When you think of Charlottesville, Virginia, what comes to mind? Is it Monticello, home of the third US president Thomas Jefferson? Maybe it’s the iconic Rotunda at the University of Virginia (or years of busted NCAA brackets. I’m kidding…kinda. They’ve certainly redeemed themselves.). For me, it’s hands down the Charlottesville wineries.
It probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise, but I love a good girls’ trip, especially when it involves wine. Tell me when and I’m in! Living in Virginia, I’m spoiled with endless possibilities for a perfect weekend getaway. Cabin in the mountains? Check. A house on the beach? No problem. Finding the ideal location is the easy part, but getting it on the calendar can prove to be quite a challenge. However, every so often, the stars align, and those longtime friends commit to a weekend where they have no wife, mother, or work duties. And what better way to seize the opportunity than with a full-bodied red overlooking the mountains at some of the best wineries in Charlottesville, Virginia?
Charlottesville is home to more than 30 wineries and a significant producer in Virginia’s wine country. A short two-hour drive from Washington, DC puts you in the heart of wine country and sets the scene for the perfect Charlottesville girls’ weekend getaway.
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Where to Stay Near Charlottesville Wineries
If you’re traveling with a small group, a hotel near Downtown Charlottesville is an ideal location due to its proximity to dining and nightlife spots. An excellent alternative is to skip the cramped hotel room and snag yourself the perfect Airbnb. There are several options near downtown to choose from.
New to Airbnb? Use my Airbnb code to get $40 off your first booking plus $15 off an experience worth $50 or more. There’s no extra charge to you, and I’ll receive a discount on my next booking as well. It’s a win/win!
When deciding between a hotel and Airbnb, I mainly focus on the price, amenities, and reviews. How much does it cost to park? Is breakfast included? Is it conveniently located to the activities I want to do? If the reviews are positive for both and everything else is similar, I almost always go with the Airbnb. I love having a little extra room and being able to relax without sitting in bed. Home rentals also offer more gathering space, a huge plus when traveling with a group, and allow a place to retreat if you need some quiet time.
Design Your Own Charlottesville Winery Tour
There are plenty of companies offering their services to plan your Charlottesville winery day, but if you’re into planning, you can easily design your tours. Start by securing your transportation for the day then begin selecting the wineries you wish to visit. Most transportation companies will provide recommendations if you find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices. For my Charlottesville weekend, I picked our mode of transportation, then worked with the company to select the best stops.
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Charlottesville Winery Transportation: Ride in Style
Before you can smell that sweet wine aroma and put your palate to the test, you have to get to the wineries. You can take an Uber to a Charlottesville winery, but getting home may prove to be more of a challenge. With wineries scattered over a 30-mile radius, relying on Uber may run the risk of issues getting picked up or long wait times, especially in the off-season. Instead of wasting time waiting on a car or flipping a coin to determine who gets stuck as the designated driver, arrange a ride with Peachtree Transportation. Peachtree Transportation is a small, locally-owned luxury limo company. Customer service goes a long way with me, and this place knocked it out of the park from our first communication until drop-off at the end of the day. The Mercedes Benz Sprinter provided more than enough room for our group of eight. We had access to flat-screen TVs, a sound system to play our music, and glass wear so we could enjoy our new purchases between stops. Our ride far exceeded expectations. Best of all, we booked it for a reasonable price and had a reliable driver who not only got us to our next destination safely but made recommendations on the spot as to where we should go next. Not having to decide on our wineries ahead of time took a load off of the planning process. As a bonus, our chauffeur was incredibly kind and accommodating, and magically right there whenever we need a photographer.
Glass House Winery
Start your Charlottesville wineries day at Glass House Winery, about 30 minutes from downtown Charlottesville. Glass House Winery’s facility can accommodate vehicles of all sizes, and they do not require reservations for groups. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the wines are excellent. On top of that, they have an in-house chocolatier and offer a sample during your tasting. Like what you tasted? The handcrafted chocolates are available for purchase at the tasting counter.
