Charlottesville is full of history, culture andvino. This beautiful area of Virginia is home to dozens of vineyards. And while they have many similarities - beautiful views, delicious wines, fun tasting rooms - we definitely have our favorites.
Here are the best wineries near Charlottesville.
🍷 Do you just want the highlights? Our two favorites are Veritas and Keswick for beautiful views and fun tastings with wine tastings and snacks. If you really like the wine itself, the best wines come from Jefferson Vineyards and Stinson. 🍷
Quick Tips for Planning Your Trip to Virginia Wine Country
- book reservationsin advance about which wineries you would like to visit, or call to ensure they are not required.
- Check opening hours! Many of these Virginia wineries are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays.
- Use oMonticello wine route route generatorto help you plan your trip.
- If you don't want to drive,organize a bus tour. Many of them will take your group on a pre-set route, or you can tell them exactly where you want to go.
- Consult the calendar of the Monticello Wine Route. This resource is packed with information about upcoming events like wine tastings and vineyard tours, as well as detailed descriptions of each participating winery.
- If you want to take a winery tour, check before you go. Some vineyards offer them, but many do not.
Ready to explore more wine destinations in our community? Here they areThe Best Vineyards in ALL of Virginiait's himVirginia's Best Breweries.
1. King Family Vineyard
King Family Vineyards produces a variety of red and white wines and has an on-site tasting room and gift shop.
King Family Vineyards is located in beautiful Crozet, just outside Charlottesville. They produce wines from several types of grapes, including Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Wines are available for purchase at the vineyard and at select retailers across the country.
The King Family also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances and wine tastings.
2. Blenheim Vineyards
Blenheim is one of Charlottesville's most iconic wineries. It was started in 2000 by Dave Matthews and his brother-in-law, Steve Reeder.
The vineyard grows 14 different types of grapes and produces a range of red, white and sparkling wines.
They currently require reservations for the tasting room but allow outdoor entry. Wine lovers will appreciate the variety (eight wines in the tasting!). We love its sunny, informal patio that offers expansive views of the vineyard and mountains in the distance.
Buy wine online or at the vineyard.
3. Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards
Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards is a popular vineyard in Charlottesville, Virginia. It has a beautiful terrace overlooking the property, which is peaceful and serene. This makes it the perfect place to relax or take pictures.
They have one of the best tasting rooms in the area because you can pair your wine with delicious food.
But our favorite spot here is the beautiful covered patio overlooking the Blue Ridge foothills and fields of wildflowers. Simply an amazing and beautiful place.
4. Veritas Vineyard
Veritas Vineyards is a winery located in Charlottesville, Virginia. Offers indoor and outdoor seating, plus wine tastings and guided tours.
If you're looking for good wine and beautiful views, Veritas is the place to be. The wines are delicious and the scenery is impressive. You won't regret stopping by this vineyard on your next trip to Charlottesville.
They offer a reserve tasting of their best wines for $25, and it's a bargain. For an additional fee, you can take a seat by the fire, where you have a beautiful view of the surrounding hills.
Here are many places to enjoy their award-winning wines: the lawn, a patio, indoor lounges and more.
5. Jefferson Vineyards
Jefferson Vineyards has been in the same family for three generations and is a great tribute to the Jefferson legacy as the care they put into producing their wines has earned them many awards over the years.
Jefferson Vineyards is one of the most acclaimed wineries in the Charlottesville area. Wine Spectator magazine even recognized that the vineyard has “one of the most consistent records in the region”. Some other varietals you'll find at Jefferson Vineyards include Chardonnay, Riesling, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Manseng, among others.
This is a smaller venue than most of the wineries on this list, but don't be fooled. This is one of the best wine producers in the region.
6. Gabriele Rausse
Gabriele Rausse is a Virginia-based winery that features modern and quirky vibes. The winery offers a variety of wine tastings, events and tours. They are tucked away in the woods and have a very relaxed atmosphere.
Gabriele Rausse is a great place to go if you're looking for something fun and different. They have some unique wine flavors that you won't find at other vineyards in the area, so be sure to give them a try. If you like sparkling wine, you'll love this here.
