Southern Charlottesville Winery Itinerary
If you’re a wine enthusiast seeking the perfect day trip in Virginia, South Charlottesville offers a picturesque journey through some of the finest wineries in the region. Just 40 minutes along a scenic route, this 21.1-mile itinerary takes you to four wineries, each with its unique blend of charm, history, and award-winning wines.
Our guide will help you plan the ultimate wine-tasting experience at Jefferson Vineyards, Eastwood Farm and Winery, Blenheim Vineyards, and the Mount Ida Tasting Room & Tap House.
Itinerary
Stop 1 – Jefferson Vineyards
Location: 1353 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Distance from Charlottesville: 5 miles
Highlights:
- Historic vineyard founded in 1774
- Specializes in European-style wines
- Beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Jefferson Vineyards is a stop for history buffs, it is located on land that Thomas Jefferson envisioned as Virginia’s wine country. Start your day at this iconic Charlottesville vineyard, and enjoy tastings of their signature Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The tasting room offers indoor and outdoor seating, with views of the surrounding mountains. Don’t forget to walk through the historic property and learn about Virginia’s deep-rooted connection to winemaking.
Insider Tip: Try the Viognier! It's Virginia's signature white grape and Jefferson's Viognier is one of the best.
Stop 2 – Eastwood Farm & Winery
Location: 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Distance from Jefferson Vineyards: 3.7 miles
Highlights:
- Women and family-owned farm winery
- Offers a wide variety of wine flights, beer, and cider
- Great stop for food with their farm-to-table menu & food truck
- Ideal for a relaxed and rustic experience
Next on the itinerary is Eastwood Farm and Winery, a relatively new addition to Charlottesville’s wine scene that opened in 2020. The winery is owned and operated by Athena Eastwood and her two daughters. The Eastwoods are all about building community, the winery often hosts events with live music, independent winemakers, and special events like Oktoberfest and Music Bingo. Their outdoor spaces are perfect for picnicking, so consider bringing a blanket and enjoying a bottle in the warm afternoon sun.
Insider Tip: If you’re ready to get your steps in take your glass of wine through their winery trails, ask a bartender to show you the way!
Stop 3 – Blenheim Vineyards
Location: 31 Blenheim Farm, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Distance from Eastwood Farm and Winery: 5 miles
Highlights:
- Owned by musician Dave Matthews
- Focus on sustainable winemaking practices
- Artfully designed tasting room
Blenheim Vineyards, owned by Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band, is the third stop on this winery tour. Known for its sustainable practices and eco-friendly winery, Blenheim focuses on creating small batches of high-quality wines. The tasting room is a work of art itself, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the vineyards. Their most popular wines include the Painted Red and Painted White series, and you’ll also find unique blends like Albariño and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pair your wine with one of their seasonal food offerings for a well-rounded tasting experience.
Insider Tip: Enjoy your tasting in the Artist's Loft, (upper loft area of the tasting room) it's a cozy space where you can appreciate the view.
Stop 4 – Mount Ida Tasting Room & Tap House
Location: 5600 Edgewood Farm, Scottsville, VA 24590
Distance from Blenheim Vineyards: 7.4 miles
Highlights:
- Dual tasting room for wine and craft beer
- Panoramic views of the estate’s rolling hills
- Luxurious yet welcoming ambiance
End your day with a visit to Mount Ida Tasting Room & Tap House, where you can enjoy both wine and craft beer in one setting. Located on a 5,000-acre estate, this tasting room is renowned for its breathtaking views and upscale yet approachable atmosphere. Sample their estate-grown wines, including the fan-favorite Rosé and Chardonnay, or switch gears and explore their tap house offerings with a flight of craft beers. The spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas make it a great spot to relax and reflect on your day of wine tasting before heading back to Charlottesville.
Insider Tip: Reserve one of their outdoor fire pits!
Additional Tips for Your Wine-Tasting Tour
- Timing: Plan to spend about an hour at each winery to fully enjoy tastings and scenery. Visiting on a weekday (especially during the fall months) helps beat the crowds and not waste time on your tour standing in line.
- Transportation: Consider booking a local wine tour shuttle for a hassle-free experience.
- Food Pairings: Many wineries offer small bites, but you might want to pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the stops, especially at Eastwood or Mount Ida, where outdoor seating is plentiful.
- Reservations: Some wineries, like Blenheim and Mount Ida, may require or recommend reservations for tables, especially on weekends or for larger groups.
Whether you’re a local looking for a day trip or a visitor exploring Virginia’s wine country, this South Charlottesville winery itinerary promises a memorable day filled with fantastic wines, stunning scenery, and the warmth of Virginia’s wine culture.
Check out our events calendar for upcoming winery events to plan your trip around!
