Monticello Winery Trail – Exploring Near Charlottesville
Whether you are a wine aficionado or a wine novice, a winery weekend in Charlottesville Virginia wine regions is a beautiful way to enjoy new wines and learn more about this less well-known region. Virginia is not well-known as a wine producer, but this region has a lot to offer. Little to most people know that Virginia is the 5th largest producer of wine in the country. There are more than 4,000 acres of planted vineyards and over 300 wineries that produce wines. The state has productions of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
History and Background of Virginia Wines
Virginia refers to itself as the “Birthplace of Wine in America”. With a region also steeped in American History, learning the beginning of American wines makes this visit unique. When colonists settled into Jamestown, they quickly prioritized grapes among their farms. During a tour of Monticello, you learn the importance of wine for Thomas Jefferson. He set aside part of his estate to plant a vineyard, although he never produced any wine of his own. Over the next 150 years, you will see the growth of this region and the recognition of this state as a producer of excellent wine.
Image from Virginiawineguide.net
American Viticulture
Areas in Virginia
There are several wine areas in Virginia, often called AVAs or American Viticulture Areas. Here is a map that shows the Virginia area
Understanding the AVA map is not important, but I always find it interesting to understand growing conditions and which conditions support what grapes. For an explanation of this should you be interested, please see the following article from VirginiaWineGuide.net
This article focuses on the Monticello region as our itinerary allowed. The following are our experiences and by no means an exhaustive list, but more the wineries we visited. We will definitely go back and hope to add to the post as we visit more wineries.
Wineries Near Charlottesville We Loved
Glass House Winery – A beautiful location with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. The conservatory room is a greenhouse like room surrounded by plants with a outdoor feel. They have many wines to chose from and offer tastings in both the red and white flights. They offer some wine from lesser known grapes such as tannat, chambourcin, and barbera. Much of their wine is estate grown.
Michael Schaps Wineworks – Michael Schaps owns a winery in Virginia as well as in Burgundy France. He brings his experience from France to create amazing wines with his label and other wineries through the state. At the tasting room you can sample both the Virginia as well as the Burgundy wines. We enjoyed all of the wines, but enjoyed the stories even better.
What a view at Pippin Hill Farm
Pippin Hill – One of the best views in the valley. Their property is gorgeous and they encourage you to drop by and enjoy their views and wines. They have a restaurant and tasting room where you can enjoy a flight, glass or bottle. Reservations are required for the restaurant and other seated areas. They are open 7 days a week and it can be very crowded so suggest going in off schedule times. They have a large variety of wines with red, white, rose and sparkling. We enjoyed a white flight and was particular fond of the Viognier.
Veritas Vineyard – Veritas is very well known for their locally grown wines and a tasting room and restaurant that is a special as their wine. We tasted their flights and decided on a glass of merlot. Their wines are very complex and should be a winner for any wine lover.
Flying Fox Vineyard – Affiliated with the family of Veritas Vineyard we loved this stop. Great wine and a very comfortable atmosphere. They produce small productions of wine that is unique and captures a creative spirit in winemaking
Valley Road Vineyards – Another great view of the Blue Ridge Mountains west of Charlottesville. They offer flights, glasses and bottles. The red flight was very good, but not necessarily our favorites in the region. We did enjoy the sparkling wines.
King Family Vineyards – A huge and beautiful property that offers polo on Sundays. We did not try a polo match as we are not into crowds, but if you are looking for some unique experience what a treat. The in house staff was extremely helpful and insightful. A nice touch was YouTube videos on each of the wines to help explain your tasting. We enjoyed the red flight and would definitely come back
Other Wineries on our To Do List for next trip!
We always pace ourselves and leave wanting more. The following wineries were on our list of referrals and wineries with award winning wine.
- Afton Mountain Wines
- Septenary Winery at Seven Oaks
- Thatch Winery
- Blenheim Vineyards
- Jefferson Vineyards
- Barboursville Vineyards
And don’t let us limit you. Check out this list of all the wineries in the area. Pick a new favorite and let me know. I can add it to my list.
Stay at a Winery!
Glass House Winery – A great winery with plenty of seating and scenery. The wines were some of the best we had while we were in the area. The bed and breakfast has 3 rooms downstairs and a 2 bedroom suite upstairs. The decor is fun with lots of large ceramic animals including monkeys hanging from the ceiling. There is a pool and hot tub as well.
Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast – a property very close to downtown Charlottesville with great views of the vineyard. A glass of wine on check-in and plenty of places to sit outside and enjoy the scenery.
The Farmhouse at Veritas Vineyard and Winery – Another favorite winery during our visit. The Farmhouse offers luxurious rooms in a historic home with great service and food options. A great location near Charlottesville, but also plenty of food options on property
Stinson Vineyards – In addition to great wines, offers a bed and breakfast with 4 king rooms with modern features. There is an outdoor pool in season and a gourmet breakfast in the morning. Lots of amenities for your stay.
Afton Mountain Vineyards – A winery east of Charlottesville near Wintergreen Resort offering vineyard cottages. There is a w bedroom owners cottage and 4 1 bedroom cottages.
Meriwether Springs Vineyard – The beautiful property with lakes and lots of lands has a 4 bedroom 3 bathroom house that sleeps up to 14. The house must be rented by one party and not available on a perform basis.
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