Situated in the rolling hills of Dunbar, West Virginia, Wine Cellars Park offers a rare blend of antebellum history and modern outdoor recreation. Centered around the enigmatic Dutch Hollow Wine Cellars, this 300-acre sanctuary invites visitors to walk through time while enjoying nature’s tranquility. Here’s why this park deserves a spot on your Almost Heaven itinerary.
Echoes of the Past: The Dutch Hollow Wine Cellars
The park’s soul lies in its pre-Civil War stone cellars, built around 1855–1860 by vintner Tom Friend. These 14-foot-high vaults with 2-foot-thick walls stored wine produced from local “big blue grapes,” fermented in summer sun before aging in cool darkness. Despite operating for only three years before the war disrupted the industry, the cellars symbolize West Virginia’s forgotten viticultural heritage. Wine was carted to Charleston and shipped via steamboat to markets like Cincinnati—a testament to the region’s early entrepreneurial spirit. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, these ruins now host weddings and photoshoots, their mossy stones whispering tales of resilience. Visitors often reflect on Wine Cellars Park’s fascinating history to unlock these mysteries.
Modern Adventures in Ancient Landscapes
Today, the City of Dunbar’s park transforms history into a vibrant recreational hub:
- Laura Anderson Lake: This 7-acre, 33-foot-deep lake, a central feature in Wine Cellars Park, offers year-round fishing for bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass, with trout stocked in winter. A handicap-accessible pier and bank paths ensure inclusive access.
- Disc Golf & Trails: A 9-hole disc golf course (expanding to 18) winds through woodlands. Paved pathways and rugged trails circle the lake and lead to the cellars, welcoming hikers and cross-country skiers. Wine Cellars Park is brought to life through activities like disc golf and hiking adventures.
- Picnics & Play: Families gather at shelters near playgrounds and accessible restrooms. The large group shelter, with its fireplace, is ideal for reunions.
Essentials for Your Visit
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly paths connect key sites in Wine Cellars Park. Contact park staff (304-766-0223) for gate access to the lake.
- Location: 1101 Dutch Hollow Rd, Dunbar, WV. Parking is 0.5 miles from the lake, linked by a paved trail.
- Rules: No boating, camping, or live minnows at the lake.
- Nearby: Pair your visit with a stop at Wine Cellars Park to explore Dunbar’s local eateries or enjoy a scenic drive through the Kanawha Valley.
Why Visit?
Wine Cellars Park is more than green space—it’s where history breathes. Stand in the cool shadows of the 1850s cellars, cast a line into the lake’s reflective waters, or wander trails under ancient trees. As one of West Virginia’s lesser-known gems, solitude and discovery make a trip to Wine Cellars Park worthwhile.
Bibliography
Powers, Michael J. “National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Dutch Hollow Wine Cellars.” West Virginia Division of Culture and History, July 1970.
“Wine Cellar Park.” Charleston WV. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://charlestonwv.com/listing/wine-cellar-park/.
“Wine Cellar Park.” WV Explorer. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://wvexplorer.com/attractions/other-attractions/wine-cellar-park/.
“Wine Cellar Park.” West Virginia Tourism. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://wvtourism.com/company/wine-cellar-park/.
“Laura Anderson Lake.” West Virginia Tourism. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://wvtourism.com/company/laura-anderson-lake/.
Wikipedia contributors. “Dutch Hollow Wine Cellars.” Wikipedia. Accessed June 9, 2025. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Hollow_Wine_Cellars.
https://youtu.be/EtXXImIacBg
https://noggy.org – The Noggy.Net
Visibility: Partly Cloudy
*GPS Coordinate Data Provided on bottom left corner with date and speed*
Destinations in West Virginia by appearance:
Institute
Cross Lanes
Nitro
South Charleston
US60/MacCorkle Avenue – South Charleston – (15:00)
Southridge Center (30:00)
I64W – Nitro (45:00)
US60/MacCorkle Avenue – Spring Hill – South Charleston (1:00:00)
US119/Corridor G – South Charleston (1:15:00)
Village Drive – Spring Hill – South Charleston (1:30:00)
Dutch Hollow Road – Dunbar (1:45:00)
Nitro Marketplace – Cross Lanes (2:00:00)
WV25/1st Avenue – Nitro (2:15:00)
Ending: Main Avenue – Nitro
Listen while you ride: My Spotify Playlists
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5FI2WfzKqFIz5dD0BOA1iw?si=4f12084e12b247ec – Mix
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5IWoDtlir7k6eww0PNVdGh?si=dca253ebf4e94ac1 – Chill
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4TNiUuJHvogwtk7ZxWoOpl?si=d4594c2bf5ff4328 – Upbeat
