A Local’s Guide to the Best Wineries in Charlottesville, Virginia

If you’re planning a trip central Virginia, visiting some of the best wineries in Charlottesville is a must. I’ve had the pleasure of calling this area home for the past five years, and it truly is a hidden gem with so much to offer. Not only does Charlottesville boast some of the best wineries in Virginia, but I also bring experience from working at a local winery for four years before diving into my blog and wine tasting business full time. Additionally, my husband and I planted a vineyard in the Monticello AVA, giving me unique insights into this exceptional grape-growing region!

The Monticello Wine Region was recently featured in Wine Enthusiast as Wine Region of the Year in 2023. It was also featured in Vogue as one of the best weekend getaways from DC. In this post, I’m sharing my tips for planning your trip, places to stay, and a list of the best wineries in Charlottesville.

Tips for Planning your Trip to Charlottesville Wine Country

• Call ahead or make reservations online. Whether you are coming with one other person or a large group, this will ensure you have the best experience.
• Double check opening and closing times. Some wineries are weekend only or close early on certain days for events.
• Leave space in your suitcase to bring your favorite bottles home with you! Some of the larger production wineries will be able to ship wine if you want to bring some home, or pack some wine wings to bring a few bottles back in your checked bag.
• Wear layers and pack comfortable shoes. The weather in Virginia can definitely be a bit unpredictable. One minute it could be sunny, the next raining, so be prepared! I’m also a girlie who loves to wear high heels but the vineyards here are pretty casual and it’s hard to frolic through vineyards in heels!
• Plan by proximity. This isn’t Napa where every winery is on the same road. Some are 20 minutes from each other, some could be an hour! I recommend planning each day by the location of wineries. Check out my sample itinerary below!
• Plan Transportation. I recommend driving a car and having a designated driver. If you’d like to book a driver one day, Monticello Wine Tour is a good option.

The Best Hotels to Stay at in & Near Charlottesville

• Keswick Hall. This luxury hotel was recently renovated and its at the top of my list for places to stay. There are several amenities including an infinity pool, spa, golf course, clay tennis courts, and an amazing restaurant onsite by Jean-Georges called Marigold. It’s located 15 minutes from downtown Charlottesville.
• The Clifton. Also located in Keswick, the Clifton is a historic property that has beautiful rooms, a pool, and a fabulous restaurant and bar. We have stayed here a couple of times and love it!
• Oakhurst Inn. If you’re looking for something in downtown Charlottesville a little closer to more bars and restaurants, Oakhurst Inn is a great spot! It’s close to the beautiful campus of UVA and walkable to many dining options.
• Farmhouse at Veritas. I love the farmhouse at Veritas Vineyards if you are interested in a more rural B&B vibe. It’s located in Crozet, close to many other wineries, and surrounded by the blue ridge mountains.

The Best Wineries to Visit in Charlottesville Wine Country

Veritas Vineyards & Winery

Veritas Winery is one of my favorite wineries in the area for multiple reasons. They produce some of the best wines in the state. Emily Hodson, their winemaker, creates elegant, complex wines that show a beautiful expression of Virginia Terroir in each glass. For experiences, you can do a table side tasting or book an elevated, reserve tasting experience. Veritas also has a great menu with food and full service. They have picnic tables or firepits to accomodate guests outdoors in every season.

Open every day 11am – 5pm; veritaswines.com

151 Veritas Ln, Afton, VA 22920

Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyards

Merrie Mill opened in 2021 and has such a unique vibe to it! They have a great menu of their estate wines, along with seasonal bites. It’s dog friendly, kid friendly, and there is a great indoor area as well as a covered outdoor patio overlooking their vines. Merrie Mill is always a good time and has been on my list of best wineries in Charlottesville since they opened. Check out their social media for updates on special offerings and live music!

Open every day except Tuesday, 11am – 5pm; www.merriemillfarm.com

594 Merrie Mill Farm, Keswick, VA 22947

Gabriele Rausse Winery

Gabriele Rausse is known as the God Father of Virginia Wine. He came over from Italy and started working at Barboursville, then ventured out to create his own label and tasting room. The tasting room is hidden and cozy, which makes it the perfect place to venture to during the summer or fall. The sourdough bread and olive oil is an awesome addition to their wine tasting. While a lot of Virginia focuses on French grape varieties, here you will find more of an Italian influence with some unique expressions of Virginia wine.

