Location: Charlottesville
Top Things to do in Charlottesville
What to do and see in Charlottesville, Virginia (VA): The Best Wineries & Vineyards
The former home of three of America's founding fathers, and the current home of the University of Virginia, the city of Charlottesville, Virginia is suffused with an appreciation of history and intellectual vigor. Take a tour of the university campus and walk through grassy malls and grand buildings designed by Thomas Jefferson, or peak into the dorm room once occupied by Edgar Allen Poe. The great homes of America's early presidents, Monroe, Jefferson and Madison, are also open to the public.
Restaurants in Charlottesville
1. Thatch Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Formerly First Colony, Thatch Winery is a boutique winery located 10 miles from downtown Charlottesville offering superior wines in a rustic yet modern 5000 square-foot tasting room. Thatch is the only winery in the country with a custom Thatched-roof, which was installed and topped off in 2015. The property features rolling hills, stunning sunsets, manicured gardens, patios, a renovated loft complete with games, two fireplaces and a total of three tasting bars. The venue is available for special events such as weddings, corporate outings, fraternity and sorority events and more. Great wine takes time. Enjoy the journey at Thatch Winery.
Reviewed By LHig2014 - Crozet, United States
This was our first trip to Thatch and we will definitely return. Due to COVID restrictions, we did have a bit of a wait for an outdoor table, but it was worth the wait. They offer several different flights for tastings and we decided on the Fundamentals flight. Their Rose was amazing! We also purchased a bottle of their House White and it was absolutely perfect for a warm, sunny, fall day. We cannot wait to go back with friends and family!
2. Knight's Gambit Vineyard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Knight's Gambit Vineyard is a family run business that was established in 2003 and is over five acres of Petit Verdot, Pinot Grigio, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Our Tasting Room is located in the Monticello AVA on a rolling hillside facing the Blue Ridge Mountains near Charlottesville, Virginia. We have six estate wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Rosé, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Meritage.
Reviewed By mcpriceNewYork
Chose this winery for a visit based on reviews and that there was wine for purchase, live music, a food truck and plenty of space to enjoy it all. It was the highlight of our trip. Laid back atmosphere, gorgeous views and delicious wine. We picked out a picnic spot and though there were quite a few people, there is enough space that everyone can stay apart and still be close to the music. Got a bottle of wine and ordered from the food truck (which was excellent). It was a lovely evening and the music was a great addition. Bathrooms are clean and easily accessed. Would definitely recommend, esp when they have this type of event.
3. Potter's Craft Cider
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Our Cider Garden location is located inside The Bridge PAI, a non-profit art organization, located in Belmont, south of downtown Charlottesville. The Cider Garden is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with outside seating options. We offer tasting flights, glass pours, bottle sales and growler fills.
4. Potter's Craft Cider Tasting Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Offering outdoor live music every Thursday - Sunday! Find food trucks and music details on out events page. Outside food is welcome. Curbside pickup available every weekend, and Charlottesville/RVA deliveries available weekly. Housed within the soaring stone walls of Neve Hall, Potter's tasting room is every bit as visually stunning as it is comfortable and accessible. Centrally located just three miles south of Charlottesville on Route 29, you'll find plenty of the good stuff once you arrive: abundant parking, light-filled interiors, expansive grounds, cozy fireplaces, and of course, so. much. cider. Settle in and try a variety of our unique, always-dry ciders—order draft ciders by the glass, or choose as many bottles, cans, crowlers, and growlers as you can carry. So whether you're new to us or a familiar friend, we invite you to come explore with all your senses and be inspired by the simple magic in coming together to share a good thing.
Reviewed By jaggertravel - Cary, United States
we spent two full days touring popular wineries around Charlottesville, tasting flights, and they were all good, but on the 3rd day we desired a longer drink than flights and found Potter's Craft Cider at 1350 Arrowhead Valley Rd (not the downtown venue). The facility is charming, the grounds great, and very well-spaced, and most of all, the cider. It might not have the views of some of the wineries, but the various flavors of cider more than compensate. I particularly recommend the grapefruit flavor and the ginger flavor varieties
5. Jefferson Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 413 reviews
In 1774 Thomas Jefferson and Filippo Mazzei created Virginia's first commercial wine company and vineyard on our estate. Four decades ago, we introduced quality modern viticulture to Virginia. Our wines range from delicate and refreshing, to elegant, full-bodied and rich. We are one of the highest awarded Virginia wineries for Viognier (the state grape). In 2001 we bottled one of Virginia's first Petit Verdot varietals. We continue extensive experimentation with these two varietals, skin fermented white wines and a range of small batch estate reserve wines that reflect the best of our Virginia terroir. We are located 1 mile from Monticello and Jame's Monroe's Highland Estate.
