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fire going strong in fireplace

Places to Enjoy Fire Pits

Written by Jess McCurry - October 4, 2024

There's something special about enjoying a glass of wine or a delicious meal beside a crackling fire. If you're in Charlottesville or nearby areas, you're in luck - this area is home to some incredible spots that combine great food and drink with the cozy allure of fire pits and fireplaces. Read on for our guide to some of the best restaurants and wineries around Charlottesville that offer fire pits and other warming experiences.

1. Veritas Winery

fire pit, chairs, and garden igloo outsideundefined

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind experience, Veritas Winery offers the perfect setup: renting a space with an igloo and fire pit! The heated garden igloos are ideal for those who want to stay cozy without missing the vineyard views, and the fire pit adds an extra touch of warmth and charm. Veritas is known for its stunning wines, and this cozy outdoor arrangement makes it an ideal choice for a winter wine adventure.

2. Knights Gambit Vineyard

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Knights Gambit Vineyard offers an intimate fire experience. They provide a wood-burning fire inside the tasting room, creating a wonderful ambiance on those cool evenings. This is perfect for a romantic date night or a relaxing evening with friends.

3. Bar Botanical - Crozet

Bar Botanical in Crozet is the place to be. With fire pits on the rooftop, this spot allows you to enjoy the stunning views while staying cozy around the fire. They even provide blankets to wrap up in! It's a great place to gather with friends and sip their carefully crafted cocktails and plant-based menu.

4. Pro Re Nata

Crozet’s Pro Re Nata offers multiple outdoor fire pits, making it a great destination for groups of all sizes. Gather with friends, listen to live music, and enjoy some local brews—all while staying warm by the fire. Pro Re Nata’s laid-back atmosphere and the variety of craft beer on tap make it a beloved local favorite, perfect for enjoying a relaxing afternoon or evening.

5. Devils Backbone Basecamp

Devils Backbone Basecamp in Roseland takes the fire pit experience to the next level. You can reserve seating around a fire pit and even enjoy s’mores as part of your outing. It’s a great choice for families, as well as anyone who wants to combine the outdoorsy feel of a campfire with excellent food and drinks. With a wide selection of craft beers and a menu featuring hearty dishes, it’s easy to settle in and stay for hours.

Additional Businesses in the area with great fireplaces include:

South Street Brewery

here’s something quintessentially cozy about South Street’s fireplace. Comfortable, well spaced seating offers the perfect setting for a small group gathering with locally brewed beers flowing freely.

Pippin Hill

Spring, summer and fall, Pippin Hill has built a reputation as one of the must-visit wineries in the area, and don’t think you have to sit indoors just because it’s winter. Grab some friends and gather around one of several fire pits on the grounds. From Friday-Sunday, you can pick up one of their s’more kits (serves four), and add some hot chocolate or hot cider for a sweet winter pick-me up that’s wrapped in nostalgia.

Common House

A double-sided fireplace doubles the number of people who can sit fireside while dining at Common House. That’s just one of the ways the social club creates an inviting environment. Big comfy chairs and couches to lounge on before or after dinner add to the warm welcome. -Recommended by Insider Logan Hall

Vivace

Known for some of the best Italian food in town, Vivace has a snug atmosphere and the crackling fire only adds to that ambience. The restaurant on Rt 250 west of town also boasts one of the biggest patios with sparkling string lights that make the entire place seem candlelit.

Hark Vineyards

One of the newcomers to the local wine scene, family-owned Hark Vineyards hasn’t wasted time making sure visitors are comfortable year round. Multiple fire pits provide places to sit, socialize and sip their wines. That last one’s sure to be a win. They’ve already taken five awards in the Virginia Governor’s Cup!

Blue Mountain Brewery

Looking for brews with a view? Look no further than Blue Mountain Brewery, part of the Nelson 151 trail of wineries, breweries and cideries. In addition to a fire pit, Blue Mountain has miniature heaters they’ll put around certain outdoor tables to make sure eating al fresco doesn’t leave you al frozen.