Touring the Monticello Wine Trail with UVA Daytripper Ambassador Lindsey Bralower. (Class of 2017)

For many, Charlottesville is simply home to Thomas Jefferson, the rotunda, and the lawn. But, for those of us who have been fortunate enough to call Charlottesville our home for more than a weekend, we know there is so much more to explore outside of grounds. Nestled within the countryside and mountain ranges of Charlottesville County are a bounty of vineyard and breweries spanning the Monticello wine trail. It is the perfect activity for parent’s weekends, a twenty-first birthday celebration, or just your average Saturday afternoon. Here is a breakdown of my favorite places to stop, have a sip, and grab a bite.

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard

Pippin is a Charlottesville vineyard staple. Located only 15 minutes away from UVA, and a favorite among UVA students. Whether you decide to sit inside the renovated barn for lunch or simply grab a few bottles of rose and enjoy the great lawn, you know you’ll be in for a treat. The beautiful views of the vineyard and the delicious crudité platters add to the overall welcoming ambiance. Its no surprise this picturesque venue is the backdrop for many weddings.

Blue Mountain Brewery

Looking for a great restaurant with an equally impressive variety of beers on tap? Than Blue Mountain Brewery, part of the Brew Ridge Trail, is the spot for you. Blue Mountain Brewery has both indoor and outdoor seating, lawn games, and often-free live music. I highly recommend doing the beer tasting paired with their spinach and artichoke dip. The brewery tends to get crowded on the weekends with locals and visitors alike, but its well worth braving the crowds for their Sunday brunch, you wont regret it!

Bold Rock Brewery

If choosing a perfect hard cider is not something that comes naturally to you; Bold Rock Brewery is aiming to change that! Bold Rock in addition to a fantastic tap house, offers tours of the cider making process, plus beer and cider tastings, all with great views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Bold Rock is one of my favorite Breweries to visit in the fall because of the changing leaves and fall flavors. It is a serious must if your parents are coming down for parents weekend or a parents formal this fall.

Blenheim Vineyards

Before Dave Matthews was a national superstar he began his career here in Charlottesville. As homage to his hometown, Mathews started Blenheim Vineyards, just 20 minutes away from grounds. There are two vineyard sites thats grow grapes for Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The goal at Blenheim Vineyards is to make high quality wines that reflect the climate, soil, and beauty of the surrounding piedmont landscape. If you are looking for a wine tasting away from the crowds, I highly recommend stopping by the Blenheim tasting room.

Beyond the corner and the downtown mall

One of my favorite things about UVA is the plethora of activities there are beyond grounds. Now that I am in my fourth year, I am looking to explore more than ever. Wine and beer tasting is always at the top of my list. While I have shared a few of my favorite spots in the area, the great thing is that there are so many more—it’s impossible to ever get bored.

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard

Address: 5022 Plank Rd, North Garden, VA 22959

Hours: Monday Closed

Tuesday- Sunday 11AM-5PM

Phone: (434) 202 8063

Blue Mountain Brewery

Address: 9519 Critzer Shop Rd, Afton, VA 22920

Hours: Monday – Saturday 11AM-10PM

Sunday 11AM-9PM

Phone: (540) 456-8020

Bold Rock Brewery

Address: 1020 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Nellysford, VA 22958