Virginia Wine is For Lovers

The Washington Post recently ran several stories in their Travel section about Virginia wine. Living in close proximity to Virginia wine country, I have had many occasions to visit great wineries.

This covers some of my experiences exploring some of the best Charlottesville wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail.

Before your next trip, read these Charlottesville VA things to do articles:

Virginia Wine – Charlottesville Vineyards on the Monticello Wine Trail

Although more popular wine regions are in California, wine was found earlier elsewhere in America. The history of Virginia wine can be traced to Thomas Jefferson in the early 1800s and even to Jamestown in 1607. The number of Virginia wineries has exponentially increased in the past few years, along with vino-tourism.

Central Virginia has several popular wine trails. I recently made several stops along the Monticello Wine Trail.

After a gorgeous scenic drive down Shenandoah Valley, I approached Charlottesville from the intersection of interstate highways 81 and 64.

King Family Vineyards

An easy first stop was King Family Vineyards in Crozet (pronounced Crow-zay, I learned). Looks like King is ready for us.

King Family Vineyards, one of the best Crozet wineries
try the reds at King Family Vineyards, Charlottesville

Here is a reminder that Charlottesville is also horse country.

King Family Vineyards, Charlottesville
King Family Vineyards, Charlottesville

In fact, King hosts polo matches throughout the year. It is a fantastic setting.

King Family Vineyards, Charlottesville
King Family Vineyards, Charlottesville

Nearby I found another kitschy speed limit sign. Love ’em.

speed limit 11 sign in Charlottesville Virginia
Grace Estate Winery, Charlottesville

Stinson Vineyards

Next stop was Stinson Vineyards.

Stinson Vineyards, Charlottesville
Stinson Vineyards, Charlottesville

I loved the display of items found on the property during initial restoration.

Stinson Vineyards, Charlottesville
Stinson Vineyards, Charlottesville

Sugar Hollow Red is one of Stinson’s wines. I liked the name because we were staying nearby at an excellent B&B called Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm (now closed).

Stinson Vineyards, Charlottesville
Stinson Vineyards, Charlottesville

White Hall Vineyards

Next day, our first stop was White Hall Vineyards.

check out White Hall Vineyards in Crozet Virginia
check out White Hall Vineyards in Crozet Virginia

White Hall has some very well decorated wine bottles.

White Hall Vineyards is one of the best Virginia wineries
stop at White Hall Vineyards one of the best Virginia wineries

Glass House Winery

Our final stop, Glass House Winery, had much going on—Glass House Winery and B&B, a conservatory with tropical plants, and wine. I loved the view.

Glass House Winery, Charlottesville
wonderful views at Glass House Winery, Charlottesville

Not sure I agree with this Glass House sign but I do like their humor.

Glass House Winery, Charlottesville
try the Virginia wine at Glass House Winery in Charlottesville

The highlight might be homemade chocolates. What? Wine and chocolate. Amazing.

Glass House Winery, Charlottesville
wine and chocolate pairing at Glass House Winery in Charlottesville

These were only a handful of the 30 wineries in the Charlottesville area. I must make a return trip—or several—to visit them all.

Have you been to the Virginia wine area? What is your favorite wine region?

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4 thoughts on “Virginia Wine is For Lovers”

  1. I am a huge fan of Northern Virginia wine, and highly recommend Arterra, Greenhill, Stone Tower and Two Twisted Posts as top destinations. I think these rival the Charlottesville area wineries for quality, and the experience is awesome.

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