What a discovery. We were driving home and still had 3 hours to go. I wanted beer and my bf wanted…read morewine. It's normally the opposite but hey. Today was a switch day. We were surrounded by wineries but something called my name to this spot. He didn't object. I told him it was a brewery. He was a disappointed since he wanted wine. We reach the top of the mountain that as NYorkers makes things look Erie. We just watch Hills have Eyes so we were a little scared. Yelp, we survived!! It was a nice little spot. We walked in and it's like both our prayers were answered. They had beer AND wine flights!! We scored!! We had a flight of each. After our flight we had another glass of wine before we continued our journey. The bartenders was very sweet and welcoming. They have one bathroom inside and one around the outside of the property. Plenty of parking once you reach the mountain. Don't let look deserve you. This is a really nice place to stop to enjoy the view and the drinks. Seems it was a local spot which is what I enjoy the most when I travel.

Found this brewery/winery today and decided to stop in. You have to drive down an unpaved road to…read moreget to the building, which looks like an old farm with outdoor and indoor seating. As I wasn't familiar with this place, I asked if their beers or wines were more popular and was told that most people drink the beer. I was able to try a couple of samples before deciding on a 4-5oz beer sampler. The beers were all very different and tasty. My favorite was What the Fox. There was ample seating both inside and outside. Overall, it's a nice place to enjoy some beverages with friendly people.

I'm really surprised at all the 5 star reviews for this winery. I've been to dozens upon dozens of…read morewineries all around Virginia, and the surrounding area of Goochland and Charlottesville, and this spot is nothing to write home about. When it comes to the other gorgeous wineries around, this one pales in comparison. I was curious coming down Rt. 6 because I've passed the signs for Elk Island many times. And I've tried some of their wine at Rassawek Vineyard at a wine festival years ago, so I decided to pop in! It's tucked away in the woods, down a dirt road, with an uneven gravel parking area with steep slopes. I got stuck twice, my car's wheels just spun in the driveway. I think they should pave the paths to and from the house and the parking lot. It was a mess. I walked down the dirt path, climbed a couples steps to the porch, and came to a modest house, part of which was remodeled into a tasting room. Very small. Very plain. The dining room was sparse and set up with one table for guests to sit, but the interior and surroundings were nondescript. Except for the invasion of stink bugs that lined the perimeter of the ceiling, no other interesting decor. I was pretty turned off by the insects everywhere. There was a sliding door which lead to an enclosed, (I think it was enclosed) sunroom/balcony and there were a few guests out there. The view was basically "the woods". The bathroom was down a hall, where I saw a closet used for wine storage, and the stairs were set up as a makeshift gift "shop". Definitely not one of the more fancy places to have a flight of wines. The gentleman serving the flight was polite and nice enough, $12 for the tasting. Here are the wines I tried: 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, (reds) Naked Norton, 2023 Merlot, 2020 Petit Verdot. While these wines were fine, I wasn't overly impressed. I checked out and didn't purchase anything, but it was pleasant to sit and experience this small, very casual, homey style winery, but I've no desire to return. With a bit of TLC and some improvements to the exterior and interior, this winery could a much better.

We were in the area for John's school reunion & John remembered this winery from his last visit. He…read morethought it would be a nice stop between school and driving back to the city. It was a mild day, but threatening to rain- but we enjoyed a flight of wine while taking in the views from the deck. Seriously beautiful. The wine was delightful too and if I didn't already have packed luggage, I would have considered buying a couple bottles! If you love supporting small businesses and enjoy wine- I highly recommend! The even offer a membership for discounts on monthly wines. LOVE it!

Wife and I visited yesterday. I'm not a wine drinker but I know what I like. It was very handy to…read morehave descriptions of the wines written out so we could choose which ones to taste. I hate going to a winery and not enjoying half the wines because what they say they are, are nothing like how they taste. That is not the case here at all! Debbie also labeled our flight tray, so there was no confusion over which wine was which. As far as the atmosphere, it was early on a Saturday afternoon and there was only one other couple there when we arrived, but more folks came in while we were enjoying our wine. We sat outside and enjoyed a beautiful day, but there is indoor seating and it is very nice and clean. Debbie (owner) was very friendly and informative about the wines. We did not try the snacks as we had had a large breakfast, so I can't comment on those. We bought 4 bottles of wine, which I felt were reasonably priced $15-$25 with a discount for amount spent, which was unexpected but nice. We will definitely return.

