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welcome 2019
welcome community charlottesville virginia
leisure
things & stuff

outdoors
  • blue ridge parkway
    • Across the 469 miles that make up the Blue Ridge Parkway, split-rail fences and scenic overlooks connectdestinations such as Humpback Rocks, the Peaks of Otter,the Blue Ridge Music Center and the historic Mabry Millbefore the parkway continues down into North Carolina,where it ends in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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  • rivanna river
    • With a name shortened from “River Anna” in honor of England’s Queen Anne, the Rivanna River is the largest tributary of the great James River. Reaching from its north fork in Greene County to the southern terminus in Albemarle County, its banks once were home to the Monacan Indian tribe and still provide a lush habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, including humans and dogs with an interest in the great outdoors.
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    • wineries

    • chisholm vineyards at adventure farm
      • This sustainable family farm near the Charlottesville Albemarle Airport dates back to the 1950s. Morris Chisholm bought the land, and it is still home to the third and fourth generations of his family. In 2006, they established a vineyard and offer small-lot wines from their Chardonnay, Viognier and Petit Verdot vines, among others. They also raise beef cattle and sell their own crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat and pumpkins. The tasting room is open from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, except Friday when it is open noon to 9 p.m. to accommodate live music beginning at 6 p.m. 1135 Clan Chisholm Lane in Earlysville. (434) 971-8796; adventurefarmvineyard.com.
    • afton mountain vineyards
      • This Nelson County vineyard grows 15 varieties of grapes on 25 acres near the top of Afton Mountain. A glassed-in, heated pavilion makes winter tastings of their award-winning wines possible without sacrificing scenic views. The winery, at 234 Vineyard Lane (Route 631), is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily (Friday through Sunday in winter). Tastings are $10. Reservations are required for groups of seven or more. (540) 456- 8667; aftonmountainvineyards.com.
    • barbooursville vineyards
      • This Orange County winery at 17655 Winery Road was named one of the Top 101 U.S. Wineries by msn.com. Along with producing more than a dozen award-winning wines, the estate also houses the Palladio Restaurant, which serves northern Italian cuisine for lunch Wednesday through Saturday and dinner Friday and Saturday. The estate was the plantation of former Gov. James Barbour, whose home was designed by Thomas Jefferson. The building burned on Christmas Day 1884, but its ruins still are standing and open for self-guided tours. The tasting room is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, with tours from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The vineyard’s 1804 Inn and Cottages, (540) 832-5384, offer overnight accommodations. Tastings are $7. For winery information, call (540) 832-3824. Make dinner reservations at (540) 832-7848; bbvwine.com.
    • blenheim vinyards
      • This familyoperated Albemarle County winery was established by Grammy-winner Dave Matthews in 2000. The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily at 31 Blenheim Farm. Matthews also designed the winery building and wine labels. The winery serves Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Chardonnay, along with Painted White and Painted Red. Tastings are $7. Groups of eight or more should call first. (434) 293-5366; blenheimvineyards.com.
    • brent manor vineyards
      • Tracie and Jorge Raposo’s farm winery is situated just off U.S. 29 at 100 Brent Manor Lane. Known for offering a tasting room where the Old World meets the new, Raposo offers some of his favorite local wines along with samples from his native Portugal. Tastings are subject to change, but Brent Manor grows Chambourcin, Traminette and Vidal Blanc. Tastings cost $9. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. (434) 826-0722; brentmanorvineyards. com.
    • burnley vineyards
      • This Albemarle vineyard, one of the oldest in the area, produces wines from 32 acres of grapes at 4500 Winery Lane near Barboursville. Selections range from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon and Chambourcin. A guesthouse, Fernando’s Hideaway, offers overnight accommodations. The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday from April through December, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Monday from January through March. (434) 960-4411; burnleywines.com.
    • cardinal point vineyards
      • This wellestablished vineyard at 9423 Batesville Road in Afton started making its own wine in 2002. Visitors can taste the award-winning wines, including their 2016 Governor’s Cup gold medalwinning Cabernet Franc, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. From January 10 through March 1, the tasting room is closed Tuesday through Thursday. Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Tastings are $10. You also can arrange an overnight stay at the 19th-century, five-bedroom Cardinal Point Farmhouse. (540) 456-8400; cardinalpointwinery.com.
    • chateau merrillanne
      • This boutique winery opened in 2014 in Orange County. An old barn that once housed corn and farm equipment has been renovated into a tasting room. Wines include Chardonnay, Vin Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon and their signature Bordeaux blend, Governor Spotswood Red. The tasting room is open March through November. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Hours extend in June, July and August to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Monday. 16234 Marquis Road. (540) 656-6177; chateaumerrillanne.com.
    • chestnut oak vineyards
      • This winery produces small lots of single-varietal wines, including Petit Manseng and Cabernet Sauvignon. Its handcrafted wines are aged in oak at 5050 Stoney Point Road in Barboursville. The tasting room is open noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (434) 964-9104; chestnutoakvineyard. com.
    • cooper vineyards
      • Susan and David Drillock bought this 103-acre farm vineyard in Louisa County in 2015, bringing with them two miniature donkeys, four Newfoundlands and six draft horses. Cooper’s tasting room, opened in 2011, earned a LEED Platinum certification for its commitment to “green” design and building technology. The winery, at 13372 Shannon Hill Road, makes more than a dozen wines, including Chardonel, Chardonnay and Chambourcin. The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (540) 894-5474; coopervineyards. com.
