With more than 40 wineries to choose from in the Charlottesville area, the region offers award-winning wines, beautiful locations as well as unique tasting experiences, so it is difficult to choose the best wineries near Charlottesville VA. Even if you have been to the area before you will find that there are plenty more wineries to explore. Did you know that we have 6 wineries within a 15-minute drive or less from the inn? You can pick one or two, have a tour and a sample, then return for a nap if you prefer. If you want to visit several wineries, we suggest you hire a driver who is also familiar with the area so everyone in your party can enjoy the tastings.
The Charlottesville area was initially famous for wine-making because of Thomas Jefferson’s love of French wine and repeated attempts to grow European varietals at his estate of Monticello. Although he only successfully made Scuppernong wine from native grapes, currently, you will see many varieties of reds and whites being grown in the area.
Stinson Vineyards
4744 Sugar Hollow Rd, Crozet VA
Open Thu – Sun 11am – 5pm
Stinson Vineyards is a family-owned estate winery specializing in small-lot wines with a French influence. Although they produce some classic area wines like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Cabernet Franc, Stinson has several ancient grape varietals (Rkatsiteli, Tannat, and Mourvedre) that bring some distinct new flavor profiles to their wines. They are open for tastings Thursday – Sunday, with no reservations required.
The views at the vineyard are superb, and if you can plan it that way, come for one of their live music offerings.
Grace Estate Winery
5723 Mount Juliet Farm Rd, Crozet VA
Open Wed – Sun 11am – 5pm (Fri & Sat open until 8:30pm)
Grace Estate Winery encompasses 450 acres, with 50 acres dedicated to the farm and winery operation. The gorgeous estate building is the home for the Grace family but is also available for private events.
You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy. Currently, limited cheese and crackers are available with your flight tasting. The current wines offered by Grace are from plantings that originated 20 years ago. Reservations for tastings are required only for large groups.
Grace has three wine collections; Sheffield, Odo, and Alice. Each varietal has some lengthy family history attached. Along with several Chardonnays, there is a Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Some more unusual offerings include an Orange Wine, a Tannat, Ice Wine, and a Petit Manseng grape aged in Cognac barrels.
Knights Gambit Vineyard
218 Knole Farm Lane, Charlottesville VA
Open Thu – Sun. Thu 5 – 8pm, Fri 2 – 8pm, Sat Noon – 8pm, Sun Noon – 6pm
The Summers family has lived on the property for three generations, planting the vines and producing their wine in 2003. Knight’s Gambit Vineyard’s tasting room has been open since 2016.
Wines offered at KGV include Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Meritage, Petit Verdot, and a Rose. Food available at the tasting includes cheese, crackers, cured meats, and local chocolate. There are often food trucks onsite on dates when live music is scheduled. Feel free to bring a picnic, but no outside alcohol.
Meriwether Springs Vineyard and Brewery
1040 Owensville Rd, Charlottesville VA
Open Fri & Sat Noon – 8pm, Sun Noon – 6pm
Named after the famous explorer Meriwether Lewis, Meriwether Springs Vineyard and Brewery is the area’s first combination winery and brewery. Sitting on 40 acres, the property hosts an event center and has 5 acres of vineyards planted.
Meriwether serves four of its own wines: Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, and Rose. Their 5 craft beers are lighter ales and lagers. Meriwether features a music series and has made-to-order pizzas available.
White Hall Vineyards
5282 Sugar Ridge Rd, Crozet VA
Open Wed – Sun 11am – 5pm
White Hall Vineyards has expanded its vineyard acreage from 6 to over 48 acres since 1992. They describe their wine-making style as “fruit forward and faithful to the terroir.”
Their wines include Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and a Rose that is a Chambourcin/Petit Verdot mix.
Glass House Winery
5898 Free Union Rd, Free Union VA
Open Wed, Thu, Sun Noon – 5:30pm, Fri Noon – 9pm, Sat Noon – 8pm
Unique Glass House Winery reflects the passions of its creators, which include tropical plants and chocolate. Both are visible, the plants in the large conservatory/tasting room and chocolates hand-made in-house by a chocolatier. Recently sold, the new owner hopes to continue the traditions begun at Glass House.
The available estate-grown wines are Pinot Gris, Petit Manseng, Barbera Rose, two Chambourcins, and a Red Blend. Look for music on the weekends, sometimes with an accompanying food truck.
As you can see, there is quite a variety in style among the wineries near Charlottesville, VA. Many have live music on the weekends. Because some of their food offerings are limited, you may consider adding our picnic lunch before heading out for your adventure. A wine tasting is only one activity available when you book your getaway with us. Charlottesville has so much more to offer at all times of the year, including hikes, museums, visits to historical sites, and shopping. Just ask us; we would love to help you plan the perfect day!
