The Best Wineries in Charlottesville, Virginia

With a storied history and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains Charlottesville, Virginia has plenty to offer visitors but with over 30 wineries (and growing) in the Monticello Wine Trail Charlottesville has become a haven for oenophiles. Ever since the days of Thomas Jefferson (who has been quoted as saying “Good wine is a necessity of life for me.”) the bucolic countryside around Charlottesville has inspired wine makers and today it’s one of the top wine destinations in the country. From small family vineyards to celebrated estates these are some of the best wineries in Charlottesville.

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I haven’t yet been to all of the wineries near Charlottesville but I look forward to visiting more and finding new favorites to add to this list. I have personally visited each of these wineries (some multiple times) and highly recommend each one. If your favorite winery isn’t on this list please share with me in the comments so I can make sure to go check it out!

Early Mountain Vineyards

With the mountains of Shenandoah National Park as a backdrop Early Mountain has stunning views to go along with their celebrated list of wines. Voted the best tasting room by USA today and lauded by notable chefs like Jose Andres Early Mountain takes pride in nurturing Bordeaux style grapes like Merlot and Cabernet Franc to their fullest Virginia expression. Grab a bottle of their rose or Foothills red and enjoy the views from their meadow; or for a special experience make reservations for the Elevation Tasting, featuring a tasting of five wines that may include a pre-release wine or a library selection along with some curated appetizers.

Barboursville Vineyards

Producing wine since 1976 Barboursville is one of the standard bearers for Virginia wine. If you like a side of history with your wine be sure to check out the Landmark Ruins, the 18th century home of James Barbour (the original owner of this property) who served a term as Virginia governor and whose connection to Thomas Jefferson is evident in the building’s architecture. Sample from their extensive roster with a tasting in the Library 1821 (the Octogon, a Bordeaux blend, is not to be missed. I’m also a fan of their Nebbiolo) or extend your experience with a stay at the 1804 Inn and Cottages.

Blenheim Winery

If approachable and laid back is more your vibe then Blenheim is your kind of winery. Owned by Dave Matthews (of Dave Matthews Band fame) Blenheim Winery aims to create wines that are easy to drink and affordable. Whether you enjoy your wine inside their A frame timbered tasting room or outside with sweeping views of the Piedmont be sure to grab a bottle from Blenheim’s On The Line Series, featuring label art from Dave Matthews himself and proceeds supporting World Central Kitchen. 

Gabriele Rausse

Tucked away in the woods the small modern tasting room at Gabriele Rausse Winery feels like a bit of a secret but one definitely worth seeking. I have a habit of asking winery staff what other wineries in the area they would recommend and Gabriele Rausse has been recommended every single time I’ve asked. Gabriele Rausse helped launch Barboursville and has served as a consultant for multiple wineries in the Charlottesville area. Gabriele channels his expertise into making truly excellent wines including their Baer Ridge Cabernet Franc Reserve or crisp Roussanne.

Thatch Winery

Thatch Winery’s cozy tasting room is equal parts old world France and Virginia countryside. The only winery in the United States with a custom thatched roof Thatch Winery exudes a Provençale feel while intimate seating in their garden invite you to gather with friends and a glass of wine. Order a wine flight to find your favorites, but be sure to try their award winning Tannat.

Keswick Vineyards

Keswick Vineyards feels like going to your best friend’s house, if your best friend had a bucolic estate and just so happened to make really good wine. With the rolling hills of Virginia’s Piedmont as providing an idyllic setting for grapes winemaker Stephan Barnard aims to coax to best from Keswick’s vines. Chat all things wine with the friendly and knowledgeable winery staff (or quite likely Barnard himself) while sipping Keswick’s Trevillian Red ( a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot).

Pippin Hill

With their rustic chic tasting room and beautiful mountain views it’s no wonder Pippin Hill is one of the more popular wineries near Charlottesville. Grab a few of your friends and a bottle of Pippin Hill’s sparkling rose or petit verdot for a casually elegant afternoon or pair your wine with curated small plates at it’s restaurant. Along with serving farm to table fare at it’s restaurant Pippin Hill also hosts cooking classes.

Pollak Vineyards

One of a number of vineyards along Route 151 between Crozet and Wintergreen Pollak is a small family owned winery producing excellent French style wines. Pollak’s Durant Red is an easy drinking blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot while their Viognier is a classic expression of Virginia terrior.

Veritas

For a winery that is equal parts casual and elegant make a visit to Veritas Winery is a must. Following Roman historian Pliny the Elder’s observation “In Vino Veritas”(In Wine there is Truth) winemaker Emily Hodson allows the beauty of the land to come through in her wines. Whether you enjoy a glass on the meadow or do a reserve tasting led by one of the wine educators at Veritas their viognier is a perennial favorite as is their award winning petit verdot. For a truly special experience reserve an outdoor table at the Farmhouse at Veritas for a gourmet four course wine paired dinner set among the vines.

King Family Vineyard

Near Charlottesville you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to wineries with stunning views and King Family Vineyard may just have one of the best. This pastoral winery in Crozet has something for everyone from their easy sipping Crose to experimental small batch wines like their Viognier fermented with skins resulting in a complex orange tinted wine. Unique among Virginia wineries is the polo club at King Family Vineyard with matches free and open to the public each Sunday between Memorial Day and mid-October.

Afton Mountain Vineyard

Afton Mountain Vineyard proclaims that “Grapes don’t grow in ugly places” and the view from their perch in the Blue Ridge Mountains certainly proves that true. Another stop on route 151 Afton Mountain is perfectly situated for a day of winery exploration. Their Bacco ( a blend of of Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese) is a beautifully rounded red with a hint of oak while their Bollicine is is crisp and effervescent.

Where to Stay in Charlottesville

Want to stay at a winery? You’re in luck! Several of the wineries I’ve mentioned have inns or vacation rentals for the complete Virginia wine country experience. Charlottesville also has a lot of great hotels and vacation homes to suite every taste and budget.

1804 Inn of Barboursville

The Farmhouse at Veritas

Afton Mountain Vineyard Cottages

The Clifton Inn (read my review)

The Dinsmore House B&B (read my review)

If you like this post be sure to look at some of my other articles!

Discovering Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

The Best Wine Regions in the United States to Check Out Right Now

Arts and Eats – The Best Things to Do in Richmond, Virginia

Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail

Fun and Unique Things to Do in the Finger Lakes