1. King Family's Mountain Plains Rosé

King Family Vineyards' Mountain Plains series is a small-batch series created by winemaker Matthieu Finot. This dry rosé is 100% Petit Verdot with hints of strawberry and cherry. This wine is bolder than some rosés, but still able to be sipped with friends or enjoyed with barbeque or short ribs. It’s also great to enjoy at King Family’s free Roseland Polo Matches which happen every Sunday in the summer, weather permitting.

2. Chestnut Oak's Nebbiolo

Virginia is producing some great Nebbiolo, and wineries such as Chestnut Oak Vineyard and Barboursville Vineyards are working with this Italian grape to show Central Virginia how it shines. The wine’s red cherry notes are heightened with just the slightest chill. Grab a bottle and pair it with summer favorites like chimichurri skirt steak, brisket, or veggies fresh off the grill.

Chestnut Oak Vineyard Chestnut Oak Vineyard is located in the Monticello AVA, along a scenic Virginia byway. Produced in small quantities, allowing us to focus on quality over quantity. Our first acreage was planted in 2006. In 2013, the vineyards were expanded and… Learn More
Barboursville Vineyards Established in 1976 by Gianni Zonin, whose family has been producing wines throughout Italy since 1821, Barboursville Vineyards is dedicated to growing estate-bottled wines of European heritage which merit comparison with the finest wines of their kind, grown anywhere in… Learn More

3. Oakencroft's Sparkling White

Summer isn’t summer without great sparkling wine. Oakencroft Farm & Winery’s Sparkling White is the perfect bubbly to share with friends as you indulge in shrimp, oysters, fried fish, or sweet treats. Check out the beautiful tasting room on their farm which specializes in sustainable winemaking and regenerative agriculture.

4. Blenheim's Farm Chardonnay

Hear me out here. With its Farm Chardonnay, Blenheim Vineyards has created an option that is both light and refreshing in the often heavy and buttery world of Chardonnays. Enjoy a bottle with friends at Blenheim’s tasting room, but also be prepared to take one home. Specializing in approachable wines and owned by Dave Matthews, Blenheim’s current releases include several summer favorites. You’ll want to visit and sip here all summer long.

5. Eastwood's Orchard Blend

The Charlottesville area has wines for every wine lover and if you’re seeking an off-dry option, Eastwood Farm and Winery’s Orchard Blend is for you. The wine is made entirely from Virginia grown apples and pears and is perfect with savory meat, like pork chops and roast turkey.

Bonus: Potter’s Craft Strawberry Ginger Cider

Rounding out this list with a cider just makes sense. Cider has been a part of Virginia’s wine and spirits history since colonial days and there are numerous stories of vineyards that failed or were abandoned and converted to orchards. Ciders are also judged alongside wines as part of the Virginia Governor’s Cup.

My pick for a refreshing choice on a hot day is the Strawberry Ginger Cider from Potter’s Craft Cider. It's great on its own but also makes an amazing addition to cocktails.

These wines are just a taste of what you can sample in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Charlottesville and Albemarle County are home to a booming viticultural scene with more than 40 wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail. Make a summer trip out of it at one of our hotels, cottages, or B&Bs…or consider a stay right on a vineyard!

Places to Stay Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer visitors a wide variety of places to stay, including resorts, hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, cabins, and vacation rentals. Learn More
Sip and Stay: Winery Lodging Learn More
Bed & Breakfasts/​Inns Before you experience all the excitement of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, you're going to need a good night's sleep and a solid breakfast. Why not get both of those under one roof? Learn More
Author

Tasha Durrett

Founder of Black Women Who Wine

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