Discover Historic Vines and New Roots in Charlottesville, Virginia “Summertime is the perfect season to admire the rolling green hills of the Monticello Wine Trail and explore the trail’s unique culinary and entertainment experiences.”
Summer is quickly approaching—now is the time to start planning a wine getaway to Charlottesville, Virginia, Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year. Located just two and half hours southwest of Washington, D.C., the picturesque area is home to the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) and award-winning wineries. With its numerous tasting rooms, family-friendly experiences and an exciting culinary scene, Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County make for a wonderful summer escape.
The Charlottesville region’s viticultural history runs deep. As far back as 1770’s, Thomas Jefferson envisioned stretches of vineyards at his Monticello estate. Today, visionary producers continue to push boundaries in this thoroughly modern region. From winemaking techniques to grape varieties, a spirit of experimentation imbues their work. Collaboration is also a key element to the region’s success; winemakers freely share ideas and propel each other to greater heights.
Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot are just a few of the red wine grapes that make their home in the vineyards, along with Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, Viognier and a roster of other whites. These varieties are used to produce a wide array of bottles that include rosé, sparkling and
This Article was originally published on Wine Enthusiast
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