Virginia Vineyards

Chapter 1: Monticello Wine Trail

“Good wine is a necessity of life”
– Thomas Jefferson

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard is about a 15-minute drive away from Charlottesville, Virginia. Its proximity to the University of Virginia as well as its stunning views and beautiful interior make it a student and alumni favorite. Take in the Blue Ridge Mountains while snacking on a cheese board and sipping on Virginia wine. Once you take one look at Pippin Hill, you’ll understand why its an award-winning wedding venue in Virginia.

Pippin Hill is located in North Garden, Virginia – 18 minutes from Charlottesville, 1 hour and 18 minutes from Richmond, and 2 hours and 20 minutes from Washington DC.

Image Source: Pippin Hill

Veritas Vineyard & Winery

While a bit further away from the city-center, Veritas Vineyards is a staple amongst the Charlottesville crowd. It is also home to many weddings – not surprisingly since its indoor and outdoor spaces can hold 200+ attendees. Stop in during any season to enjoy their wide variety of wines. Wanting to get away for the weekend and go off-the-grid? Stay at The Farmhouse at Veritas – their 8-bedroom Bed & Breakfast. The rooms are so elegant and the dinners highlight the region’s cuisine and wine.

Veritas Winery and Vineyards is located in Afton, Virginia – 30 minutes from Charlottesville, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Richmond, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Washington DC.

Photo Source: Veritas Winery and The Farmhouse at Veritas

King Family Vineyard

Known for its Crosé, King Family draws in local families and college students alike. Grab a bottle of wine from inside and set up shop in the grass or at their tables. This is one of the more laid back yet stunning venues on the Monticello Wine Trail. Stop in on Sundays when you can enjoy a glass of wine while watching a polo match. A little known fact about this vineyard is that it started as a Polo Field and later turned into a winery. Matches are free and open to the public on Sundays between Memorial Day and October each year.

King Family Vineyards is located in Crozet, Virginia – 22 minutes from Charlottesville, 1 hour 20 minutes from Richmond, and 2 hours 30 minutes from Washington DC.

Source: King Family Vineyards

Early Mountain Vineyard

Early Mountain Vineyard is one of the newer vineyards on the Monticello Wine Trail. Although new, it has quickly received accolades for its wine and has become one of the more popular wedding venues in the area. While I enjoy the food as much as the wine at Early Mountain, its tasting room is my favorite feature. Unlike many other vineyards in the area, its indoor space is as spacious as its outdoor space, making it great for all seasons.

Early Mountain is located in Madison, Virginia – 40 minutes from Charlottesville, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Richmond, and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Washington DC.