Charlottesville Welcome Book Summer 2013

Vineyard Tours & Tastings

Thomas Jefferson dreamt that Virginia wines would one day be plentiful and held in high regard, and today’s local vintners have accomplished just that by producing award-winning wines. The Monticello Viticultural Area encompasses more than half of Virginia’s wine country and contains over 1,000 acres of vineyards. Now the fifth largest wine-producing state in the country, Virginia has received both national and international acclaim for its wines, with more than 50 local vineyards offer wine tastings from the lightest pinot grigio to the deepest merlot. Be sure to visit the following vineyards on your next trip to Charlottesville.

Cooper Vineyards

Experience world-class wines in an exquisite, rural setting with vineyard views from the new tasting room and large deck. Producer of award-winning Virginia Norton, Viognier, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay as well as our famous chocolate dessert wine, Noche. New LEED Platinum Certified Tasting Room opened early 2011 - a "first in Virginia!" Order tickets to our events and wines online. We ship.


DelFosse Vineyards & Winery

Nestled in a quiet valley at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, DelFosse Vineyards & Winery invites you to come explore. A brief 30-minute drive from Charlottesville will lead you to our scenic location where you can experience the solitude of the Virginia countryside. We offer a variety of activities and events for your enjoyment. Tour the vineyard, one of the only terraced vineyards in the state. Taste our unique variety of wines, ranging from Merlot to Petit Mensang. Bring the family and enjoy a calm picnic by the lake or make reservations for one of our wonderful events!


DuCard Vineyards

Our gorgeous new tasting room and winery is nestled at the eastern edge of Shenandoah National Park, in the shadow of Old Rag Mountain and White Oak Canyon. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon taking in the scenery from our mountain-view and streamside patios. We are Virginia's first solar powered winery with many other eco-friendly features - including a selection of locally produced foods available to accompany our wines. Our Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Norton wines have previously been available only through our website, but we are now open to the public Friday through Sunday plus Monday holidays, 11am-6pm.


Early Mountain Vineyards

Early Mountain Vineyards, part of the Monticello Wine Trail, is located off of Route 29. Owners Jean and Steve Case, former America Online (AOL) executives, believe that Virginia has the potential to compete with the world's best wine regions. Early Mountain features estate-grown wines as well as a selection of celebrated Virginia wines from award-winning wineries across the state, and offers a range of “eat local” offerings from surrounding farms. With its warm and inviting tasting room, great outdoor spaces, breathtaking views and welcoming spirit, guests will come to Early Mountain for the wines, and stay for the experience.


Horton Vineyards

Horton Vineyards, located in Orange County, Virginia, is one of the most innovative wineries in the country. Utilizing the latest viticultural techniques, Horton is charting a new generation of wines made from Viognier, the premier grape of France's Rhone Valley, and other premium varieties from southern France, Portugal, Spain, Russia/Georgia and Italy. Visitors are invited to come explore these distinctive wines in Horton's magnificent stone winery, open daily for wine tasting from 10am to 5pm. When you visit, remember to taste the Blanco Xoco, the white wine with chocolate essence.


Keswick Vineyards

Keswick Vineyards is a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery located on the historical Edgewood Estates, just minutes from Charlottesville. Our focus remains on creating small lots of handcrafted, award-winning wines. Visit our tasting room in a quaint country setting to learn more about wine making in Virginia from our friendly and knowledgeable staff while you enjoy the fruits of our labor of love. Our tasting room is open every day (except major holidays) from 9am-5pm, and the tasting fee is waived with the purchase of three bottles.


Market Street Wineshops

Market Street Wineshops are the area's best source for wine, beers, meads and other exquisite beverages to suit any palate. Located adjacent to the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville and across from Fashion Square Mall on Route 29/Semiole Trail, Market Street offers weekly specials, tastings and the expertise to help you find the right beverage at the right price. At Market Street Wineshops, we delight in matching your tastes to the right wine, as pairing wines with people is as important as pairing with foods. Come visit Market Street today, and begin your wine journey with us!


Thistle Gate Vineyard

Our family-owned and tended vineyard is located in Fluvanna County near historic Scottsville. We are dedicated to growing high quality grapes and producing premier wines. Our wines are handcrafted using traditional techniques and aged to maturity in French and American Oak. From the Cushnie Family to you, Ciad Mile Failte (a hundred thousand welcomes)!


Wisdom Oak Winery

Wisdom Oak Winery is a boutique vineyard and winery in the heart of Thomas Jefferson's beloved Monticello, just minutes away from downtown Charlottesville. Residing on a breathtaking estate, Wisdom Oak Winery has evolved into the premier destination for rest and relaxation at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The winery also hosts private events, winemaking classes, tastings and tours. Wisdom Oak is home to the double-gold award-winning Petit Verdot and the only Virginia wine served at the White House and at the 2013 Inaugural Ball.