5 ways to imbibe in Charlottesville, Virginia

Planning a trip to Virginia? You may be already aware of the state’s presidential past (a whopping eight U.S. presidents were born in the Old Dominion), its many colonial landmarks and the sweeping beauty of Shenandoah National Park. You’d be remiss, however, to skip out on Charlottesville, a centrally located Commonwealth jewel. This charming college town—current home of the University of Virginia and former home of Thomas Jefferson—is teeming with things to do. Top of our list? Touring the abundant vineyards, breweries and cideries of Abermarle County. Following are seven ways to drink up the region’s culture and learn that Virginia truly is for lovers—of the beer, wine and cider kind.

Moss Vineyards | Flickr CC: Bill McChesney

Book a Blue Ridge Wine Excursion

Visit several local wineries around the Charlottesville countryside on a guided tour by the highly rated Blue Ridge Wine Excursions. Possible stops include Jefferson Vineyards, located on property once owned by Thomas Jefferson (the third U.S. President was a big wine guy); Moss Vineyards, perched on the picturesque northern edge of Abermarle County; and Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards, one of the youngest wineries in the Monticello region. Blue Ridge Excursions offers swank transportation, custom-designed itineraries of three to four wineries, picnic lunch and an experienced trail guide who will keep you informed and on-course after one too many wine flights.

Hop on a Hop On Tour

Feeling more casual? The newer Cville Hop On Tours, founded by two millennial dudes, specializes in public and private local craft beverage tours on a colorfully painted bus. Visit wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries around Charlottesville, with selected tastings at each stop. Bonus: Exclusive production tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at how the sausage—er, booze—is made.

Albemarle CiderWorks | Photo courtesy of @artfullady321

Celebrate Cider Week Virginia

Speaking of cider, Cider Week Virginia, happening across the state November 11–20, 2016, presents a slew of events honoring the fermented apple juice of the gods—once the drink of choice in Colonial America. Enjoy cider specials at various stores, bars and restaurants; cider tastings and pairings; tap takeovers and more. It’s also the perfect time to visit the stately Castle Hill cidery, located east of Charlottesville in Keswick, and the family-owned Albemarle CiderWorks, situated southwest in North Garden, to sample their finely honed varieties.

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Monticello

Make your way around Monticello

A popular destination near Charlottesville is, of course, Thomas Jefferson’s plantation, Monticello. If you’re in the area, spend some time exploring the many high-caliber wineries nearby. The Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA)—aka the Monticello Wine Trail—encompasses more than 30 member wineries, and is inspired by Jefferson’s goal of surrounding his mountaintop home with vineyards. It was a dream unfulfilled in his lifetime—but hey, he’s on the nickel. So there’s that.

Map courtesy of Brew Ridge Trail

Traverse the Brew Ridge Trail

It’s not all wine all the time in Central Virginia. The Brew Ridge Trail is a self-guided brewery tour that winds through scenic Nelson and Albemarle Counties and into Charlottesville. Sample craft beers at South Street Brewery, Starr Hill Brewery and Blue Mountain Brewery, among others. Need transportation so you can truly enjoy your tasting experience? Find information about limo and taxi services at brewridgetrail.com.