Your Cheat Sheet to Polo at King Family Vineyards

Polo matches are broken down into play times called ‘chukkers’ - think of innings for baseball. Chukkers are each seven minutes and thirty seconds. Each match consists of four chukkers. So at King Family Vineyards, we have a 12PM match and a 2PM match, each with four chukkers.

For each match there are two teams that play against each other - these teams consist of four players. Each player will have a total of four horses that they ride throughout a match, meaning a new horse will be ready for them after the conclusion of a chukker.

Since there are four positions on a team, each player has their own plan of action to ultimately play to win.

Player #1 The Forward or Striker - This is primarily an offensive role with their main objective being to score goals.

Player #2 Forward or Midfielder - This player is a balance between offense and defense. Skilled at both scoring and breaking up plays.

Player #3 The Playmaker - This player is usually the most skilled on the team. Think of a quarterback when you think of player #3. This person distributes the ball, sets the plays, and organizes the overall strategy for the team.

Player #4 The Defender - This is primarily a defensive role by protecting the goal. Responsible for long clearing shots to turn defense into attack mode.

There are multiple key terms in the sport. Below are some of the most commonly heard around the field.

Chukker - A period of play in the sport of polo, generally 7.5 minutes long, and each match consists of four to six chukkers.

Handicap - The skill rating of a player ranging from -2 to 10. Handicaps are summed which then creates the team handicap, determining the levels of matches and tournaments.

Mallet - The long-handled stick that players use to swing and hit the ball, the ball is hit on the long side of the mallet head. Fun fact: mallets are always held in the right hand even when the player is left-handed!

Line of the Ball - The foundation of polo rules. The imaginary line created by the ball’s path after being hit. This determines “high of way” and avoids collision

Knock-In - When the defending team hits the ball back into play after the opposing team misses a shot

Hook - When a player uses their mallet to block another player's swing at the ball.

Backshot - When a defensive player sends the ball in the opposite direction, back towards their teammates.

Polo Sundays at King Family Vineyards have become a beloved local tradition, drawing families, friends, and visitors from near and far to gather around the polo field. These matches are always free and open to the public, keeping the sport of polo accessible and welcoming to all. Whether it’s your first match or your fiftieth, the energy of the crowd and the excitement of the game make it a truly special way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

What to Wear

Some spectators choose to dress up in their Sunday best, while others opt for more laid-back attire perfect for relaxing outdoors. Polo Sundays are all about relaxing and fun.

What to Bring

The event is tailgate-style, so many guests bring 10x10 pop-up tents, folding chairs, and tables to set up their own home base along the sidelines. It’s a chance to enjoy the match your way - whether that’s lounging in the shade with a glass of wine or cheering on the match from the boards. The majority of their field is first-come, first-serve for tailgating, but they do offer reserved spaces as well, for an additional fee.

What to Eat/Drink

Outside food is always welcome, so feel free to pack a picnic with favorites from a local shop or prepare your own spread! Homemade charcuterie boards and family recipes are a common sight along the field. You’ll also find an assortment of food trucks on-site, offering delicious options to enjoy throughout the day. To complete the experience, King Family Vineyards wine is available by the bottle from roaming golf carts that circle the field, or at the Barn Patio bar just steps away. For those who’d like the full tasting experience, the King Family Vineyards Tasting Room is open during regular hours, 10AM - 5:30PM, on Polo Sundays.

Regular Sunday matches are held from Memorial Day Sunday through the final Sunday in October. Matches are held weekly, dependent on weather and field conditions. Always be sure to check the Roseland Polo page, linked here, on the morning of each match.

2025 FIP World Arena Championships | Oct. 5-12

Roseland Polo Club is thrilled to partner with The Virginia Polo Club to co-host the FIP World Arena Championships. For the first time in history, this prestigious tournament, organized by the Federation of International Polo, will be held in the United States.

The road to the championship begins with four zone playoffs, with only six teams earning the right to compete. Team USA (as host nation) and Team France (as defending champions) have already secured their spots, while the remaining contenders will emerge from Zone A (North & Central America), Zone B (South America), Zone C (Europe), and Zone E (Pakistan, India & Iran) by the end of August 2025.

Matches will be played at both the Virginia Polo Center and Roseland Polo Club, culminating in the finals on Sunday, October 12th, at Roseland Polo with matches at 12PM and 2PM.

Off-Season Polo

During the off-season, when Polo Sundays are not taking place weekly, the Roseland Polo Club continues to offer lessons during the Fall and Spring, while the horses get a well-deserved break during the off months!

Coming to town for a polo match? Make the most of your time and spend a few days in the Charlottesville-area. There's plenty to do before and/or after a day of polo. Explore small-town Crozet, venture out to nearby wineries, discover local eats, enjoy nearby hiking trails, and more!

Wineries

Roseland Polo and King Family Vineyards are closely intertwined. Originally purchased as a farm for playing polo in 1996 - with no plans to make wine, in 1998 the King Family decided to plant their own grapes, and today they farm over 50 acres of vines, producing premium Virginia wines recognized nationally and internationally. While attending a polo match, be sure to stop by the tasting room to enjoy the full experience. And if you’re exploring the area, other local favorites include Chiswell Farm & Winery, Septenary Winery, Veritas Winery, and many more along the Monticello Wine Trail!

Local Eats

If you’re planning on bringing your own outside food, consider Greenwood Gourmet Grocery or Crozeli, for some of the best local sandwiches. Crozet Market also has essential snacks! If you're hungry after a match, head to local restaurants like Smoked Kitchen and Tap for awesome BBQ, Bar Botanical for vegan faire (with a rooftop view), or Crozet Pizza for a relaxed atmosphere and award-winning pizza!

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Roseland Polo and King Family Vineyards are conveniently located near Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Looking for a nearby hike? Check out Humpback Rocks or explore a unique walk through The Blue Ridge Tunnel in neighboring Nelson County!

Take a Polo Lesson

Curious about learning polo for yourself? The Intro to Polo Experience at Roseland Polo is designed to let you explore the sport at your own pace. You can step into the action by learning the basics and taking a few swings or enjoy a more relaxed ride through the vines at King Family Vineyards - topped off with a wine tasting!