As the sun begins to drop over the Blue Ridge Mountains, sip on a glass of Virginia’s distinctive viognier.
At Monticello, Thomas Jefferson had a vision of making outstanding American wine. Unfortunately, Jefferson’s plans for Monticello were never carried out during his lifetime because of environmental problems and political unrest. The creation of the Monticello Wine Trail, a network of more than 40 wineries that are a part of Virginia‘s American Viticultural Area, has made his dream a reality today. Many of these vineyards, which are located within a 25-mile radius of Charlottesville, also have first-rate inns and restaurants there.
Central Virginia should be your next wine getaway due to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains as a background, Jefferson’s legacy at Monticello, and the top-notch wines and cuisine you can enjoy here. You can skip to the section on winery tours below to make visiting some of the area’s highly regarded wineries more straightforward.
(Note: The COVID-19 epidemic may have an impact on some of the activities, attractions, and venues listed here. There may be new regulations in place, such as mask requirements, reservation requirements, or capacity restrictions. Before departing, inquire with the local tourism bureaus, the U.S. Department of State, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)
Vineyards at Barboursville: Barboursville
About 15 miles northeast of Charlottesville, Barboursville Vineyards is located on a property that dates back to the 18th century. Gianni Zonin, an Italian winemaker, bought the land in 1976 to introduce European viticulture to Virginia. Barboursville routinely creates award-winning vintages recognized by the prestigious Virginia Governor’s Cup in collaboration with winemaker Luca Paschina. Six wines from the winery’s current 16 vintages can be sampled by guests in the Discovery Tasting Room. The Octagon red wine and Paxxito dessert wine are always available at Library 1821, while options and prices for flights of different wines vary from time to time. Pair these Library era wines with locally produced cheeses, artisanal bread, and house-cured charcuterie. After that, visitors can have food with an Italian influence at Palladio Restaurant before spending the night at The 1804 Inn or one of the estate’s cottages.
In Barboursville, Virginia, at 17655 Winery Road
Charlottesville-based winery Gabriele Rausse
Since he was among the first wineries to arrive in Barboursville in 1976, Gabriele Rausse is frequently referred to as the “father of Virginia wines.” Tim and Peter Rausse, the winery’s sons, say that the winery’s glass and wood architecture makes it stand out from other wineries: “It is the only one in Virginia that doesn’t have a view of a vineyard or mountain. Like a treehouse, we’re in a forest “says Tim Rausse. One of the three flight options, each of which offers the possibility to sample four wines, allows visitors to the winery to take use of the exclusive outdoor area at Gabriele Rausse. The brothers recommend cabernet franc, gruner veltliner, rose, and vin gris de pinot noir as wonderful vintages to try if you’re just searching for a glass or a bottle (a white wine made with pinot noir grapes). Additionally, Peter Rausse suggests the effervescent wines in particular. On certain days, tastings are held outside; covered seating is scarce and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
In Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902, at 3247 Carters Mountain Road
Vineyards Jefferson: Charlottesville
The genesis of American wine has frequently been referred to as Jefferson Vineyards. In 1773, Thomas Jefferson and Italian viticulturist Filippo Mazzei planted the first European vines intended for commercial use on this plantation. Today, you may visit this winery to find out more about Jefferson Vineyards’ past or to simply take in the breathtaking surroundings surrounded by verdant hills and forests. Customers can pick between two seasonal flights, each consisting of four wines, at the winery’s two tasting rooms. Wine can also be bought by the glass or bottle by customers, who can also order cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, or chocolates to go with it. Although Jefferson Vineyards’ premium reserve wines are still available in bottles, guided reserve wine tastings have not yet made a comeback. While you’re here, think about treating yourself to a stay in Colle, the property’s family house, which sleeps up to 10 people. However, keep in mind that the tasting rooms cannot accommodate groups greater than eight. Both the outdoor areas and the smaller tasting room are dog-friendly with leashes.
