Charlottesville Wine Country
The cultural capital of Virginia wine, where Thomas Jefferson's vision finally took root across the rolling hills of the Monticello AVA.
About Charlottesville Wine Country
Charlottesville is the beating heart of Virginia wine country and the center of the Monticello AVA. It was here that Thomas Jefferson dreamed of a great American wine industry, planting vines at Monticello with his Italian friend Filippo Mazzei. Two centuries later, that vision is thriving in the vineyards spread across Albemarle County and the Southwest Mountains.
The area is home to some of Virginia's most prominent producers, from Jefferson Vineyards, sited on land Jefferson gave to Mazzei, to Trump Winery, the state's largest, and acclaimed names like Michael Shaps Wineworks. Bordeaux varieties, Viognier, and Petit Verdot flourish in the region's clay-loam soils and four-season climate. Combined with a vibrant college-town food scene at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville is the natural launch point for exploring Virginia wine.
Wineries in Charlottesville
All Monticello AVA →
Planning Your Charlottesville Visit
Getting There
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) is about 10 miles north with regional connections. The city is roughly two hours from Washington, D.C. via US-29 or I-66.
When to Visit
April through November. Spring and the September-October harvest are the most beautiful, though many tasting rooms stay open year-round.