    • cunningham creek winery at middle fork farm
      • This new winery planted its first vines in 2013. Located at 3304 Ruritan Lake Road in Palmyra, they have 11 acres of Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Cab Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot vines (and a couple of acres of strawberries and pumpkins). Tastings are $8. Groups of eight or more should call first. Winery events include Yoga & a Glass classes and live music on Saturdays. Open 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. (434) 207-3907; cunninghamcreek. wine.
    • delfosse vineyards and winery
      • This vineyard, at 500 DelFosse Winery Lane in Faber, offers tasting packages from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. One of just a few terraced vineyards in the state, DelFosse grows varietals that include Petit Manseng and Malbec. Visitors can picnic by the lake or bike and hike trails through the 330-acre property. Tastings are $10. Groups of 6 or more should make reservations by calling ahead. (434) 263-6100; delfossewine.com.
    • ducard vineyards
      • This sustainabilityfocused winery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, plus Monday holidays and by appointment. The wine list includes its signature Viognier, a 2016 Gold Medal Winner from the Virginia Governors Cup, as well as Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This pet- and family-friendly winery is located at 40 Gibson Hollow Lane in Etlan in Madison County. Walk-in tastings are $8, reservations required for groups of 9 or more at $15 per person. (540) 923- 4206; ducardvineyards.com.
    • early mountain vineyards
      • In 2010, Jean and Steve Case purchased this Madison County winery and, in 2016, earned the title of one of the Top 10 Vineyards in Virginia from wine.net. The shop, at 6109 Wolftown-Hood Road, offers visitors mountain views while they sip wines ranging from Chardonnay and Pinot Gris to Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Monday, except Friday when it closes at 5:30 p.m. Tastings start at $12. (540) 948-9005; earlymountain.com
    • thatch winery
      • This southern Albemarle winery, formerly First Colony Winery, boasts “charming Old World” gardens and started off strong with a successful first vintage in 2001. The shop, with its distinctive thatched roof, is at 1650 Harris Creek Road. Tastings, which are $9 for Standard tastings and $8 for Reserve tastings, are held 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. (434) 979-7105; firstcolonywinery.com.
    • flying fox vineyard
      • This small familyrun winery, named for the fox weathervane on the main building, features Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and several blends. Off Route 151 at 27 Chapel Hollow Road in Afton, the winery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Monday from January through March, and open daily 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April through December. Groups of 5 or more are asked to call ahead. (434) 361-1692; flyingfoxvineyard.com
    • gabrielle rausse winery
      • Gabriele Rausse has been called the “Father of the Modern Virginia Wine Industry.” For more than 18 years, the director of gardens and grounds at Monticello lent his skill to help other local wineries, including Barboursville, Afton, Blenheim, First Colony and White Hall. Although he started his own label in 1997, he didn’t have a tasting room. But now, you can drop by 3247 Carters Mountain Road and sample his award-winning work. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. (434) 981-1677; gabrieleraussewinery.com.
    • glass house winery
      • Jeff and Michelle Sanders moved to the area in 2006 and opened a winery with a distinctive taste — chocolate. While the winery makes Pinot Gris and Viognier, the owners also offer Megilo del Sesso, a dessert wine made with Norton grapes and chocolate. The couple also built a glass conservatory, replete with tropical plants that functions as a picnic area. They opened a B&B with three bedrooms downstairs and a two-bedroom suite upstairs, overlooking the vineyard. The winery, at 5898 Free Union Road, is open noon to 5:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with extended hours — open until 9 p.m. — Friday. Tastings are $8, $10 if you’d like to keep the glass. Groups of more than 10 should email mj@glasshousewinery.com in advance. (434) 975-0094; glasshousewinery.com.
    • grace estate winery
      • This winery at 5273 Mt Juliet Farm near Crozet sits on 50 acres and cultivates 14 varietals, including Viognier, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with extended hours Friday (9 p.m.) and Saturday (8 p.m.). Tastings are $9. (434) 823-1486; graceestatewinery.com.
    • hill top berry farm and winery
      • Since 1993, this family-owned farm and winery in Nellysford has been making fruit and specialty wines that are “true to the fruit,” made from produce on a pick-your-own berry farm. Visitors can pick their own blackberries in season. The winery, at 2800 Berry Hill Road, also produces meads of Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Viking traditions. Try a glass of Dragon’s Breath or take on the Hunter’s Moon, a spiced pumpkin mead. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (434) 361-1266; hilltopberrywine.com.
    • honah lee vineyard
      • This vineyard near Gordonsville offers samples of their own wines, other Virginia wines, including Michael Shaps and BlueStone, as well as jams and sauces from BerryWood Crafters. The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Hours vary from November through March. (540) 406-1313; honahleevineyard.com.
    • horton vineyards
      • Horton has produced nearly 50 wines, including reds, whites, dessert wines, fruit wines and port. Tasting room open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tastings are $6. 63. 99 Spotswood Trail; (540) 832-7440; hortonwine.com.