Postal Code: 22902 Charlottesville, Virginia, 1353 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
Winery Michael Shaps: Charlottesville
Before relocating to Virginia in 1995, Michael Shaps completed his studies in viticulture and oenology in Burgundy, France. Shaps created his own label after producing certain vintages at Jefferson Vineyards that won awards. There are two tasting rooms at Michael Shaps Wineworks that serve both Virginia and Burgundy wines. The whole range of his wines are available in a typical tasting area at the recently opened facility on Harris Creek Road. Both indoors and outside, especially on the deck and front lawn, there is plenty of space for seating. Parties of eight or more must make arrangements in order to participate in the private tastings offered here. The second location, Wineworks Extended, on Avon Street, is where Shaps’ everyday drinking wine is bottled. Customers can buy this wine here in flights, wine on tap, growlers, carafes, or bottles.
Postal Code: 22902 Charlottesville, Virginia, 1750 Harris Creek Road
Madison’s Early Mountain Vineyards
About 30 miles north of Charlottesville, on 350 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is where you’ll find Early Mountain Vineyards. The winery’s name honors the original owner of the land, Lt. Joseph Early, a Revolutionary War warrior. Visit the tasting room to try a flight of the four most recent releases, then have lunch with a view at Virginia Table. You can enjoy appetizers, entrées, and desserts made with fresh, regionally sourced ingredients while sipping on your favorite vineyard wine. Walk-ins are welcome at Early Mountain on a few weekdays, but reservations are advised for the expert-led bar tastings. Oenophiles can also make a reservation for a spot in the Elevation Tasting to sample five library vintages with specially chosen food pairings.
Madison, Virginia 22727; address: 6109 Wolftown-Hood Road
Afton Veritas Vineyard and Winery
Veritas Vineyard was founded in 1999 by Andrew and Patricia Hodson with only a few acres of vines. About 25 miles west of Charlottesville, the family-run estate and farm now cover more than 50 acres. Two Taste in Place flights—classic or reserve—offer visitors a self-guided sampling of four wines that may be enjoyed from the comfort of your table at the winery. Visitors can choose to partake in a guided wine tasting at the bar during the week with one of the knowledgeable Veritas staff members. You may also have a professional walk you through five specially designed wine and food pairings for the most immersive experience, but you’ll need to make a reservation. The Farmhouse at Veritas, a five-star bed & breakfast that serves farm-to-table dinners matched with Veritas wines, is where guests can stay on the property.
Afton, VA 22920, 151 Veritas Lane
Crozet King Family Vineyards
The first vines at King Estate were sown in 1998 by David and Ellen King. The King family, which consists of the couple’s three sons, continues to run the winery, which is situated about 15 miles west of Charlottesville. King Family Vineyards provides a range of tastings, including: Self-directed flights, either traditional or seasonal, each with four wines, are available to walk-in customers. They can also opt for a personal, five-wine guided tasting. The Reserved Tasting is the next level up, allowing visitors to the Library Room (with a reservation) and a one-hour guided tasting of five wines. Last but not least, guests can book a tour of the estate that includes a glass of wine in the vineyards, a peek inside the tank and barrel rooms, a guided tasting, and a memento wine glass. The polo field and the crose wine, a dry rose wine made from merlot, are two distinctive aspects of King Family Vineyards. If you want to have a cup of crose while watching a Sunday polo match, schedule your vacation for late spring through early fall.
Location: Crozet, Virginia 22932, 6550 Roseland Farm
Winery Trump: Charlottesville
Over 200 of the 1,300 acres that make up the Trump Winery estate are planted with French vinifera varietals. Red, white, and sparkling wines from this vineyard have won praise. Wine by the glass, bottle, or flight is available in the property’s tasting room on the majority of days. Trump Winery does not currently offer guided tastings, however customers can choose from a number of flights to sample different wines. You can purchase a sparkling, white, red, or taster’s choice flight in four 1.5-ounce or 3-ounce pours. Each flight comes with one Riedel wine glass. Here, seasonal menus with small plates and various foods are available for you to match with your preferred wine. The opulent estate in the Georgian architecture known as Albemarle Estate also offers on-site lodging.
In Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902, at 385 Albemarle House Drive.
Adventure Farm’s Chisholm Vineyards: Earlysville
Chisholm Vineyards offers both metropolitan convenience and a tranquil natural setting, and is only 10 miles north of the city center and close to the Charlottesville Airport. The 500-acre estate of Adventure Farm, which the Chisholm family has owned and run since 1950, is where the vineyards are situated. Twelve small-lot wines are available in the tasting room for visitors to try in traditional tastings, paddle-style flights, by the glass, or by the bottle. The 100% estate-grown, award-winning wines are especially enjoyable on Fridays during the warmer half of the year when they are paired with cuisine from food trucks and live music. The Tasting Room Farm Shop also sells grass-fed beef from cattle raised on pasture. Book a stay at the Lake House, which is on Adventure Farm and is close to the vineyards, for a particularly tranquil getaway.
Earlysville, Virginia 22936-1135 Clan Chisholm Lane
Vineyards Keswick: Keswick
Less over 15 miles northeast of Charlottesville, the Schornberg family owns and manages the 400-acre estate known as Keswick Vineyards. The vineyard was started in 2000 by Michigan natives Al and Cindy Schornberg after searching the nation for the ideal location to build their dream winery. If their first vintage won the title of “Best White Wine in America” at the 2002 Atlanta International Wine Summit is any clue, they made the right choice. Visitors can now stop by the tasting room to try the wines Keswick Vineyards refers to as “born in Virginia, from its soil and heart. “Four-wine “build-your-own flights” give customers a customized experience. The tasting room store sells light snacks, or you can bring your own picnic.
Location: Keswick, Virginia 22947, 1575 Keswick Winery Drive
Vineyards at Blenheim: Charlottesville
The grapes used in the 32 acres of vineyards of Blenheim Vineyards’ ecological wines come from four different blocks spread across Virginia. The property dates back to Blenheim Farm in 1730 and has been listed to the National Register of Historic Places and is protected by conservation laws. In the environmentally aware tasting room in Blenheim, visitors may see this emphasis on heritage and conservation. The winery building is made of repurposed wood and uses south-facing windows and skylights to provide lighting for the tasting area and production facility for a large portion of the year. The expansive windows also provide picturesque vineyard vistas to visitors who choose the guided wine sampling option. These five-wine, hour-long, by appointment only tastings are led by Blenheim employees and are exclusively open to groups of four or less. Visitors may also take a seat outside while sipping wine by the glass, flight, or bottle.
In Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902, at 31 Blenheim Farm
North Garden at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, located about 15 miles southwest of Charlottesville, is notable for its emphasis on sustainable viticulture, handcrafted winemaking, and agritourism. Due to the winery’s small-batch manufacturing, natural sprays rather than chemical repellents are used to maintain healthy vines and vineyards. Visitors can partake in a wine flight or a food and wine pairing while at Pippin Hill. The tasting room’s cuisine uses a lot of ingredients that are sourced from nearby farmers. The Vintner’s Table is a private event you may reserve for a party that includes a four-course menu with wines and is perfect for a special occasion. The five-course Reserve Vintner’s Table experience can also introduce customers to wines that are frequently unavailable for tasting at the bar thanks to older wine vintages and elevated food pairings. Regardless of the sampling you select, make sure to visit Pippin Hill on Sundays for live music, whether it’s sunny or not.
Postal Code: 22959 North Garden, Virginia 5022 Plank Road
Crozet, Stinson Vineyards
Small-lot, low-production French-influenced wines are popular at Stinson Vineyards. The family-run winery, which was motivated by the “garagiste” wineries in Bordeaux, France, who experimented with innovative, limited-run “garage wines” in the 1990s, is situated in an ancient three-car garage about 15 miles northwest of Charlottesville. With bottle service, a glass, or one of the three pre-poured wine flights, guests can sample Stinson’s small-batch wines. First come, first served seating is available, however if you have a party of seven or more, you are urged to make reservations with the winery. Spend extra money on a stay at The Inn at Stinson Vineyards to experience the vineyards and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the morning.