Take a look at their website here.
7. Keswick Vineyards
Keswick Vineyards is a vineyard and winery located in Keswick, Virginia. The vineyard was founded in 2000 by the Marshall family, who still own and operate it today. The Marshall family strongly believes in minimal interventionism when it comes to winemaking - they feel that the less that is done, the more natural the wine will be. As a result, most of their wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts and they don't filter their red wines. This allows you to appreciate the full flavor profile of the wine.
Keswick Vineyards is one of the best wineries near Charlottesville, Virginia. The vineyard has a beautiful tasting room and retail store where you can purchase their wines. You can also buy your wine online.
The tasting room is open daily and lets you choose your four favorite wines.
8. First mountain vineyards
Early Mountain Vineyards is a winery located in Charlottesville, VA. It offers a beautiful view of the mountains and has won numerous awards for its wine. The wine tasting room is nestled in a meadow with panoramic views of the mountains and was voted one of the most picturesque wineries in America.
Early Mountain has been praised by top chefs and journalists for the quality of its wines. Some of its most famous wines include a Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Franc.
The tasting room is bright and beautiful and the staff is very friendly and unpretentious. If you're new to wine, this place is probably your favorite.
Take a look at their website here.
9. Property Bodega Grace
Grace Estate Winery is located in Crozet, Virginia, one of our favorite spots. The patio has great views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In winter, guests can book an outdoor fire pit or warm up inside by the fireplace.
Grace Estate Winery is a family owned winery that has been in business for over 10 years. The winery grows all of its own grapes on the property and produces wines of over 15 different varietals.
They have a beautiful tasting room with high ceilings and lots of natural light.
They are open Wednesday through Sunday and welcome for alfresco dining.
Visit them online for more information.
10. Bodega Trump
Trump Winery is a 3,000-acre vineyard and winery located in Charlottesville, Virginia. The vineyard was founded in 2011 by Donald Trump and his son, Eric Trump.
The winery produces a variety of red, white and sparkling wines. They also offer wine tastings, events, private tours and weddings.
Regardless of what you think of the owner, this is a beautiful property with incredible views, delicious European-style wines and impeccable service.
They are closed on Tuesdays.
11. Straw cellar
Thatch Winery offers cozy tasting rooms in a blend of old-time French and Virginia countryside. This is the only winery in the United States with an authentic thatched roof.
This family business started as a small wine operation and has now grown to include a 12,000 square foot production facility. The vineyard sits on 30 acres of land with incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Its tasting room is quaint and charming, and its wines are top notch. They have live music every Sunday and are open Thursday through Monday.
Visit the Thatch Winery website here.
12. Stinson Vineyards
Stinson Vineyards specializes in small-batch wines from classic French varietals such as Tannat, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.
The winery has received numerous awards, including three medals at the San Francisco World Wine Competition (including Best Zinfandel in 2004 and 2009), as well as a gold medal at the International Wine & Food Classic in 2008./
The vineyards are family owned and operated, and the wine is made using traditional methods. The tasting room is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 12:00 to 17:00.
13. Barboursville Vineyards
Barboursville Vineyards was founded in 1976 by Gianni Zonin, one of Italy's most respected winemakers. The vineyard is situated on 1,300 acres of land in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on an 18th century estate.
The vineyard has won numerous awards for its wines and is one of the largest and most beautiful wineries in Charlottesville.
They have a delicious restaurant that serves lunch and dinner and celebrates pairings with their wines.
The tasting room is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and the restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday.
Visit the Barboursville Vineyards website here.
Wineries Near Charlottesville: When to Visit?
- Some wineries are open year-round, but the busiest time is usually April through October.
- Check winery websites for specific dates and hours of operation, as they may vary seasonally.
- Wineries in the Charlottesville area are located close to each other, making it easy to visit several in one day if you wish.
There are a number of wineries near Charlottesville, VA that offer distinctive wines and experiences. Each of these wineries offers a unique experience and produces wines of different styles. Whether you're looking for a place to relax with friends or want to learn more about the winemaking process, these vineyards have something for everyone. Plan a visit today and explore all that these charming wineries have to offer!