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Discover Charlottesville’s Vineyard Trails on a Guided Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting

Discover Charlottesville’s Vineyard Trails on a Guided Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting

1 Hour • Open Thursday-Sunday • 4 person minimum

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  4. Discover Charlottesville’s Vineyard Trails on a Guided Horseback Ride with Wine Tasting

Adventure Brief

Explore Virginia’s vineyard landscapes from horseback with guided tours at Cunningham Creek Winery near Charlottesville. This one-hour adventure blends serene trails and local wine tasting for a unique outdoor experience.

1 hour
moderate
From $159.00

Keep the Adventure Going

More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders

Family Friendly
No Experience Required

Just a short drive from Charlottesville, Virginia, lies Cunningham Creek Winery, a refreshing destination that blends the charm of vineyard landscapes with the serene rhythm of horseback riding. This unique one-hour guided horseback adventure invites visitors to explore rolling vineyards, lush farms, and tranquil creeks near Scottsville, offering an outdoor experience that is rare in this part of the Blue Ridge region.

This ride unfolds through sprawling grapevines heavy with promise and meanders alongside strawberry fields ripe for the season, painting a vivid picture of Virginia’s agricultural heritage. As the horses carry you at a gentle pace, the scenery shifts—creeks murmuring nearby, wildflowers edging the trail, and the distant silhouette of the Blue Ridge Mountains setting a captivating horizon.

What makes this journey truly unforgettable is the seamless blend of nature and local flavor. The knowledgeable guides ensure your safety and enrich your ride with stories about the winery’s history, the vineyards’ cultivation, and the surrounding ecosystem. Culminating at the winery’s tasting room, riders savor a carefully curated wine tasting featuring award-winning vintages made from locally grown grapes. Each sip unfolds the terroir’s character, deepening your appreciation for this unique slice of Virginia.

Scottville serves as the closest town where travelers can find comfortable accommodations and local dining options, making this outing an excellent day trip or leisurely afternoon excursion from Charlottesville.

Cunningham Creek Winery stands out in the region's outdoor recreation scene by offering more than just wine or horseback riding. It provides an immersive sensory journey—tactile, visual, and gustatory—that connects visitors with Virginia’s rural landscapes and viticultural traditions. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a novice eager to embrace the outdoors, this adventure delivers a thoughtfully paced, accessible experience that keeps nature, hospitality, and discovery at its core.

If you’re searching for a memorable outdoor activity where you can unwind amid vineyards and nature, this guided ride is a perfect fit. Bring along your camera for moments framed by vineyard rows and creekside reflections, and prepare for an afternoon of calm and enjoyment unlike any other in the Charlottesville region.

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Trip Details from the Operator

Frequently Asked Questions

No prior experience is necessary; knowledgeable guides provide assistance and manage the pace to accommodate beginners.

Riders must be at least 12 years old to safely participate and meet the horse handling requirements.

Tours may be rescheduled or canceled in heavy rain to ensure safety and enjoyment.

Key Highlights

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

1 hour

Fitness Level

Basic fitness level is sufficient; no prior horseback riding experience required but comfort with animals helps.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • White-tailed deer
  • Eastern bluebird

History

Cunningham Creek Winery celebrates Virginia’s long-standing viticulture tradition dating back to the 19th century, contributing to the region’s agricultural heritage.

Conservation

The winery practices sustainable farming techniques to protect soil health and local water sources, ensuring a low environmental footprint.

Related Adventures & Guides

  • See other trips from Indian Summer Guide Service
  • Explore more Scottsville adventures
  • Browse more land adventures experiences

Operated By

Indian Summer Guide Service

1 Hour • Open Thursday-Sunday • 4 person minimum

About Indian Summer Guide Service

Indian Summer Guide Service leads guided horseback rides across Charlottesville-area farms, vineyards, and ciderworks. Operating family-friendly and private experiences, the guide service pairs calm, well-trained horses with knowledgeable guides who prioritize safety, clear instruction, and an enjoyable pace for riders of varying experience.

The seasonal Santa's Chuckwagon in Roseland creates holiday memories: riders meet Santa, warm by a fire with hot cocoa, receive decorate-your-own cookie kits, and take professional photos beside gentle horses. Other public and private rides explore Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard, Keswick, Chiswell Farm, Pollak Vineyards, Veritas Vineyard & Winery, Cunningham Creek Winery, and Albemarle Ciderworks, each finishing with a tasting or light fare at a rustic tasting room or family-owned winery.

Programs accommodate families, children, adults, and private groups; some rides require riders aged 12 and up while select vineyard rides are 21+. Routes traverse pasture, creekside paths, strawberry fields, and vineyard rows, offering Blue Ridge views and a relaxed countryside pace suited to beginners through experienced riders.

Indian Summer Guide Service focuses on curated, small-group outings that combine outdoor adventure with local flavors — wine flights, cider tastings, and intimate tasting-room experiences. Reservations are recommended for private vineyard or winery pairings and the popular holiday Santa's Chuckwagon. Contact information and booking details are available online; advance reservations help secure preferred dates and private experiences. All skill levels welcome.

Indian Summer Guide Service fleet
Indian Summer Guide Service team

Locations

Charlottesville & Roseland

Scenic farms, vineyards, ciderworks

Guided Rides

Knowledgeable guides

Safety-focused instruction on every trip

Scenic Routes

Farms & vineyards

Blue Ridge and countryside views

Tours Offered

9 experiences

From family to private rides

CTA Section Background Image

Book a Scenic Ride Today

Reserve seasonal slots, private vineyard pairings, or the popular Santa's Chuckwagon for a memorable Charlottesville horseback experience.

Adventure Tips

Book in Advance

Tours require a 4-person minimum; reserve your spot early to ensure availability especially on weekends.

essential

Wear Long Pants

Protect against brush and saddle friction by wearing long pants and comfortable riding boots.

info

Arrive Hydrated

Bring water and stay hydrated, especially during warm months when the ride includes outdoor paddocks.

essential

Follow Guide Instructions

Safety briefly depends on following the guide’s directions for mounting, riding pace, and dismounting.

essential

Recommended Gear

Helmet

Safety helmets provide critical head protection during horseback rides.

Essential

Closed-Toe Shoes

Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots for secure footing on the stirrups.

Essential

Sunscreen

Protect your skin during sunny rides through open vineyard areas.

summer

Essential

Light Jacket

  • Read our Scottsville travel guide
  • Bring a light jacket for cooler spring mornings or evenings on the trail.

    spring