    • jefferson vineyards
      • One of Albemarle’s oldest wineries is on Route 53 between Monticello and Highland, the area where Thomas Jefferson and his friend Filippo Mazzei, an Italian viticulturist, once experimented with growing wine grapes. Today, the third generation of the Woodward family, Alexa and Attila, owns the vines that Wine Spectator said produces “one of the region’s most consistent track records.” The winery, tasting room and gift shop, at 1353 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Tastings are $12. (434) 977- 3042; jeffersonvineyards.com.
    • keswick vineyards
      • This winery at 1575 Keswick Winery Drive was part of the historic 400-acre Edgewood estate. The site was witness to Revolutionary and Civil War visitors like British Col. Tarleton and Confederate Gen. Longstreet. Today, Al and Cindy Schornberg are the owners, claiming the 2016 Governor’s Cup trophy for their 2014 Cabernet Franc Reserve. The tasting room is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. (434) 244-3341 ext. 105; keswickvineyards.com.
    • kilaurwen winery
      • Named for the owners’ three daughters, this vineyard in Greene County has been producing grapes for other growers since 1994. In 2009, Kilaurwen began bottling its own wines, including Three Sisters Red. Picnickers are welcome to relax in the boxwood gardens. The winery, at 1543 Evergreen Church Road, is open noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays. (434) 985-2535; kilaurwenwinery.com.
    • king family vineyards
      • Winner of the 2010 Governor’s Cup, this scenic winery at 6550 Roseland Farm, just outside Crozet, produces about 10,000 cases of wine a year. Family-owned and operated, the vineyard and winery offer outdoor seating on the covered veranda or brick patio with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The tasting room is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, with the last tastings at 5 p.m.. Wednesday’s hours extend until 8:30 p.m. Classic tastings cost $10. The vineyard also is well known for hosting polo matches on Sunday mornings from Memorial Day through mid-October. (434) 823-7800; kingfamilyvineyards.com.
    • knight's gambit vineyard
      • More than five acres of Petit Verdot, Pinot Grigio, Merlot and Cabernet Franc grow at this winery at 2218 Lake Albemarle Road. Knight’s Gambit has provided grapes for other local wineries for years, but now sells wines under its own label. The tasting deck offers samples from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. (434) 566- 1168; knightsgambitvineyard.com.
    • loving cup vineyard and winery
      • This vineyard, which opened in 2014 in North Garden, is certified organic. They also grow disease-resistant grape hybrids. Karl Hambsch’s wine list includes Loving Cup White, Dudley Nose Red, and Loving Cup Red among others. The winery, at 3340 Sutherland Road, is dogand picnic-friendly and open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday to Sunday from April through December. Tastings are $5. (434) 984- 0774; lovingcupwine.com.
    • lovingston winery
      • A small number of handcrafted wines, ranging from Cabernet Franc to a South African-style Pinotage, are produced at this Nelson County winery built into the hillside of a family farm. Its Estate Reserve 2009 won gold at the 2013 Governor’s Cup. The winery, at 885 Freshwater Cove Lane, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday from April through November, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays from January through March. (434) 263- 8467; lovingstonwinery.com.
    • meriwether springs vineyard
      • This Albemarle County winery, located at 1040 Owensville Road, is situated on 40 acres that include four acres of vineyards. Its first planting included Petit Verdot, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. A 5,000-square-foot event space plays host to private and public events, which is currently the only times the winery is open to the public. (434) 270- 4299; meriwethersprings.com.
    • michael shaps wineworks
      • Michael Shaps, who has been making Virginia wines since 1995, started Wineworks in 2007. Jake Busching joined in 2015 as a second winemaker. It sells the Virginia Wineworks brand, and carries Shaps’ line, crafted in an Old-World-tradition. In 2016, Wineworks Extended opened at 1585 Avon St. Ext. as a second tasting room. Original location: 1781 Harris Creek Way in Albemarle County; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; (434) 296-3438. Extended: 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. (434) 296-3438; michaelshapswine.com.
    • moss vineyards
      • Sitting nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, this vineyard in Nortonsville has 9,000 vines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Viognier. Wines include Architettura and Vino Rosso. The vineyard, at 1849 Simmons Gap Road, is open noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday and holiday Mondays. (434) 990-0111; mossvineyards.net.
    • mountain cove vineyards
      • This is one of the oldest continuously operated wineries in the state, and one of only a few to be listed as vegan. Skyline White is their signature wine, made from the Villard Blanc variety. At 1362 Fortunes Cove Lane in Lovingston, the winery is next to the Nature Conservancy’s hiking preserve. The winery, with its picnic area and pavilion, is open for tastings noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday from March through December. (434) 263- 5392; mountaincovevineyards.com.
    • mountfair vineyards
      • Winemaker Lizzy Kellinger and her husband, Chris Yordy, who tends the grapes, decided they no longer would have regular hours at their Crozet tasting room. Instead, they have made Mountfair into a private club. If you want to try their Bordeauxstyle varietals, you will have to join the club. Membership, which includes monthly parties and tastings by appointment, is limited based on wine production. (434) 823-7605; mountfair.com.
    • pippin hill farm and vineyards
      • This boutique winery at 5022 Plank Road is known for its signature vineyard-to-table cuisine. With a culinary director, as well as a wine consultant, Lynn Easton and her husband, Dean Andrews, offer wine flights along with a food-pairing menu. An open-vaulted central area adjoins a porch bar that overlooks scenic North Garden. Its signature Sauvignon Blanc is served along with barrel-fermented Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc, among others. The farm table and wine bar is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Closes 4:30 p.m. Saturday. (434) 202-8063; pippinhillfarm.com.