Reviewed By phelpsusa - Orlando, United States
Great wine, great vineyard, great views, great outdoor seating, great people, great toilets, het there when they open at 11am if you want a good seat since its first come, first serve.
6. Blenheim Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 357 reviews
Our outdoor areas are open Friday - Sunday from 11:00am - 5:30pm by reservation only, offering flights, glasses, and bottles of our hand-crafted Virginia wines. Reservations can be made on website
Reviewed By LakeGenevaTraveller - Lake Geneva, United States
The Blenhein Vineyards is owned by Dave Mathews of the Dave Mathews Band and is run by women - including the wine maker. Situated near to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, it has beautiful views of the Shenandoah Valley and overlooks its vineyards. The floor is glass so you can see the winery on the floor below. Their wines are excellent and estate grown. We particularly like the whites but their Cabernet Sauvignon is quite good too. We were in the area to attend the Montpelier Steeple Chase November 2nd which we highly recommend as a premier, upscale tailgating event so we visited wineries int the area and this was our favorite.
7. Trump Winery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 842 reviews
Featuring over 1,300 acres of breathtaking scenery, Trump Winery is situated in the heart of the Monticello Wine Trail. Just a few miles from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Trump Winery follows Jefferson’s footsteps in making new world wines inspired by the French wine regions of Bordeaux and Champagne. With a deep sense of place, Trump Winery ties together terroir and innovation, boasting nearly 200 acres of vines, large lakes, and rolling Blue Ridge views. We know that any visit to Trump Winery will be a treasured experience.
Reviewed By Celeste0522 - Williamsburg, United States
Fun to visit Trump Winery while in midst of Charlottesville History Trip. The Tasting Room is in an adorable small building with a giant tent attached where you can sit while eating lunch or just look out over the countryside. There are Adirondack chairs grouped on the side lawn where visitors can sit, relax, enjoy the view of the hillside & Albemarle Estate nearby & enjoy a glass of wine or 2. Many fun Trump stuff for sale, shirts, sweatshirts, baseball caps, wine glasses, truffles & all the Trump wines. Since this is a Tasting Room, many visitors were crowded around the “bar,” however, it was not very large & several of us were totally ignored by staff as we stood waiting for a very significant time. I gave up on the tasting plan, bought 2 bottles of wine, & as I paid my bill (was never asked if I was interested in a tasting), I asked how their tasting worked. My young staff woman stated that a tasting of 4 wines is $12 & it includes a wine glass. I was given a paper with the tasting plans & wine choices. When I arrived home, I read the paper in detail & noted at the bottom that there is a discount on 12, 6, & 3 bottles of wine. I bought 2 bottles & my staff person never suggested I could receive a discount with 3 (staff at The Pottery in Williamsburg even do this). So, as lovely as the place was, & as friendly as many of the guests were that I met, I felt very disappointed. Plus, the 2 toilet paper holders in stall #2 in the Women’s Room were broken. I really do not think Mr. Trump would have been happy with all this. I may write to Eric Trump, President of the Winery, & share my thoughts. I am happy that I was able to visit, but no guest should feel let down in any Trump establishment.
8. Virginia Wineworks
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 40 reviews
Located just south of Charlottesville, Virginia, Michael Shaps Wineworks is Virginia's first and largest custom contract winemaking operation. Known for his innovation in the industry, Michael Shaps introduced the "bag in a box" to Virginia wine consumers and most recently introduced a refillable wine growler. Michael is the winner of more Gold medals in the 2015 Virginia Governor's Cup wine competition than any other Virginia winery, and has been featured in numerous national publications. In addition to the Virginia winery, Michael owns a winery in Burgundy, France and imports these wines to the United States. Guests are welcome to taste the Virginia wines or the Burgundy wines.
Reviewed By U6953WBjeffreyh - Washington DC, United States
We have been to Michael Shaps winery a few times. It never disappoints and has great wine. We joined the wine club. They have several choices including French wine from Maison Shaps. The most recent visit was just after harvesting and the tasting was under a big top tent. Jack was extremely helpful and made our visit great! Later that evening, closer to Charlottesville, we stopped at Winewords Extended. The Extended location has wine on tap and other wines available. Our visit to Extended was fantastic and had a great Gamay wine from the tap. Kevin was very helpful and knowledgeable about wine and Michael Shaps winery.
9. Gabriele Rausse Winery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By U6953WBjeffreyh - Washington DC, United States
Great Little Winery South of Charlottesville. Rausse Winery is wonderful. The staff is very friendly and greets you and brings tastings to your table. The wines are very reasonably priced and well worth the costs. Highly recommend their steel barrel Chardonnay and the new 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon.
