WINERIES & BREWERIES
Virginia Wine Country offers an impressive landscape of nearby vineyards and wineries to enjoy—as well as plenty of local breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Scroll through our list of favorite spots below, or click on one of the categories to jump straight to your beverage of choice.
WINERIES
Our very own family-owned vineyard specializes in small lot wines with a distinct French influence. The father/daughter team of Scott Stinson and Rachel Stinson Vrooman was joined by Rachel’s husband Nathan Vrooman in 2015. They take inspiration from “garagiste” wineries of France, in both their winemaking techniques and the winery itself, which is built into an old three car garage.
Established in 1994, White Hall Vineyards produces elegant award-winning wines. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains within the Monticello AVA, White Hall wines are true to the context of Virginia, expressing both the terroir of its estate vineyards and the elegance which is a hallmark of Virginia’s top wines.
King Family Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Crozet, Virginia. They specialize in the production of premium wines that showcase the remarkable quality and terroir of the Monticello AVA. Beginning with carefully selected grapes, winemaker Matthieu Finot creates wines inspired by the old world, but uniquely expressive of Virginia wine.
Situated on 109 acres of rolling hills surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the storied tradition of Seven Oaks Farm, which began in the 1700’s with the opening of one of Virginia’s first taverns, continues today with Septenary Winery. Their winemaking philosophy: maintain a healthy respect for the land, its history and its fruits, and refine only as consistent with that respect. Septenary Winery is their way of sharing this history, beauty and vision with all of those who visit.
Founded by Andrew and Patricia Hodson in 1999, Veritas has since grown into a 20-year-old family business. Winemaker Emily Hodson, daughter of Andrew and Patricia, blends her old-world principles of viticulture and vinification with an innovative take on winemaking to capture the true essence and character of each varietal.
First planted in 2019, this estate vineyard, boasts 35 acres under vine overlooking sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Winemaker and Brew Program Director Luke Trainum brings a background of family farming through Autumn Olive Farm, with the vision of bringing the terroir of Hazy Mountain’s two vineyards in the Monticello and Shenandoah Valley AVAs to the forefront of their wines.
With 77 acres of rolling hills, mountain views, apple and pear orchards, and raspberry vines, this women-owned and operated farm and winery offers traditional wines as well as their White Blend, made entirely from apples and pears, that has been a consistent Virginia Governor’s Cup medalist since the first harvest in 2018.
Established in 1997 by the "father of Virginia wines" himself, Gabriele Rausse embraces its namesake's Italian heritage, now run by his sons Tim and Peter, specializing in dry European-style wines. Open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, its tasting room offers visitors a quiet, wooded getaway to enjoy wines from their own nine acres alongside wines processed from over a dozen other varietals from small-scale vineyards in the area.
Founded by Guy and Elizabeth Pelly, Merrie Mill reimagines the tasting room experience by offering warm, approachable hospitality in a weird and wonderful setting that delights and inspires. In addition to a welcoming, playful spirit and delicious wines, Merrie Mill has come to be known for its uniquely maximalist style and unexpected artwork.
BREWERIES
Set in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia, Blue Mountain opened in 2007 as the region’s first rural brewery. With a relaxed vibe and stunning views, Blue Mountain Brewery is the perfect place to enjoy a varied range of beers and farm-to-table food in Nelson County.
As the second oldest craft brewery in Virginia, Starr Hill has long been a staple of the growing craft beer community in the region. With two locations in downtown Crozet and in Charlottesville's Dairy Market, Starr Hill is a must-stop no matter where you're staying.
5391 Three Notch’d Road, Crozet, VA
946 Grady Ave Suite 101, Charlottesville, VA
Founded in 2016, Pro Re Nata serves hand crafted beers, local Virginia hard cider, and a selection of wine and cocktails in an expansive indoor and outdoor space. Their Farmacy outdoor entertainment center and stage—surrounded by a massive outdoor beer garden and patios—offers live music four nights a week. In addition to a great selection of beers, they offer several on-site dining choices including Hops Kitchen and Za Spot.
Three Notch’d Brewing Company was conceived by three friends who value great beer and great times, with close family and friends. Opened originally in August 2013, Three Notch'd boasts a large industrial style tasting room and patio right outside of IX Art Park in Charlottesville.
With its original location on Preston Avenue and a new taproom situated on Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, Rockfish offers great beer and bar snacks. As a nano-brewery that produces small, frequent batches, their beers styles are diverse and vary often.
As Charlottesville’s longest-running brewery and pub since 1998, South Street Brewery has carved out a prominent space in the craft beer scene. Enjoy some of the best beers in the area and a full food menu with classic pub favorites—don't miss their fish and chips!
DISTILLERIES
From the refreshing, citrus-forward Strange Monkey Gin to real honey-liqueur infused Blackback Rye Whiskey, Silverback Distillery strives to produce distinct, flavorful spirits from a unique mix of local grains, and mountain water. Their tasting room in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers a unique visitor experience including everything from cocktail flights, to barrel smoked cocktails to whiskey served neat.
Vitae Spirits is a family owned and run craft distillery in Charlottesville, Virginia that produces small batch spirits made from molasses to glass with a focus on quality and hands-on artisanal values. With two tasting room locations open to the public, there's plenty of options to come and taste or tour the facilities.
CIDERIES
Open Thursdays through Sundays, Potter’s Craft Cider tasting room resides in a gorgeous old converted church. Come visit to enjoy 10 ciders on draft, live music and local food trucks every weekend, as well as a selection of wines and non-alcoholic beverages like nitro cold brew, kombucha, juice and seltzer.
First opened in July 2009, Albemarle CiderWorks, ferments and bottles distinctive single varietal and blended ciders which are all available at their Tasting Room in North Garden. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00am - 5:00pm.