Postal code for this location is 22932 Crozet, Virginia
Vineyards Pollak: Greenwood
Margo and David Pollak bought a 98-acre farm in 2003, and with the cultivation of a 10-acre block of grapes, they started Pollak Vineyards. Eight different blocks of land are home to more than 17,000 vines at this tiny family-run winery, which supplies a variety of French grape varietals for Pollak’s estate-grown wines. From the tasting room or patio, visitors can take in views of the original 10-acre block while partaking in one of Pollak’s tasting flights. The wine can also be paired with the cheeses, charcuterie, regional pastries, or regional jams that are available on the culinary menu. The Pollak Vineyards, which is 20 miles west of Charlottesville, requires reservations for parties of seven to twelve individuals.
330 Newtown Road, Greenwood, Virginia 22943
Gordonsville-based Horton Vineyards
The location at Horton Vineyards, which is about 15 miles northeast of Charlottesville, is breathtaking. The administrative center of the vineyard has elements of an old-world fortress. The home resembles something you could find in a European wine region when you consider that as well as its setting between lush vineyards and undulating hills. More than 50 different wines are available at Horton, which customers can sample by the glass, bottle, flight, or personalized tasting. You will get three 2-ounce pours if you select one of the various flight options. Choose the customized tasting, which lets you choose six wines to taste, for a wider selection. Be sure to sample one of Horton’s viognier selections while you’re there: The viognier grape was first brought into the central Virginia wine industry by founder Dennis Horton in the 1990s, and he is largely credited with igniting the viognier’s rise to become the state grape of Virginia.
Gordonsville, Virginia 22942; address: 6399 Spotswood Trail
Vineyards at Afton Mountain: Afton
One of Virginia’s oldest country wineries is located just 25 miles to the west of Charlottesville. Afton Mountain Vineyards has a long history of producing high-quality wine, with its first vines being planted in 1978. Nearly a dozen different varieties of Vitis vinifera grapes are presently grown on this site, which is owned by Elizabeth and Tony Smith, natives of Charlottesville. Visitors who are traveling in groups of six or fewer can sample five different wines during a self-guided tasting of Afton Mountain’s varietals. After selecting your favorite, enjoy the expansive views from a seat on the patio, lawn, or indoor glass pavilion while sipping on a glass and any of the light snacks that are offered for sale. The Afton Mountain Vineyards Guest House offers a tranquil retreat just steps from the tasting area, or choose one of the four pet-friendly cottages to take in the vineyard views.
In Afton, Virginia, 22920, at 234 Vineyard Lane.
Wineries in Charlottesville tours
There are more than 40 wineries close to Charlottesville, so visitors may wish to arrange a tour to see many without having to worry about driving between them. You can do just that thanks to the fantastic wine tours offered in Charlottesville. Wish Wish Wine Tours, one of the best Charlottesville winery tour options, offers a variety of predetermined routes to explore the nearby wineries, as well as the ability to completely customize your itinerary based on group size, the number of wineries you visit, the amount of time you spend at each, and other factors. Opt for the Virginia Private Custom Wine Tour from Charlottesville if you want to save money on a tour without compromising on quality. In a luxury Sedan with a knowledgeable guide, you will go to three or four wineries during your five-hour entirely private wine excursion.
The best option for bachelorette parties is Norm’s Executive Transportation, which uses more recent luxury vans that can carry up to 14 people on pre-planned or customized trips. Cville Hop On Tours offers customers the option to reserve personalized customized tours for single visitors who want to enjoy the excitement. You will have the choice to choose your stops after selecting one of its itineraries without worrying about a group. Blue Ridge Wine Excursions, Crozet Trolley Co., and Monticello Wine Tour and Coach Co. are some of the other top choices for winery tours in Charlottesville.