburg, VA 20175 |
|---|---|
| Who runs it | Nelson and Casey DeSouza, owners |
| Tour route | Catoctin Heritage Excursion |
| Other stops that day | Fleetwood Farm and Firefly Cellars |
| Pickups | West Falls Church Metro at 10:00 AM or Market Station, Leesburg at 11:15 AM |
| Winery website | casanelvineyards.com |
What you’ll find at Casanel
- Estate wines from vines the DeSouza family planted by hand, including Carménère, Petit Verdot and Norton.
- Norton in three styles: a still red, a Méthode Champenoise-style sparkling wine and a port-style wine called The Full Nelson.
- Historic buildings restored with the property’s own wood and stone, plus a patio with room to spread out.
Questions about this stop
Can I visit Casanel Vineyards & Winery on a wine tour from DC?
Yes. Casanel Vineyards & Winery is on the Catoctin Heritage Excursion, one of four routes on the Loudoun County 3-Winery Day Trip. The bus leaves West Falls Church Metro at 10:00 AM, about 22 minutes from Metro Center on the Orange Line, or Market Station in Leesburg at 11:15 AM. Each date follows one route, so check the route calendar for the dates that visit Casanel Vineyards & Winery.
Is the tasting at Casanel Vineyards & Winery included?
With a Connoisseur ticket, yes: a tasting or flight is arranged for you at all three wineries. With an Explorer ticket, you buy tastings at each winery when you get there. Lunch is not included on either ticket.
What is Casanel Vineyards & Winery known for?
Casanel is known for estate wines from vineyards the DeSouza family planted by hand, especially Norton made as a still red, a sparkling wine and a port-style wine.
Can a private group visit Casanel Vineyards & Winery?
Private tours for 10 to 50 guests can include Casanel Vineyards & Winery, with pickup at your door. Your proposal will clearly outline the wineries and options selected for your group.
Winery details come from Casanel Vineyards & Winery’s own website, checked October 2026. Hours, menus and events change, so check the winery’s site for today’s details. See all 13 partner wineries and the four routes.
