Grape Friday instead of Black Friday!

Well, now that you asked, may I make some recommendations?   North, South, East or West , Central Virginia is the best…for vineyard views and wine tasting with friends and family, that is!   Plus, you can get some early Christmas shopping done.  Send me a description of the personality of your guests and how much time you have to devote to sight-seeing and I can customize an itinerary for you this holiday season!

Visiting three wineries around Charlottesville is a reasonable number to visit in one day.  More can be seen but you really lose in quality time and experiencing the charm of each winery. The vineyards are spread just a little too far apart  and you need to make allowances  for driving time. 

If you have time for only one winery I would suggest Barboursville Winery. Located  on the north side of Charlottesville,  Barboursville Vineyards  is a must do  for several reasons.  Notable for their award-winning Octagon wine and Palladio, their 5 Star restaurant;  Barboursville rates very high on my list as a first class wine tasting and dining  experience. They are wonderful at handling a large number of visitors and have an expansive tasting room for groups to spread out.  

The price of wine tasting can’t be beat!  For 5 dollars you can taste 15 -20 wines and keep the inscribed glass as a souvenir. If you return, bring your glass and the fee is only 3 dollars!  Step inside and go to the register on your right to get started.  The fireplace separates the tasting area from the gift shop so you can browse while waiting for a spot to slip into at the bar . Take a walk down to the ruins of the estate house, one of only three homes designed for his friends by Thomas Jefferson. It burned Christmas of 1884 and until recently was used as a backdrop for Shakespearian plays! 

Barboursville is closed for Thanksgiving Day.   From Charlottesville and South: Go East from Charlottesville on Route 250 (bypass), to Route 20 North, “The Constitution Highway,” proceeding 16 miles northeast. Barboursville Vineyards will be visible on your right, turn as directed by the signs into Route 678 to the estate.