Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia

Although more popular wine regions are in California, wine was found earlier elsewhere in America. The history of wine in Virginia 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.

Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia

After a gorgeous scenic drive down Shenandoah Valley, I approached Charlottesville from the intersection of interstate highways 81 and 64. 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, Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia
King Family Vineyards: Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia

Here is a reminder that this is also horse country.

King Family Vineyards, Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia
King Family Vineyards, Charlottesville wine

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

King Family Vineyards, Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia
King Family Vineyards: Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia

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

Grace Estate Winery, Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia
Grace Estate Winery, Charlottesville Virginia wine

Next stop was Stinson Vineyards.

Stinson Vineyards, Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia
Stinson Vineyards, Charlottesville wineries

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

Stinson Vineyards, Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia
Stinson Vineyards, Charlottesville Virginia wineries

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, Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia
Stinson Vineyards, Charlottesville Virginia wineries

Next day, our first stop was White Hall Vineyards.

White Hall Vineyards
White Hall Vineyards, Charlottesville Virginia wine

White Hall has some very well decorated soldiers.

White Hall Vineyards, Monticello Wine Trail, Charlottesville, Virginia
wine tasting Charlottesville Virginia: White Hall Vineyards

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

Glass House Winery, Monticello Wine Trail, Charlottesville, Virginia
Glass House Winery, Charlottesville Virginia wineries

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

Glass House Winery, Monticello Wine Trail, Charlottesville, Virginia
Glass House Winery, Charlottesville Virginia wineries

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

Glass House Winery, Monticello Wine Trail, Charlottesville, Virginia
Glass House Winery, Charlottesville Virginia wineries

Jefferson Vineyards is the closest vineyard to the town of Charlottesville and is located in the shadow of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Their 2013 Viognier won a double gold award in the 2014 International Wine Competition and they have produced quality wine for 35 years.

Wine Tasting Charlottesville Virginia. Article and photo by Charles McCool for McCool Travel.
Jefferson Vineyards in Charlottesville Virginia

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.

What is your favorite wine region?

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