Once you’ve selected your wine (and chocolate), there’s no shortage of areas to enjoy it. Wander into the indoor seating area that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a botanical garden, snag a table on the deck overlooking the water, or head out onto the property and set up at a picnic table.
FUN FACT: Glass House Winery uses glass corks instead of traditional corks to bottle their wine. Buy a bottle and keep the glass cork to use at home!
King Family Vineyards
From Glass House Winery head to King Family Vineyards. Like the first winery, you can arrive on your schedule with no reservation. There are two buildings that house tasting areas, and the host, conveniently located between the two, will direct you to an open tasting counter. Though it may seem crowded when you arrive, there’s a high probability you’ll wait longer in line for the ladies’ room than you will for a tasting space to become available.
The tasting experience at King Family Vineyards is superb. We had an engaging wine connoisseur who knocked it out of the park. Buy a few bottles (I highly recommend the Rosé) and snag a farmhouse table to sip wine and enjoy a late lunch.
[PRO TIP: Pack a picnic to eat at the winery. The made-to-order sub counter at Wegman’s is an easy, quick option. Grab a few large subs to share or place individual orders. Be sure to call in your order ahead of time for a smooth order and pick-up process.]
Wrap up your wine day by heading outside to continue sipping wine while taking in the views from the grounds of King Family. Great views, great wine, and great friends: the essential elements for the perfect girls’ day.
Other things to do in Charlottesville
Charlottesville wineries may be the bell of the ball, but Charlottesville has so much more to offer visitors than wine. Check out these recommendations for other things to do while in Charlottesville!
Charlottesville Breweries
Not a wine drinker? No problem! Charlottesville is also home to several craft breweries. Nationally known brewers like Devils Backbone Brewing Company and Starr Hill Brewery call the greater Charlottesville area home, as well as several local craft brewers. Grab a flight (or a growler) and experience the hoppy side of Charlottesville.
Head Downtown for Food and Drinks
Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall is a pedestrian street lined with dining and entertainment options. Here you’ll find everything from fine dining to sports bars. Kick-off your evening with drinks on the rooftop at Commonwealth Skybar, then head to Bang! for Asian style sharable plates and creative cocktails. Looking for breakfast? Check out Brazos, located one mile from the Downtown Mall, for Texas-style breakfast tacos that will temporarily transport you to San Antonio.
Visit Monticello
Transport back in time while you tour Thomas Jefferson’s Charlottesville home. You’ll find yourself standing in the former president’s bedroom, roaming the servant quarters, and learning what life was like on the estate in the late 1700s to early 1800s. After the tour, be sure to check out the Jefferson family burial ground, the final resting place of Thomas Jefferson, located at the back of the property along the trail to the Visitor’s Center.
Roam the Grounds at the University of Virginia
Monticello isn’t the only spot in Charlottesville with ties to Thomas Jefferson. The Declaration of Independence author also founded the University of Virginia. Today, Thomas Jefferson’s Academical Village, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, still preserves his original vision.
Catch an Event at John Paul Jones Arena
In addition to being home to the University of Virginia’s basketball teams, John Paul Jones Arena hosts a variety of events ranging from concerts to Monster Trucks. Check the schedule of events here.
Opt Outside
Charlottesville is conveniently located 32 miles from Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah National Park offers more than 500 miles of hiking trails. Check out this trail list from the National Park Services to pick your hike. A favorite among Virginians is Old Rag Mountain, where the views far outweigh the switchbacks and rock scrambles you encounter on your way to the top.
Considering a Charlottesville weekend getaway and need help getting started? Let’s work together (two heads are better than one, right??). If you’ve visited Charlottesville before, leave your favorite spots in the comments!
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This Post Has One Comment
Hey Megan,
Great write-up. Peachtree Transportation & Tours is the smart way to visit the Charlottesville area wineries without worrying about the driving, and King Family Vineyards is definitely worth the visit.
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