A few weeks ago I visited my friend Alicia and her boyfriend Tom in Charlottesville, VA. We had a great time eating our way through town and they also took me winery hopping. Virginia Wine Country is so beautiful and they have some pretty amazing wines. I visited on the perfect weekend since the leaves had just turned and there was the most beautiful fall foliage.
Today I’m sharing my favorite wineries in Charlottesville, VA. Get ready to drink some good wine and enjoy the gorgeous views!
The Best Wineries in Charlottesville, VA
Gabriele Rausse
I fell in love with this beautiful winery and the property it’s located. You can find this cozy house in the woods with floor-to-ceiling windows. They also had a friendly, adorable pup outside to greet you! They’re only open for tastings three days a week; Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Friday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.. While you’re there take advantage of the food and wine pairings – YUM!
Early Mountain Winery
When I’m in Charlottesville I always go to Early Mountain Winery. They have a beautiful tasting room and outdoor space. I could sit there and sip wine for hours! Their Cabernet Franc and Rosé are superb and worth getting a bottle to take home. On weekends, reservations are recommended and available for Tasting Room, Patio, and Back Lawn seating. RESERVE HERE.
Mount Ida Farm
This was the perfect place to escape from the rain and cozy up next to a huge stone fireplace. Mount Ida has the most beautiful grounds, and I love any place that has big fireplaces and couches to relax in. The wine flight and snacks were really yummy too! Their winter hours are Monday – Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., bar + weekday snack menu and Friday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m., bar + kitchen offerings
Stinson Vineyards
One of the best reds of my wine tour was at Stinson Vineyards. Their wines have a French influence and the staff was so friendly and knowledgeable. The view also was perfection. Look at that fall foliage! Tasting Room hours are Thursday through Sunday for outdoor seating. Check more of their hours here and make a reservation to stop by!
King Family Winery
Definitely, the busiest winery we visited (it was a Saturday), King had a killer view of the polo field and was dog-friendly! Reservations are not required to visit and guests are welcome anytime during business hours to enjoy wine tasting flights or wine by the glass or bottle. All of the indoor and outdoor seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. I would also bring a blanket and picnic lunch, the lawn is perfect for it!
Afton Mountain Vineyards
Another gorgeous property was Afton, you can stay there and enjoy their amazing wines. This property was busy on a Saturday but not as busy as King. We grabbed sandwiches and snacks on our way there and enjoyed lunch with our wine! They’re currently open Thursday – Sunday from 11 a.m. -5 p.m. The patio, lawn and Pavilion are available on a first come, first serve basis. Masks will be required to be worn any time you are not seated at your table. No parties of more than 6 please.
All photos by Tom McGovern
Have you ever been to Charlottesville? What are your favorite wineries in the area? Share with me in a comment below!
You two are adorable! Those views are gorgeous!
What beautiful spots! These all sound so awesome – I’d love to visit sometime!
How cute are you!?! I need a girls wine weekend sometime soon! This looks so fun!
OH MY GOSH! This looks like an absolute blast. I’m always so jealous of how close Alicia lives to all of these wineries – makes for a fun weekend!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
This seems like such a fun trip! I absolutely love this idea for a girls weekend!
ooh these wineries look fab!
How fun is this! I love going to wineries!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Wow these wineries look amazing!
Aw I’m so glad you got to visit Alicia and tour the Charlottesville wineries. Aren’t they great? I’m so lucky to live only an hour away from some of the best vineyards on the East Coast! You got to check out a few of my favorites, but you also visited some that I haven’t explored yet. I can’t wait to continue putting together my master list of Cville wineries haha!
Haven’t been to a winery since before the pandemic started…this one sounds awesome! xoxo, Sarah
These are such gorgeous wineries! Looks like such a perfect option for a girls trip!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
yessss these are some of my favorites too!! you’ve got to get out to Blenheim next time! It is just a few miles down the road from Gabriel Rausse – in between there and Mount Ida.
xx reb // thecrystalpress.com
Well, I’m sold. Just saying wine as enough haha. But seriously, these places are gorgeous! I used to live not too far from that area and never knew they existed!
Denise| Denise Marie
It looks like y’all had such a great time!
I am so ready for a wine tasting weekend! These wineries sound (and look!) perfect to take in a good wine and relax. Thanks for sharing these!
Sounds so fun! I’ve never been! But now I’m itching to visit some wineries near me soon!
Xo, Steph
Great guide! I’ve never been to Charlottesville but have heard great things about their wineries!