Thursday, Friday, Monday 11:00am – 5:00pm; Sunday 10:00am – 4:00pm; www.gabrieleraussewinery.com

3247 Carter’s Mountain Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Pippin Hill is a place where you can get it all; farm to table cuisine, boutique wines and beautiful mountain views. The farmhouse feel of this gorgeous tasting room is the perfect place to spend an afternoon wine tasting. Make sure to book way in advance or try and go on a week day! For a more wine intensive experience be sure to check out the Guided Tasting. This offering includes an educational tour of the vines and gardens, and a food and wine tasting experience.

Open Wednesday – Sunday 11am – 5pm*; www.pippinhillfarm.com

*check weekly for early closures for private events

5022 Plank Rd, North Garden, VA 22959

Barboursville Vineyards

Barboursville is the OG of modern-day Virginia wineries. When Gianni Zonin came over from Italy in the 1970s, he started this vineyard with the help of Gabriele Rausse. This winery has tons of history, and tons of good wine. Their most famous wine is the Octagon which is a Bordeaux style blend that really shows what Virginia terroir is capable of. They have many options for tasting experiences, as well as an elegant Italian restaurant, Palladio, next door. If you want to taste a variety of Virginia wines while learning about the history, this is a must visit!

Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm; Sunday 11am – 5pm; www.bbvwine.com

17655 Winery Rd, Barboursville, VA 22923

Early Mountain Vineyards

Early Mountain Vineyards has always been one of my favorite wineries in Virginia. Chef Tim Moore who was formerly at the Inn at Little Washington, has changed the game at Early Mountain Vineyards and brought so much creativity and luxury to the menu. Winemaker Maya Hood White continues to produce amazing, low intervention wines in a region where grape growing can pose many challenges. Early Mountain is conveniently located in Madison VA, so if you are on your way from DC to Charlottesville or out exploring Virginia Wine Country, it’s a must stop.

Thursday – Monday 11am – 5:30pm; www.earlymountain.com

6109 Wolftown-Hood Rd, Madison, VA 22727

King Family Vineyards

King Family Vineyards is a family friendly, dog friendly winery with open space and gorgeous views. This place doesn’t typically require a reservation and is great for grabbing a Classic or Reserve tasting or a bottle of one of their many delicious options. You can also enjoy food from a local food truck on Wednesdays, Saturdays, or Sundays. If this is your first time visiting, check out their Tour & Tasting for the full experience (reservation required). King Family is a staple for the best wineries in Charlottesville to visit!

Open everyday 10:00am – 5:30pm; kingfamilyvineyards.com

6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932

Southwest Mountain Vineyards

Southwest Mountain Vineyards is new winery that just opened in 2023. The property is a stunning barn with options to walk in and do a ‘grab and go’ service, or you can make a reservation and choose from flights, wine by the glass or bottle. My personal favorite has been the Grüner Veltliner which is quite unique for Virginia, and we love to snack on the pimento cheese and marinated olives. They just hired a new winemaker from South Africa and I’m so excited to taste his first vintage of wines soon! Even though its newer, it’s easily making its way onto the list of best wineries in Charlottesville.

Open Thursday – Monday 11am – 5pm (6pm on Fri & Sat); https://www.smvwines.com/

2300 Whipper In Ln, Keswick, VA 22947

Septenary Winery

Septenary is an awesome place to stop if you’re looking for a peaceful vibe in Crozet. This is an adults only winery but they are dog friendly. I always enjoy creating my own flight or grabbing a glass of their sparkling wine or rosé. They also have some light food options for purchase. Septenary still feels like a hidden gem and is more under the radar for the best wineries in Charlottesville which I love.

Open Thursday – Sunday 11am – 5:30pm; https://www.septenarywinery.com/

200 Seven Oaks Farm, Greenwood, VA 22943

Sample Itinerary

Below is a *sample* itinerary. Depending on where you are coming from or where you stay, your schedule may look a little different. I featured more wineries above then I fit into this itinerary, and I still wasn’t able to feature them all as there are so many good ones! I don’t recommend doing more than three winery visits in one day.

Thursday

Check in to Keswick Hall. Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting at Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyards. Head back to get ready for dinner at Marigold.

Friday

Enjoy the morning at the pool then spend the day in Crozet! Taste at Veritas Vineyards, Septenary Winery, and King Family Vineyards. On your way back to Keswick, stop in Charlottesville for dinner.

Saturday

Treat yourself to the Spa at Keswick Hall. Then, experience lunch and a flight at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards. Head back to Keswick to taste at Southwest Mountain Vineyards. Enjoy dinner and drinks at the Clifton Inn.

Sunday

Engage in a round of golf or hit up some antique stores before heading out! On your way to or from Charlottesville, try to stop at Early Mountain Vineyards for lunch and a tasting. It’s closer to the Charlottesville airport and on the way to Washington DC by car.