    • pollak vineyards
      • This winery is near the entrance to Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway at 330 Newtown Road in Greenwood. Founded in 2003, Pollak offers Meritage blends, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Viognier and Pinot Gris from its 31 acres of vines. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tastings are $10. Picnickers are welcome to dine by the pond or warm up by the fireplace during the cooler months. (540) 456-8844; pollakvineyards.com.
    • price michel vineyard and winery
      • Prince Michel is easy to reach on U.S. 29, about eight miles south of Culpeper. The facilities at 154 Winery Lane in Leon include a wine shop and tasting room above its barrel cave and tank room. Overnight guests also can be accommodated in its French Provencal luxury suites. Tastings include both Prince Michel and Rapidan River wines from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The winery also has a satellite tasting room at Carter Mountain Orchard in Albemarle County, where it purchases many of the grapes that are bottled at the Madison County facility. There is also a tasting room at Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet. (540) 547- 3707; princemichel.com.
    • reynard florence vineyards
      • Roe and Dee Allison graduated from Piedmont Virginia Community College’s initial enology and viticulture programs in 2006 and started a winery on land they purchased after being married in 1976. The winery, at 16109 Burnley Road in Barboursville, produces a variety of wines, including Petite Manseng, Cabernet Franc and Viogner. The tasting room is open noon to 5 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holiday Mondays. (540) 832-3895; reynardflorence.com.
    • stinson vineyards
      • This family-run winery opened in 2011 at 4744 Sugar Hollow Road in Crozet. The Stinsons — father Scott Stinson and daughter Rachel Stinson Vrooman — turned an existing garage into a unique tasting room with 360-degree views of the White Hall countryside. Stinson offers small-lot wines, including Chardonnay, Imperialis, Rosé, Sugar Hollow White, Petit Manseng and Turk Mountain Vineyards La Tour d’Afton. Tastings are available 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and holiday Mondays. They cost $10. (434) 823-7300; stinsonvineyards.com.
    • stone mountain vineyards
      • Perched about 1,700 feet above the rest of Greene County in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Stone Mountain was built into the mountain to make room for a wine cave. A picnic area and observation deck look out on the valley below. At 1376 Wyatt Mountain Road in Dyke, the winery is open for tastings noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, 11 a.m. Friday, Sunday, and Monday, and 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday and Wednesday. Tours available with a reservation. Tastings are $10. (434) 990-9463; stonemountainvineyards. com.
    • thistle gate vineyard
      • In a homage to its location near Scottsville, Thistle Gate’s wines include a Scott’s Landing White blended from several varietals. Other wines include Cabernet Franc, Viognier and Chardonnay. Tastings can be had from noon to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday from March through December. The winery is at 5199 W. River Road. (434) 286-7781; thistlegatevineyard.com.
    • trump winery
      • Reality-TV-star-turned- President Donald Trump was on hand in 2011 to open the winery formerly known as the Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard. Today, son Eric Trump is in charge of the winery, located in Albemarle. It has won double gold at the Governor’s Cup. The wines include Viognier, Meritage and Cru, a fortified Chardonnay. The tasting room, at 3550 Blenheim Road, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. Tastings are $12. The Albemarle House estate was turned into a luxury hotel in 2015. (434) 984-4855 trumpwinery.com.
    • valley road vineyards
      • This winery, located on Route 151 in Afton just a mile from U.S. 250, planted its first vines in 2016. Meritage, Chardonnay, Destana, and sparkling Viognier are just a few of the wines it produces. The tasting room features views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is open 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. Groups of 8 or more should make a reservation. (540) 456-6350; valleyroadwines. com.
    • veritas vineyard & winery
      • Andrew and Patricia Hodson started the Nelson County winery in 1999. Today, it features Scintilla, a sparkling wine made in the traditional Champagne method, as well as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Kenmar and Othello, a ruby port. At 151 Veritas Lane in Afton, the staff offers tours of the crush pad, wine cellar and barrel room. Tastings, which are $10, are available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Groups of seven or more require a reservation. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. (540) 456-8000; veritaswines.com.
    • weston farm vineyard and winery
      • This family-owned-and-operated winery is at 206 Harris Creek Road in Louisa. Ten acres of vines were planted in 2005, and Weston opened its doors for visitors in 2010. Animal lovers can bring a picnic and enjoy the resident French bulldog, rescued horses and cows. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. (540) 967-4647; westonfarmvineyardandwinery. webs.com.
    • white hall vineyards
      • This 48-acre winery at 5282 Sugar Ridge Road near White Hall was the winner of the Governor’s Cup in 1997 and 1998. Owned by Tony and Edie Champ, White Hall produces 10 wines, including Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Edichi. Open for tours and tastings from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Tastings are $5, $10 for reserve wines. (434) 823-8615; whitehallvineyards.com.
