There are so many reasons why Charlottesville has become a popular destination for visitors to Virginia. Sure, it has a rich historical legacy and is a gateway for sightseers to see the majestic Shenandoah National Park in all its glory. However, Charlottesville has also built a legacy for producing world-class wines from its scenic vineyards – and what better way to explore their expertise than by creating the ultimate guide to the best Charlottesville vineyards you need to visit.
Maybe it’s the region’s fertile soil, the favorable grape-growing climate along the rolling hills of the Virginian countryside, or the skills and traditions upheld by Charlottesville’s winemakers. Whatever it is, if you’re looking for ideas for a romantic escape or a wine-infused vacation away with friends, grab a corkscrew and several wine glasses and join us as we explore Charlottesville’s wine country.
Jefferson Vineyards
Our first award-winning winery in Charlottesville finds us heading to Jefferson Vineyards, nestled in the heart of America’s most historical winemaking region and named after Charlottesville’s most famous previous resident, President Thomas Jefferson. Dating back over 250 years ago, Jefferson Vineyards was the site of Virginia’s first-ever wine company and remains one of the best Charlottesville vineyards still producing wine today.
Recognized for its varied selection of wines, Jefferson Vineyard features indoor and outdoor tasting rooms, while the patio provides a fantastic panorama overview of this fabulous vineyard in Charlottesville. Offering a wide range of wine variations, our favorite is the zesty citrus-infused Viognier 2021 white wine and the cherry and violet Petit Verdot Reserve 2019 red wine.
Eastwood Farm and Winery
You’ll find our next award-winning Charlottesville winery in the foothills of the impressive Carters Mountain Range, complete with an expanse of vineyards, meadows, and orchards, which also doubles as an exceptional wedding venue. As one of the best Charlottesville vineyards in the region, Eastwood Farm and Winery provides a delightful mix of fine dining with a stunning mixture of wine varieties to suit.
Hosting regular live music and events, a trip to Eastwood Farm and Winery makes for an entertaining day out in the Virginia countryside, with indoor and outdoor tasting rooms circling its rustic external fire-pits. The skilled winemakers at Eastwood Farm and Winery present a superb selection of wines, with our top recommendations being the 2021 Chardonnay white wine and the Merlot red wine, both VA Governor’s Cup Gold Medal winners.
Knight’s Gambit Vineyard
Our next picturesque winery in Charlottesville sees us heading to family-run Knight’s Gambit Vineyard (KGV) – one of only a few vineyards in Charlottesville to run on solar power. Surrounded by gentle slopes of horse-filled fields and native forests, Knight’s Gambit Vineyard certainly makes for one of the best Charlottesville vineyards you must visit when you’re in town.
Here, you can fill your wine glasses with a fascinating array of homegrown wines as you catch the perfect Virginia sunset in the distance. Take the opportunity to sit out on the terrace for a romantic drink for two or reminisce with a group of your best friends when you try KGV’s remarkable Rose Wine or the Bordeaux-esq, Meritage red wine.
Blenheim Vineyards
Blenheim Vineyards started life as a farm in 1730 and is our final tip on our shortlist of the best Charlottesville vineyards. Harvested across the surrounding fields, Blenheim Vineyards’ stunning indoor tasting room and exterior seating terrace create a cozy atmosphere to try this Charlottesville winery’s sustainably grown wine offerings.
This 32-acre vineyard estate provides an exciting insight into how each grape variety is grown and features a rotating list of delicious food trucks to help pair your meal with your chosen wine. Our first recommendation is the Cabernet Franc red wine, aged eight years with notes of dried herbs and raspberry, followed closely by the Sauvignon Blanc white wine infused with gooseberry, pink grapefruit, and lime leaf.
Fun Times at Charlottesville’s Top Wineries
With Charlottesville’s spectacular wine-growing climate and unique geology, it has already cemented the region’s status as a leading producer of award-winning fine wines. With year-round tastings, all four of these best Charlottesville vineyards are worth a visit – the only decision you need to make is the order in which you explore them.
Whether you visit Charlottesville’s amazing vineyards and wineries on a romantic getaway for two or recount old times with lifelong friends, your wine-orientated vacation will be etched in your memory for years to come. Stay for a while and enhance your entire trip to Virginia’s wine country by booking your stay at the luxurious Best Western Plus Crossroads Inn & Suites in Zion Crossroads, Virginia.