So far in our 15 Summer Trips to fill 15 of your summer weekends we’ve been to:
- music festivals in Charleston and Savannah,
- the “Little Grand Canyon,”
- beaches along the East Coast with June travel deals,
- an island with wild ponies,
- a lesser known Carolina mountain town,
- St. Augustine for a stateside taste of Spain.
Now, it’s time for wine.
With that in mind, we’re headed to what’s widely considered as the sixth most important wine-making state in the US. More specifically, we’re zeroing in on a destination that houses more than 30 of the state’s wineries and is conveniently just a 4-hour and 20-minute drive away from Charlotte: Charlottesville, Virginia.
Thomas Jefferson once said, “We could, in the United States, make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good.” Today, the Monticello Wine Trail brings Jefferson’s vision to life with over 30 wineries “known for producing quality wines, with an authentic expression of place, that receive national and international acclaim” (MWT). Wines produced in and around Charlottesville, Virginia now stand “shoulder to shoulder with the greatest wines of the world” (MWT).
Below, we’ve unpacked where to wine, dine, and stay during your getaway to the Birthplace of American Wine.
Where to Wine
There are two exceptional things about wineries near Charlottesville: 1) great, locally produced wine and 2) lush, gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some of the vineyards have a third exceptional quality which is delicious food crafted to pair perfectly with the wine. Below, we’ll highlight our favorites that have all three of these lovely qualities.
As you visit these handpicked vineyards, keep in mind the varietals that truly shine from this region include Cabernet Francs, Petit Verdots, and Viogniers.
Why We Love It: Early Mountain specializes in creating wines unique to Virginia and they do so with a stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains – it’s gorgeous and serene!
What Not to Miss: Their food – they thoughtfully pair the best seasonal produce from local farms with their handcrafted wine. Make sure you get a taste of this by booking a table inside in their Tasting Room or outdoors on their Patio. Here’s a sample of their menu.
Pro Tip: Think you’ll enjoy Early Mountain so much that you’ll want to stay the night? You can! Book their 1 bedroom, 2.5 bath guest cottage via Airbnb here.
Why We Love It: What’s not to love about Pippin Hill? The views are stunning, the wine wonderful, the food exceptional, the decor’s tasteful, and the staff is hospitable. It’s truly a gem and has drawn lots of attention towards Virginia’s wine country. Psst: They’re owned by the Easton Porter Group who also owns Red Pump Kitchen (a restaurant in Downtown Charlottesville) and Zero George Street (a boutique hotel in Charleston, South Carolina) among other things.
What Not to Miss: If you’re traveling with a party of 8 or more, book the Vintner’s Table or the Reserve Vintner’s Table. With either of these great options, you’ll be treated to a custom four-course pairing of Pippin Hill wines with seasonally inspired dishes.
Pro Tip: Make a reservation and opt to sit on the veranda – it’s beautiful and is the best place to soak in the views. Their food is amazing and they stay busy, so you don’t want to skip this step and miss out on an incredible experience! Before and/or after lounging on the veranda, be sure to stroll the grounds as they’re beautiful and not to be missed.
Why We Love It: Veritas blends old-world principles with the region to capture the full expression of the land in a bottle.
What Not to Miss: Make a reservation to guarantee your seat and, if weather allows, sit outside – you don’t want to miss their views.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on their events page and join them for an evening of wine, live music, and a seated three-course dinner served under the stars.
Where to Dine
Because Charlottesville area wineries have delicious food that pairs perfectly with the wine, most of your meals can take place vineyard-side. If you do happen to peel yourself away from gazing at the vines and rolling hills, we already mentioned Red Pump Kitchen as a great option for dining – they’re owned by the same luxe hospitality group that owns Pippin Hill.
In addition, checkout Fleurie for a fine dining experience of modern French cuisine, Tavola for Italian food, and/or C and O for a Charlottesville staple in a historic setting.
Where to Stay
Charlottesville has several wonderful accommodation options to choose from, ranging in price, style and location. Checkout our handpicked favorites below, broken down by price. Psst: You can snag a stay at of our favorite options for less than $150/night!
Under $150/Night
The Draftsman Hotel – A pet-friendly property located in Downtown Charlottesville that’s part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
Quirk Hotel – A Hyatt Destination Hotels property located in Downtown Charlottesville. Use code WINEC to get 20% off your stay, complimentary self parking, and a complimentary welcome amenity.
Under $200 / Night
Boar’s Head Resort – Located outside of Downtown Charlottesville, Boar’s Head offers a golf course, spa, pool, warm historic ambiance, and excellent dining.
Under $325 / Night
The Inn at Stinson Vineyards – For another option to sleep close to the vineyards, try this gem that opened in 2018. You’ll enjoy a daily gourmet three-course breakfast, vineyard views, and luxe suites.
Oakhurst Inn – For a stay in a historic residential neighborhood, Oakhurst Inn is a great option. They have 35 beautifully designed guest rooms and 9 apartments/cottages.
$ / Night Varies
Keswick Hall – This is hands-down our favorite place to stay in Charlottesville. Why? Beautiful views, super close to nearby vineyards, removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown, fabulous on-site restaurant, gorgeous sunsets, and luxe accommodations. Currently, it’s wrapping up a huge renovation and will reopen this summer so keep an eye on their website.
Stay Charlottesville – For Airbnb-like accommodations be sure to leverage Stay Charlottesville. They have wonderful properties of all kinds and in a multitude of locations, both downtown and in the surrounding vineyards.
We’ll be back next week with more handpicked destinations to fill 15 incredible summer weekends. Want to see your favorite summer destination featured? Email us at hello@adventuredesigned.com and let us know. Until then, follow us @adventuredesigned for more travel tips and inspiration.
Adventure Designed plans unforgettable travel experiences, customized completely for you. Check us out at www.adventuredesigned.com and connect with us to schedule your complimentary consultation by emailing hello@adventuredesigned.com.