Very friendly, family-run vineyard and winery. The family converted a home into their tasting room…read more The winery has only been open for 3 months, so they were pouring all of their wines for the tasting (10+ for $15). The grapes are a bit younger (oldest vines about five years) so the flavors are sharp and punchy. There drinkable now but also will age well. They have quite a variety on the tasting menu - from port style, whites and reds. We had a great tasting experience with one of the owners and felt comfortable sitting and drinking wine after our wine tasting. No snacks yet, but they are planning on getting.

We really enjoyed our wine, blueberry cider, and food at Eastwood! Plus, the staff are friendly…read moreand want to ensure you have a great experience. We enjoyed the Gold Medal Tasting. This assortment had two whites and two reds--all of which earned gold medals at competitions. For lunch, we shared the grilled cheese with apple slices and the Eastwood salad, which included apples, blue cheese, nuts, and mixed greens. All were delightful. The tasting room has a warm vibe of a country gathering place with tables, a bar, and a stage. They also have outside seating. Their fermentation room has a glass wall that looks into the tasting room so you can see the tanks. Eastwood is located not far from Monticello and other wineries in the area. I recommend it as a definite stop on any wine outing.

A friend and I stopped here on a recent trip to Charlottesville. I was surprised by the number of…read morefamilies with children, as this is not something I'm accustomed to from living in Washington state for many years. We walked inside and found a great space that included a bar, ample seating, and a stage, where a singer was getting ready to perform. I decided on the White Reserve Tasting, and was able to swap out the oaky chardonnay for the Woodland White blend. My friend and I got a table outside as the weather was nice. We enjoyed our wine and people (and dog) watching. My favorites were the 2024 Viognier and the Woodland White. The 2024 Petit Manseng was good, but a bit tart, and the Artist White blend was too dry for my liking. This is a great winery that you should visit when in the area, that's both kid and dog friendly.

We adore this place. It's the perfect distance from Richmond. The venue is adorable. My favorite…read morepart is the staff. Every time we make the trek out to Fifty-third winery the staff are so sweet. When they are busy they are quick to help get you your next bottle. When they aren't busy it's so fun to hear about their enthusiasm for the wine, the process and their varieties. We've met multiple employees and always have a great experience. They always make me laugh. They are attentive and well informed. We finally, after two years of coming here every few months, joined as members. My boss actually is a member too, which is so fun to meet up as families. There are multiple seating options. The patio/balcony is my favorite. The tables in the lawn are perfect if you want more space. And there is plenty of room for your picnic blankets or your own chairs. I love that they have the grape vines too. So many wineries in and around Richmond are missing that vibe. 10/10 Will recommend.

Exceptional wines, friendly service and a very relaxing atmosphere made for a very enjoyable…read moreSaturday afternoon.

Just opened chambourcin from years ago when they first opened. The best dessert type wine I've…read moretasted. Just the right balance of sweet. So happy to see still doing well. delicious! Kudos

