Five Top Places to Visit in the Heart of Virginia Wine Country
I was recently asked what and where is North Garden? I was taken off guard, I guess I thought everyone in Central Virginia knew about little North Garden, thus prompting a response from me, what can I add to the facts? North Garden, located just minutes south of Charlottesville in Albemarle County is home to long time multi-generation farms, apple orchards, the historic Cocke’s Mill House and the Crossroads Tavern Inn, both included on the National Register of Historic Places; and more recently, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, one of the nation’s dream luxury wedding venues. The winery, tasting room and the Granary, a 3,600-square-foot event space are strikingly sited on a slope advantageously overlooking lush vineyards and the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains within the 2,300 acre conservation based community of Bundoran Farm . The property itself, aside from the rustically elegant structures, offer a multitude of breathtaking photo ops even an amateur phone selfie can capture! We often stop in for a locally sourced light lunch paired with the 2021 Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, because everyday should be a celebration!
A little further down the road you’ll find Loving Cup, another winery in North Garden on a much smaller scale, more cozy and casual, pet friendly, family run and known for it’s certified organic vineyards, apparently one of only three certified on the entire East Coast. The vineyard is on the family owned 150 acre farm and you are welcome to bring your own picnic and non-alcoholic beverages, sit back, relax, enjoy the view, the people and the wine! Even your dogs will love Loving Cup!
Cideries & Distilleries
It’s getting to be that time of year! Apples, especially heirloom apples from Virginia including Albemarle Pippin and Old Virginia Winesap! Fall is just around the corner and with the crisp weather comes mouthwatering ciders, just a short jaunt down 29 from Charlottesville you’ll encounter two cideries, Albemarle Ciderworks and Potters Craft Cider. Albemarle Ciderworks is technically in North Garden and Potters Craft is just shy of being considered North Garden. No matter what, both are worth of a stop, and by the way, every season can be cider season! Please check the hours, they can vary a bit seasonally and you may catch live music in the orchard at Albemarle Ciderworks. Potters Craft has a bit of a twisty-back, winding drive approach off 29 but you’ll love what you find at the top, a sprawling garden style wrap around patio and a tasting room tucked inside the thick stone walls of a former Episcopalian chapel. Music events, weddings and receptions are all available at Potters Craft.
Beef & Bourbon
Do not miss Ragged Branch Distillery, a working farm where you can taste and purchase Bourbon and Rye Whiskey distilled from their own grain. They mash, distill, age and bottle right on the property. The beef is from cattle on the farm and their nearby farm of Pounding Branch and interestingly, the cattle are fed with the residual mash from the distillation process. You can purchase beef Monday to Thursday at the distillery and at the tasting room only open on weekends, Friday through Sunday. Easy to find, between the turn off to Potters Craft and before Albemarle Ciderworks & Pippin Hill, take a right turn on Taylor’s Gap Rd, a scenic drive meandering approximately 3 miles from 29/ Monocan Trail and just past the lovely estate homes of Blandemar.
Hopefully by now, if you haven’t made a trip to North Garden, we’ve at least piqued your interest! This is an up and coming area with much of the land in conservation and endeavoring to maintain the rural sustainable landscape that makes Central Virginia so desirable. If you are in the market for a home or we’ve tempted you, we would encourage you to consider a lovely property within minutes of each of these destinations. 2028 Middlebranch Dr is in a private neighborhood of five homes in Middlebranch Farms. With approximately 2500 finished square feet in the main house, the all brick traditional Virginia style home sits on a level lawn, quietly secluded and surrounded by hardwood trees on 12+ acres. Attached via a soaring breezeway is a 1302 Sq.Ft cottage/ guest house with it’s own electric meter and septic system featuring two separate entries and all main level living. The possibilities for the cottage vary from an income producing rental to a home perfect for extended family members whether full time or occasional visits. Both homes can easily become one by enclosing the breezeway thereby creating a totally separated master suite. The extensive patio/ deck areas are perfect for gatherings and there is more than sufficient room for a swimming pool to be added. The home could also serve as a vacation home/ “family and friends getaway” for Northern Virginians who escape often to Charlottesville. This property is currently listed for sale and can be viewed by appointment, Call 434-882-0824. MLS#643255
I recently heard an interesting perspective that altered my thoughts on reviews, star ratings and testimonials. In this knee jerk reactive, social media world we live in, people have the opportunity to praise or harm a business without the owner even being aware of a situation. Such a situation developed the other evening at one of my very favorite restaurants on the Pedestrian mall in Downtown Charlottesville. We had new clients in town and they selected 
As many already know, Ā Pippin Hill is a favorite with The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings and Vogue and deserves itās ranking as one of the premier wedding destinations in the country. Pippin also boasts one of the most picturesque views in Virginia, and a striking approach through an allĆ©e ofĀ fragrant popcorn white hydrangeas towards the rustically elegant Ā barn/event hall and tasting room.
It couldnāt have been a more delightful afternoon. It also served as Ā an unexpected opportunity to celebrate my birthday and our clients =) which are both tomorrow.
Happy Birthday to me…
Ā 
Charlottesville UnCorked 
