Experience Virginia Wine Month in Charlottesville
Get ready to raise a glass because October is Virginia Wine Month! It's a fantastic time to celebrate the wonderful wine industry right in the heart of Virginia. When it comes to enjoying Virginia Wine Month, Charlottesville is the place to be!
Virginia Wine Varietals
Virginia’s climate and terroir make it an ideal location for producing a wide variety of exceptional wines. Viognier, Virginia’s signature white wine, is known for its aromatic peach, apricot, and honeysuckle notes, a refreshing choice for warmer fall days. Petit Manseng is another standout, offering rich tropical fruit flavors balanced with bright acidity, and is often made in both dry and sweet styles. Sauvignon Blanc from Virginia is refreshing with crisp citrus and green apple notes. For red wine lovers, the medium-bodied Cabernet Franc thrives in Virginia’s climate. Tannat and Petit Verdot are both bold, full-bodied reds, These varietals made by Virginia winemakers highlight the region’s ability to produce world-class wines. The region was even named 2023 Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast!
Tips for Planning Your Virginia Wine Month Visit
Plan Ahead
With so many wineries to choose from on the Monticello Wine Trail, it’s a good idea to map out your itinerary in advance. Popular wineries like Pippin Hill can get busy, especially on the weekends, so consider making reservations when available.
Bring a Picnic
Many Charlottesville wineries offer outdoor seating areas with beautiful views, ideal for a relaxing picnic. Pack a basket of local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh bread to enjoy with your wine. Shops like Greenwood Grocery and Batesville Market are great to stop for snacks and close to the wineries! Some wineries, like Early Mountain Vineyards, even offer curated picnic experiences.
Take a Wine Tour
If you’d like to visit several wineries without worrying about driving, consider booking a wine tour. Monticello Wine Tour & Couch Co. offers guided tours of Charlottesville’s best vineyards. The tour includes transportation and insider knowledge of the local wine scene.
Attend October Wine Events
Many vineyards host special celebrations in honor of Virginia Wine Month and finishing out the fall harvest season. Plan your trip to Charlottesville wineries around these fun events:
- Wine Tasting at Markets Wine: Wines of Virginia: Wed, Oct 2
- Monticello Wine Trail Red Wine Showcase: Fri, Oct 4
- Harvest Dinner @ Wisdom Oak Winery: Sat, Oct 5
- Cunningham Creek Winery’s Annual Harvest Festival: Sat, Oct 5
- Harvest Dinner & Wine Pairing @ Hardware Hills: Sun, Oct 13
- Seafood & Wine: Culinary Celebration of VA Wine Month: Sun, Oct 13
- Harvest Party Artisan Market: Sun, Oct 13
Gather your friends, plan a visit, and raise a glass to the rich wine culture that makes Charlottesville a must-visit destination this October!