It was a sultry, humid, rainy Saturday and the natives were getting restless. Suffering from cabin…read morefever, my hubby and a couple of friends and I decided to find an outdoor activity to remedy our listlessness. Being pluviophiles, we didn't mind the light, summer rain. But what to do? Enter wineries!! We headed west toward Charlottesville, and first stopped in Palmyra where the winery there was only open for curbside pick up. My friends loaded the pickup with cases of wine but we were still in search of a charcuterie board and an open vineyard! Yelp to the rescue! We called the winery Yelp advised us was only about 10 miles away in Scottsville. It was open! Yes, they had charcuterie!! What a stupendous find! We approached the thistle blue painted sign and charming gate welcoming us to Thistle Gate Vineyard! Through the misty rain, the white barn-like cottage with the serene blue roof looked something from a Nicholas Sparks movie. Utterly quaint and beautiful! The wide porch was open for outdoor seating, wrought iron tables and chairs sprawled along the long planked flooring. Restrooms were located around the side so one didn't have to enter the winery. We were greeted by the owner who handed us a wine menu and their "flight sheet". The four of us chose our wine flights and each got a charcuterie box! Ahhh, this is the life! While we awaited our libations and sustenance, we spied an inviting gazebo near the vineyards. Our host said we were welcome to it! The grounds were lovely, albeit a bit soggy, a barrel fountain babbled along with the now drizzling rain, a bottle tree rooster glistened in the garden, cute slate signs were placed hither and thither around the shrubbery, it was all so idyllic. Our flights were served in pieces of wood made from wine barrels. Plastic cups were used due to Covid, but that didn't diminish the flavors of the fruit of the vine. I chose three reds and a blush. The Cabernet France was full-bodied with a dry finish. The Meritage (a portmanteau of Merit & Heritage) was delicate blend of varietals with fruity notes, the Thistle Red was a well-balanced blend of Merlot & Petit Verdot with a mild berry flavor and a rich burgundy color, and my favorite was the Thistle Blush, a crisp rosé made with Chambourcin grapes, easily my top rated grape! The blush was perfect for this overcast summer day, sipping the day way! I also tasted the St. George's Red Reserve which was also made with Chambourcin grapes and whispered cherry notes. Also my friend shared with me her Chardonnay which was a tad dry to my taste, but if you like white wine, I'm sure you'll like this one! What we took home??? The Thistle Red, couple bottles of Meritage, St. George and of course, several bottles of Thistle Blush! We enjoyed all these fine wines while in the gazebo surrounded by rows and rows of vineyards. What made the afternoon even better was the gorgeously presented charcuterie box! Two types of crackers served with salami, Brie, Swiss, and Gouda along with huge green grapes, dried apricots and salted almond Ghirardelli dark chocolates. I'm not exaggerating when I say this was the perfect complement to our wine tasting! A heavenly day spent in this dreamy winery, the only one in Fluvanna county, certainly cured our doldrums!! We are certainly returning to this hidden gem!! One sign posted says "We're so glad you're here", so are we Thistle Gate Vineyard, so are we!

Avoid the crowds across the pasture from Trumps winery and enjoy this one…read more Enjoyed the late afternoon by sipping the Painted White - 2024 at Blenheim. Unfortunately, this winery only offered packaged cheese and crackers for purchase. Accordingly, the sea salt crackers and Colby jack cheese became the perfect accompaniment.

Was looking for a winery in the area after visiting Monticello. We came across Blenheim…read more Enter walking down some stairs. The building is beautiful. All wood decor with large windows opened to the vineyards. They have indoor seating as well as tables out in the patio. They take your order at the counter and you bring to any open table. They have a tasting that you can purchase for $15. You can pick all white or red, or a mix. We ordered a glass of farm white. Great flavor and not very dry. We also purchased cheese and crackers from their frig. Nice and relaxing atmosphere. Totally recommend!

The winery is nice! They have tents outside in the back that we sat at. But the air conditioning…read morewent out when we went and it was cooler outside than inside. The wines were good. My friend and I got the flight and each got 4 different ones. The service was super nice and fast.

Loved the staff at this winery. Very approachable and welcoming. The wine is very agreeable! With…read moresomething for everyone. Great red flight option and a make your own. Thanks for supporting our military! They gave our friend a discount and have a display by the bathroom.

We love Mt. Ida and Shannon is the absolute best!! She strikes an incredible balance between…read moreprofessionalism and warmth. Whether she is recommending pairings, guiding her guests through the menu or stepping in to support her team during a busy rush, everything is handled with confidence and genuine care. You can tell she has a deep understanding of both hospitality and operations, which translates into a space that feels both polished and welcoming. Between the exceptional service she provides and the stunning setting she helps bring to life, the atmosphere truly can't be beat.

We threw a dart at the wine and beer trail and happened upon this fantastic spot. Completely dog…read morefriendly, inside and out, while you enjoy great beer and wine. There is something for everyone. The views are breathtakingly peaceful. Such a gorgeous quiet spot. Now for the food... absolutely delicious. Such a great menu, but we went for the outdoor oven baked pizza. So delicious! It wasn't NY style, but it blended perfectly with the brews. The best part, my husband is lactose intolerant and one of the pizzas was actually made with all Buffalo Mozzarella. The good stuff guys! The real stuff. Maybe all of them are, but we didn't ask. The chef was so sweet to bring the bag of ingredients to the table. True Buffalo is so significantly lower in lactose, he was able to enjoy his pizza. How, in the middle of nowhere Virginia, is there a true Italians chef kiss, in a gorgeous setting complete with fine beverages? This is an absolute must for everyone!