    • wisdom oak winery
      • Located just south of Walnut Creek Park, this family owned and operated small-batch winery. While a selection sandwiches and charcuterie are available for purchase, outside food is welcome for picnickers. Wine selection typically includes Meritage, North Garden Red (blend), Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rosé, Viognier, and Single Barrel Experiments. Tastings are available 11:30 a.m. Thursday through Sunday for $9 per person. Reservations are highly recommended for groups of 8 or more. (434) 984- 4272; wisdomoakwinery.com

festivals
  • albemarle county fair
    • The annual old-time country celebration is held on the grounds of Highland, President James Monroe’s home. In 2018, the festival was held July 26-28. Highland hosts familyfriendly entertainment, baked goods, farm animals, exhibits, crafts and pageant queens. albemarlecountyfair.com.
  • batesville day and fair
    • A tradition since 1976, Batesville Day includes a 10K foot race, a village fair, music and the “Shortest Parade in Virginia” along Plank Road in mid-May. Another big event, Apple Butter Days, is set for late October; the fundraiser was established in 1975. batesvilleva.org.
  • charlottesville dogwood festival
    • Various events, including a downtown parade, Dogwood Pageant and Queen’s Ball, fireworks and carnival rides at McIntire Park, take place each March or April. The festival was first held in 1950. (434) 218-5656; charlottesvilledogwoodfestival. org.
  • charlottesville opera
    • Formerly known as Ash Lawn Opera, the company presents opera and musical theater during the summer at the Paramount Theater. Summer 2018’s productions were “The Marriage of Figaro” and “Into the Woods” Year-round programming has included productions of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” and outreach includes collaborations with such local groups as Charlottesville Ballet and the Oratorio Society of Virginia. (434) 293-4500; charlottesvilleopera.org.
  • chihamba's african-american cultural arts festival
    • In July, the 29-year-old free festival brings crafts, food, music and dance to the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center and Carver Recreation Center, as well as a community health fair at Washington Park. (434) 825-0115; chihamba. eventbrite.com.
  • crozet arts and crafts festival
    • Popular 38-year-old fall festival will be back Oct. 6 and 7 at Claudius Crozet Park. A spring festival is held on Mother’s Day weekend. The events feature more than 100 national artisans and crafters, live entertainment and Virginia beer and wine tastings. (434) 326-8284; crozetfestival. com.
  • cville pride festival
    • The seventh annual event will be held at the Sprint Pavilion on Sept. 15, 2018. The festival is preceded by events the week prior in celebration of the local LGBTQ community. cvillepride.org/2017-cville-pride-festival.
  • fall fiber festival and montpelier sheep dog trials
    • The 31st annual festival will put fiber arts in the spotlight. Look for hands-on demonstrations, displays, workshops and contests Oct. 6 and 7, 2018 at Montpelier. fallfiberfestival.org.
  • the festy experience
    • The eighth annual outdoor music festival will be back at Arrington’s Infinity Downs Farm from Oct. 5 to 7, 2018. Founded and curated by The Infamous Stringdusters, the event offers bands, outdoor activities and locally sourced food and beverages. 2018 performers will include Greensky Bluegrass, Sam Bush Band, Gillian Welch, Railroad Earth, Carbon Leaf, The Hackensaw Boys, and others. thefesty.com.
  • first night virginia
    • Started in 1982, this alcohol-free community New Year’s Eve celebration is the second-oldest First Night program in the country. Thousands of people have watched performances of music, magic, dance, drama and swordplay in more than a dozen venues throughout downtown Charlottesville. Volunteers who pitch in get to see all the fun for free. (434) 975-8269; firstnightva.org.
  • his grace church historic farm tour
    • This mid-June tour gives visitors a peek beyond the gates of stately farms in the Keswick area of Albemarle County. The Colonialera Grace Episcopal Church also hosts an old-fashioned country fair with 4-H livestock, artisans, food vendors and music. (434) 293-3549; gracefarmtour.org.
  • graves mountain festival of music
    • Top bluegrass acts come to Syria in Madison County for three days in early June. Lou Reid, Blue Mafia and Ralph Stanley II were some of the acts that performed for this year’s 27th annual event. (540) 923-4231; gravesmountain.com.
  • heritage harvest festival
    • Set for Sept. 22, 2018 at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the festival includes workshops on food, heirloom plants and various sustainable living topics. Events include seed swaps, vegetable tastings and children’s events. heritageharvestfestival. com.
  • heritage theater festival
    • Professional summer theater at UVa’s Culbreth, Helms and Caplin theaters on Culbreth Road offers a mix of comedies, dramas, musicals and creative one-person shows. (434) 924-3376; heritagetheatre. virginia.edu.
  • historic garden week
    • Sponsored by the Garden Club of Virginia, this self-directed tour series takes visitors to some of the state’s most beautiful homes and gardens at the height of springtime colors. The 86th-annual event will be held from April 27th to May 4th, 2019. (804) 644-7776, ext. 21; vagardenweek.org.
  • james river batteau festival
    • In June, Wingina in Nelson County, Howardsville and Scottsville in Albemarle County and Slate River in Buckingham County are among the stops for crews in period costumes taking Colonial-era flat-bottom wooden boats on a weeklong journey down the James River. The 33-year-old fest travels from Percival’s Island in Lynchburg to Maiden’s Landing in Richmond. Scottsville, the halfway point on the nearly 120-mile trip, hosts an all-day festival. vacanals.org/ batteau.
