Spend five relaxed hours driving the eastside of Charlottesville to three curated wineries in the Monticello AVA. Expect guided tastings, picnic lawns, and small‑batch bottles that showcase Virginia’s Piedmont terroir.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step into an air-conditioned van outside downtown Charlottesville and the Piedmont unfurls—low ridgelines, hedgerows, and vineyard rows that crouch along gentle slopes. The guide eases you through country lanes toward Keswick; sunlight picks out limestone outcrops and the grasses hum as if urging you on. Over the next five hours you visit three distinct tasting rooms, each staged to highlight Virginia’s Monticello AVA and the people who coax flavor from clay and loam.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated in a vehicle with short walks at each winery
Wildlife
History
The tour runs through the Monticello AVA and Keswick area, lands shaped by 18th–19th century estates and the wine‑interested legacy of Thomas Jefferson.
Conservation
Many vineyards here practice sustainable viticulture and encourage visitors to stay on paths; carry out picnic waste and avoid trampling vines to protect soils and habitat.
Reserve your spot on the Private Charlottesville Area Wine Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring ID for tastings
Virginia law requires government-issued ID for wine tastings—keep it handy to streamline service.
Hydrate between flights
Carry a reusable water bottle or use the provided bottle to cleanse your palate and stay hydrated between tastings.
Dress in layers and comfy shoes
Tasting rooms and picnic lawns can be cooler or breezy—light layers and sturdy shoes make short vineyard walks more pleasant.
Book ahead for weekends
Private tours fill quickly during peak season and weekends—reserve early and confirm pickup details within 24 hours.
Government-issued ID
Required for alcohol service at tasting rooms.
Reusable water bottle
Stays hydrated between flights and reduces plastic use.
Sunscreen and hat
Protects you during outdoor lawn tastings and vineyard strolls.
summer
Light jacket or windbreaker
Useful for cool mornings and breezy picnic areas.
fall