South of town, the vineyards around North Garden, Esmont, and Scottsville trade crowds for countryside. Expect laid-back tasting rooms, river-town charm, and events that feel like a local secret.
Upcoming events in Scottsville & Southern Albemarle
Local oil painter Barb Wallace entrusts us with her portfolio in an exhibit called “Places Need Keepers.” Barb designed Loving Cup's first wine labels back in 2013. On display in the Loving Cup Tasting Room Gallery through July 26.
Local oil painter Barb Wallace entrusts us with her portfolio in an exhibit called 'Places Need Keepers.' Barb designed Loving Cup's first wine labels in 2013. On display in the Loving Cup Tasting Room Gallery through July 26.
Albemarle Ciderworks is an artisan cidery and orchard in North Garden, Virginia, just south of Charlottesville, operated by the Shelton family alongside their Vintage Virginia Apples nursery. The cidery celebrates cider making as an American tradition, handcrafting small-batch artisan ciders from locally grown heirloom apples and fruit, including releases such as the Orchard Blush rosé cider and ciders made from historic varieties like the Harrison apple. Visitors can stop by the tasting room, open Friday through Monday, to sample the lineup of handcrafted ciders in a relaxed orchard setting. The property also grows and sells heirloom apple trees through its nursery catalog and hosts a range of events and workshops, including live weekend music and seasonal gatherings. With its focus on growing local and drinking local, Albemarle Ciderworks offers a welcoming destination for cider enthusiasts in Central Virginia.
James River Brewery is a craft brewery and taproom in Scottsville, Virginia, tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge alongside Mink Creek. Award-winning beers are brewed on-site by Head Brewer Darren Queen, with a rotating lineup that spans hoppy IPAs, smooth Hefeweizens, and plenty of styles in between. The tasting room offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere where friendly, knowledgeable staff help visitors find a new favorite among the many brews on tap. Outside, the beer garden hosts live music from musicians across Central Virginia and beyond on weekends, and a fire pit keeps the space comfortable year-round. With its scenic creekside setting and welcoming vibe, James River Brewery is a relaxed gathering spot for craft beer and live music.
Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned winery in North Garden, Virginia, distinguished as the only certified-organic vineyard and winery in the state and one of just three on the East Coast. Operating under the motto "Love Is Organic," the winery grows its grapes and produces its wines without synthetic chemicals, and is now celebrating its 15th vintage. Visitors can stop by the tasting room, open Friday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm, to sample the wines and enjoy offerings like seasonal sangria, often while relaxing on the porch overlooking the vineyard. The winery hosts community events on its grounds, including gatherings that benefit local animal sanctuaries and other causes. With its commitment to organic farming and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere, Loving Cup offers a distinctive stop in the Charlottesville-area wine country.
Monday: Closed Tuesday: Open Wednesday: Open Thursday: Open Friday: Open Saturday: Open Sunday: Open
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is a boutique culinary vineyard and all-season events venue set in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains within Virginia's Monticello Wine Region. The estate centers on award-winning estate-grown wines, including whites, reds, and rosés, paired with a garden-to-table culinary program in which the vineyard, garden, farm, and kitchen are seamlessly interwoven to serve fresh, local, and sustainable fare. Visitors can reserve table service in the Tasting Room and deepen their visit with experiences such as the Estate Tour & Tasting, cooking school classes, and other group offerings. The property also offers the Heritage Wine Club, a retail shop with Pippin-approved goods including its #PippinPups line, and gift cards, while a thoughtfully restored 1820s Crossroads Inn just down the hill lets guests extend their stay. Pippin Hill is also a full-service destination for custom-designed weddings and private events, complete with a dedicated culinary team and event services.
Saturday: 1pm - 4pm (Email info@whitehallfarmandvineyard.com to schedule a wedding or event tour)
Whitehall Farm & Vineyard is located just south of Charlottesville, Virginia, in the award-winning Monticello viticultural area of Albemarle County. Comprised of 310 gently rolling acres, the farm is home to a vineyard, an equestrian facility, and the South Paddock Winery. Its history dates back to the 1780s, when Southern Albemarle farmland was prized for its proximity to the James River, the superhighway of the 18th and 19th centuries. The farm has evolved over time but retains a gentle, timeless beauty. Visitors are invited to experience the farm on horseback, sip wine at the South Paddock Winery, or host a special event on the grounds. The winery welcomes guests on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm, with wedding and event tours available by appointment.