  • juneteenth
    • Dating back to 1865, Juneteenth is the oldestknown celebration of the end of slavery and the contributions of black Americans. Charlottesville celebrates its annual community festival with free events held over two days in mid-June at the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center. jeffschoolheritagecenter. org.
  • madison county fair
    • A demolition derby and live music combine with games, livestock shows, a draft horse pull and other family events at the Madison County Fairgrounds for four days in mid-July. (540) 948-7073; madisoncountyfairva. com.
  • matha's market
    • The 25th annual collection of 80 boutique shops will raise funds for breast health programs and women’s health care, especially breast cancer screenings and treatment, from Oct.5 through Oct. 7, 2018 at John Paul Jones Arena. Hosted by the Women’s Committee of Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. (434) 654-8258; mjh foundation. org/marthas-market.
  • orange uncorked wine festival
    • For the past 27 years, this festival was known as the Montpelier Wine Festival. This year it changed its name, as it was the last time the festival was held at Montpelier. The 29th annual event in 2019 will see a new venue. The festival hosts nearly two dozen wineries and cideries offering tastings, along with food demonstrations, arts and crafts, live music and entertainment for children. (540) 672-5216; orangevachamber.com.
  • orange county volunteer fire company fair
    • An old-fashioned county fair with crafts, livestock and activities for the whole family for four days in July at the New Fairgrounds on Old Gordonsville Road. (540) 661-5393; orangecountyfairva. com.
  • scottsville fourth of july
    • Albemarle County’s only incorporated town celebrates Independence Day with an annual Volunteer Fire Department Parade in the morning along Valley Street, plus fireworks at dusk at Dorrier Park. scottsville.org.
  • tom tom founders festival
    • Launched in 2012, this weeklong series celebrating creativity and innovation features block parties, concerts, talks and workshops in mid-April. The 2017 event drew almost 45,000 attendees. Most events are free. Look for its seventh annual Tomtoberfest on Sept. 29, 2018. tomtomfest.com.
  • virginia festival of the book
    • The largest gathering of authors, writers and readers in the state offers panel discussions, readings, musical events and speakers. The 25th annual event in 2019 is scheduled from March 20 to 24 at a variety of area locations. Most events are free. (434) 924-3296; vabook.org.
  • virginia film festival
    • A chance to see new releases, as well as classics and independent offerings, and listen to directors, actors, producers and scholars provide insight on films. The 31st annual film festival with a full schedule of events will be held from Nov. 1 to 4 at various sites around Charlottesville. (434) 924- 3376; virginiafilmfestival.org.
  • virginia folklife festival
    • Presented by The Virginia Foundation for the Humanities’ Virginia Folklife Program helps sustain time-honored traditions by pairing practitioners of arts and skills with apprentices for everything from making fiddles to playing them. Look for teams who preserve skills from curing country hams to hewing logs to cooking soul food to calling square dances at an annual festival in May at James Monroe’s Highland. virginiafolklife.org.
  • wintergreen summer music festival
    • Symphonic and chamber music ensembles bring classical, pops and more to Wintergreen Resort in Nelson County. Also popular are cooking classes, daily seminars and pop-up concerts by the festival’s academy students in unusual places, including farmers’ markets, hotel lobbies and mountain overlooks. The festival runs for four weeks starting in early July. Many events are free. (434) 325-8292; wintergreenperformingarts. org.

breweries, cideries, and distilleries
oh my.
  • blue mountain barrel house
    • Blue Mountain Brewery, which opened in 2007, created a production brewery to focus on higher-end beer in 2012. In May, it was listed on AllAboutBeer. com’s “80 Places to Drink Great Beers Outdoors.” The tasting room at 495 Cooperative Way in Arrington is open seven days a week, with a food truck on site on weekends. Selections include Rockfish Wheat, Hopwork Orange, Dark Hollow, Full Nelson and Kolsch 151. The tasting room’s hours are 12 to 8 p.m. daily, except Friday and Saturday when it is open until 9 p.m. (434) 263-4002; bluemountainbarrel.com.
  • blue mountain brewery
    • Blue Mountain Brewery and the Barrel House combine to make about 310,000 gallons of craft-brewed ales and lagers each year, ranging from the Dark Hollow artisanal ale to a seasonal bourbon barrel-aged stout. Other selections include Evan Altmighty, a Dusseldorfstyle alt beer with a name that nods to a film shot in Central Virginia. The Nelson County brewery grows its own hops for use in Full Nelson pale ale and other select beers. Its kitchen offers a menu that includes beer-boiled bratwurst and seven varieties of pizza. The brewery, at 9519 Critzers Shop Road in Afton, is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. (540) 456-8020; bluemountainbrewery. com.
  • champion brewing company
    • This outfit produces experimental and traditional brews in two locations in Charlottesville. There is a production facility — the Missile Factory — in Belmont and a tap room two blocks off of the Downtown Mall. Champion opened in 2012 and pours a rotating variety of brews and one-off beers, including Missile IPA and Killer Kolsch. The brewery serves up food from its own kitchen and also operates a brew pub in Richmond. Drop by 324 S. Sixth St. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday through Sunday, 12 to 11 p.m.. (434) 295-2739; championbrewingcompany.com.
  • devils backbone brewing company
    • A lot has been brewing at Devils Backbone. In 2016, Anheuser-Busch announced an agreement to acquire the company that Steve and Heidi Crandall founded in 2008. The locals will be joining a collection of other craft breweries in the company’s High End division. This Nelson County brewery has won awards ranging from the 2014 Great American Beer Festival Mid-Size Brewing Company to a 2016 World Beer Cup Gold in the Irish-Style Red Ale category. Its award-winning beverages include Vienna Lager, Eight Point IPA, Schwartz Bier and Danzig Baltic Porter. The tap room, located at 200 Mosby Run in Roseland, is open 11:30 a.m. to last call daily, and serves food from a pub menu that includes burgers, salads, salmon, steak and more. Devils Backbone also has a brewing facility and tap room known as the Outpost in Lexington at 50 Northwind Lane, wich also operates its own kitchen. Brewpub, (434) 361-1001; Outpost, (540) 462-6200; dbbrewingcompany. com.
  • hardywood park craft brewery
    • Billed as a pilot brewery and taproom, Hardywood’s expansion into Charlottesville from Richmond sports a relatively small 3.5-barrel brewhouse for “experimentation, development and collaboration.” A rotating selection of flagship, seasonal and small-batch beers is available from 16 taps. The tap room is open 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 12 to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday. (434) 234- 3386; hardywood.com.
  • james river brewery
    • Located in a 19th-century brick warehouse in Scottsville, James River Brewing honors the river and the past in its beer’s names and logo. Live music is featured most weekends in the tasting room or beer garden at 561 Valley St. The brewery produces a variety of beers, including Hatton Ferry pale ale, Galaxy pale lager, Queen of Tarts dunkelweizen and Fluvanna Fluss hefeweizen. Open 2 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 2 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. (434) 286-7837; jrbrewery.com.
  • pro re nata farm brewery
    • Pro Re Nata asks you to enjoy its beer “as needed,” playing off of the medical phrase from Latin that gives this brewery its name. Located in Crozet just off of Interstate 64, the brewery offers views of the Blue Ridge Mountains along with a patio and fireplace by which you can enjoy a Pre-Med pils, Doctor’s Orders lager, Pavlov’s Bell-gian ale or Beans Deep Coffee stout among others. Open Monday and Wednesday 3 to 10 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6135 Rockfish Gap Turnpike in Crozet. (434) 823- 4878; prnbrewery.com.
  • random row brewing
    • Founded in 2015 and opened in 2016, Random Row was co-founded by a former homebrewer and a number of friends and is billed as “Charlottesville’s neighborhood brewery.” Its location, 608 Preston Ave., is just off the Downtown Mall and West Main Street with plenty of parking. Signature brews Method IPA and The Hill lager are featured among a rotating tap list of specialties and seasonal offerings. (434) 284-8466; randomrow.com.
  • reason beer
    • On a “mission to create beers that exemplify balance, creativity and flavor,” Reason Beer is Albemarle County’s newest brewery. Opening later in 2017, the brewery’s taproom will be located at 1180 Seminole Trail, Suite 290, but launch parties around the state already have brought the flagship blonde, pale, black and saison to craft beer fans. (434) 260-0145; reasonbeer. com.
  • south street brewery
    • In the heart of downtown Charlottesville, this brewery is at 106 South St. in a historic building that served as a grain warehouse during the 1800s. The old brick walls and hardwood floors add charm to the establishment, purchased in 2014 by Blue Mountain Brewery. Mandi and Taylor Smack both worked for South Street prior to founding Blue Mountain. You can still find the familiar Satan’s Pony, along with Barhopper IPA and Acoustic Kitty. Open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. (434) 293-6550; southstreetbrewery.com.
  • starr hill brewery
    • Founded in 1999 as a small operation in the former Starr Hill Music Hall in Charlottesville, Starr Hill is now in a much larger facility at 5391 Three Notch’d Road in Crozet. Its offerings have won 21 beer festival awards for offerings like Whiter Shade of Pale Ale. The lineup includes Northern Lights IPA, Grateful pale ale, Jomo lager, Double Platinum IPA and The Love wheat ale. The tap room is open 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 9 p.m. Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday. Closed on Monday. (434) 823-5671; starrhill.com.
  • three notch'd brewing company
    • Three friends — Derek Naughton, Scott Roth and George Kastendike — are making their mark on the local beer scene at their brewery at 946 Grady Ave. in Charlottesville. Last year, the brewery opened its flagship location at IX Art Park in Charlottesville, which houses a restaurant and production facility. Brews include No Veto English brown ale, 40 Mile IPA, Jack’s Java, Hydraulion Red and 64 West Coast IPA. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. In the past three years, locations have opened in Harrisonburg and Richmond. threenotchdbrewing.com.
  • wild wolf brewing company
    • The brainchild of a mother and son team, Mary and Danny Wolf, this Nelson County gastropub and brewery opened in 2011 in an old schoolhouse at 2461 Rockfish Valley Highway in Nellysford. House beers include the unfiltered Blonde Hunny ale, Alpha ale, Whoa Nelly and Primal Instinct. The restaurant menu includes gluten-free options. Dogs are welcomed in the outdoor biergarten. Open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. (434) 361- 0088; wildwolfbeer.com.
  • wood ridge farm brewery
    • A “dirt to the glass” brewery, Wood Ridge grows and malts its own barley. The brewery promises that you can point to the ingredients in your beverage from your seat. The tasting room is open 3 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 12 to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Food trucks are available most days of the week. 151 Old Ridge Road in Lovingston; woodridgefarbreweryva.com.(434) 422 6225
  • albemarle ciderworks
    • This family-run cidery and tasting room in North Garden offers samples of seven traditional American hard ciders made from local apples. Among the distinctive choices are Jupiter’s Legacy, Pomme Mary, Red Hill, Royal Pippin and Ragged Mountain. The shop, at 2545 Rural Ridge Lane, is open daily 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., except January through June, when it is closed Monday and Tuesday. (434) 979-1663; albemarleciderworks.com.
  • blue toad hard cider
    • Conceived in 2015 in Scottsville, New York, by three friends, Blue Toad “honors the tradition and legacy of America’s first preferred beverage” with its New York- and Virginia- grown apples. Located at 462 Winery Lane in Roseland, the cidery is open Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (434) 760-9200. bluetoadhardcider.com.
  • bold rock cider
    • Owners and founders John Washburn and Brian Shanks have seen a lot of expansion lately. They unveiled a newly constructed taproom in Nellysford, added satellite tasting rooms at Chiles Peach Orchard and Carter Mountain Orchard and opened a facility in Mills River, North Carolina. In Nelson County, the new tasting room and restaurant is next to the bottling facility at 1020 Rockfish Valley Highway. Tastings in the Cider Barn are offered from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the week. The Cellar at Carter Mountain Orchard is at 1435 Carters Mountain Trail. Hard ciders include India Pressed Apple, Virginia Draft, Virginia Apple, Pear Cider and Vintage Dry. Similar to beer, the alcohol content ranges from 4 percent to 7 percent. (434) 361-1030; boldrock.com.
  • castle hill cider
    • Built in 1764, Castle Hill was the home of Col. Thomas Walker, a mentor to Thomas Jefferson. The cidery and wedding venue known as Castle Hill Cider sits on land that once was a part of that historic estate. The tasting room, with its mahogany bar, opens onto an octagonal porch. Ciders are made on-site and sold in wine-size bottles, including Terrestrial, Levity, Celestial, and Serendipity. Levity, a sparkling cider, is aged and fermented in clay amphorae called “kvevri.” Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except for major holidays. (434) 296-0047; castlehillcider.com.
  • potters craft cider
    • Two college buddies, Tim Edmond and Dan Potter, started making cider at Wildair Farm in Free Union. In order to provide a permanent tasting solution for their own brews, their cider is now served at the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative in Charlottesville from Friday through Sunday. Their ciders include Farmhouse Dry, Oak Barrel Reserve, Citra Amarillo, Grapefruit Hibiscus and Passion Fruit Mosaic. (850) 528-6314; potterscraftcider.com.
  • ragged branch
    • Founded in 2010, Ragged Branch was born from the desire to establish a bourbon distillery in the Ragged Mountain outside of Charlottesville. Each bottle of Ragged Branch Straight Bourbon is distilled and patiently aged, with commitment to tradition, patience and excellence. The distillery is located at 1015 Taylor’s Gap Road. Tasting room hours are Thursday, Friday and Sunday from noon to 6p.m. Saturday noon to 8 p.m. Distillery and Barrel Barn Tours are available every day from noon to 2 p.m. and 3 to 4.30 p.m. 434-244-2600
  • silverback distillery
    • This Earthfriendly distillery is said to be “100 percent grain to glass.” Co-owners Christine and Denver Riggleman, a retired intelligence officer who is the Republican nominee for the 5th congressional district for the upcoming election in November, opened their two-story facility in Nelson County in 2014. Tastings, limited to three ounces of alcohol, include straight pours and mixed cocktails, including Moscow Mule, Alpha Elixir and smoked Old Fashioned. Siverback produces vodka, gin, rye whiskey, bourbon whiskey, honey-rye whiskey and a sour mash corn whiskey. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday and Thursday, noon to 6 p.m. Friday and Sunday and noon to 7 p.m. Saturday. 9374 Rockfish Valley Highway in Afton. (540) 456-7070; sbdistillery.com.
  • virginia distillery company
    • Inspired by George G. Moore’s vision, this distillery creates Virginia-Highland Malt Whisky by aging malt whisky from Scotland in Virginia port-style wine barrels. The distillery plans to release its Virginia single malt whisky in a few years time. Wine Enthusiast gave the Virginia-Highland Malt Whisky a 92-point rating. Sample the Highland Malt and some seasonally inspired cocktails like the Virginia Julep and May-Berry Sour between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. 299 Eades Lane, Lovingston. (434) 285-2900; vadistillery.com.
  • vitae spirits
    • Stop by to take a 45-minute tour of Charlottesville’s new small-scale working distillery founded by Ian Glomski, a former professor of microbiology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Add in principals Zuzana Ponca and Eric Glomski, who also is a top winemaker in Arizona, and you have the recipe for their Platinum and Golden rums. They make their spirits from a 250-gallon, custom-built copper pot still made by Vendome Copper and Brass Works in Louisville, Kentucky. The distillery offers samples and sales in the tasting room it opened in 2016. Find their rum at local ABC stores and at several downtown restaurants. Hours are 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. 715 Henry Ave., Charlottesville; vitaespirits.com.



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