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.

What a gorgeous hidden gem in Central VA wine country! This used to be called DelFosse so don't be…read moreconfused when you see the signs leading you there on the way in! I think they're gradually changing everything over from the previous owner? The drive in is very windy- just when you think you've gone too far, you see another sign saying "this way!". Either way the tasting room is lovely and VERY DOG FRIENDLY, even inside which I love! Their wines were GOOD and the people running the counter (I think the gentleman was one of the owners and the young lady working beside him was a very friendly employee!) were so knowledgeable and fun to talk to! The grounds are just stunning. We loved playing with Buck the winery dog (and he and my own dog ran around having a blast!). The grandkids playing on the hill were fun to watch- it was just a beautiful day and we really enjoyed ourselves and their wine! The event space looks stunning but we weren't able to get more than just a peek through the windows. Apparently the cabin on the top of the hill is one you can rent! I wish we lived closer- but I know we'll be back next time we're in the area!

A peaceful stop on our wine tour. We had the delight of speaking to the owner, Michael, for a while…read moreand really enjoyed learning about their winery. The wines were really good.

Wow, this place is incredible. Small winery with incredible atmosphere. It's fun and small and…read morecasual. The wine maker is great. He explained the wine making and flavors completely. The wine is on the sweet side however, there's one that everyone will love. This a must try for everyone.

We had the best fruit wine we've ever had here. The owner, who makes all the wine, was behind the…read morebar and we had a great time talking with him.

We have visited several times but haven't been in a couple of years. This winery has always been…read moreone of our favorites. We came with friends who hadn't been before. We were warmly greeted and ordered flights to try several wines. We sat outside and really enjoy the spacing of the tables, shade and availability. We really love the feel of this winery. The wines we tried were delicious. Looking forward to coming back in colder weather and enjoying the beautiful fireplace.

Such a cute winery! My friends and I came here on a Sunday afternoon and it was surprisingly not…read moretoo crowded. There's plenty of seating options, inside and out side on the deck or at picnic tables. They have 3 dogs that are super sweet that roam around, and you are able to bring your own dog but have to be leashed. For drinks, I got a glass of the strawberry special wine which was a sweeter wine and so delicious! I also ordered their pepperoni pizza which was yummy. The staff were very friendly too. Would definitely come back!

I took a drive on a sunny weekend afternoon and ended up here. It looks like someone's home with a…read moresmall vineyard in the back yard. You enter through the gate and head inside to get your wine. The couple running this winery were very nice and helped me pick our four wines to try. I don't like oaky whites or tanniny reds, but was able to find four whites to try: 2024 Sunrise on the James, which was semi-sweet and tart from the blood orange; 2024 Island Time, semi-sweet with a tart pineapple flavor; 2021 Vidal Blanc, which I thought had a funny smell and taste; 2023 River Breeze, which was citrusy but also kind of watery. I sat outside and listened to a talented guitar on the covered patio. The service was top notch, and the owners were really friendly, but I personally didn't like any of the wines I tried.

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.

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!

Very friendly folks! A nice place to visit and have some wine on the weekend. I like that I can…read morewalk here

Glad we stumbled upon The Sisters while camping at Occoneechee. The drive out is scenic (& mostly…read more35-45 mph to help not feel rushed). The entrance is a great preview to the modest family owned winery. Once at the tasting room we quickly forgot that we weren't part of the family. We were warmly welcomed and offered to try a sample before we even got to the door. After making our selection we adjourned to a table outdoors where it is so peaceful. Our two dogs were welcomed by the resident canine. We're always happy when our adventures can involve our pups too. The wine at Three Sisters is all on the sweet side. If you're a dry wine drinker like me I'd encourage you to keep an open mind (& palate) as although sweet, their wines do offer interesting variations. Future visits to the greater Clarksville area will definitely include a stop to Three Sisters.

This one of the most attractive and relaxing wine venues in the Commonwealth. Their wine is…read moreexceptional and entertainment offerings are imaginative and enjoyable. If you haven't visited Rosemont, give it a try...you will be glad you did.

What a beautiful vineyard and tasting room. Their red wines are amazing and joining the wine club…read morejust to try (and then purchase) their wine club only 1858, Graciano, and Petit Verdot was so worth it. Can't wait to come back in February to pick up our next wine club offering and celebrate my birthday! I hope to see Amy there then as she was a knowledge and gracious guide.

I decided to turn my Sunday into a mid-day siesta escape, heading to the mountains with my aunt and…read moregodmother to finally experience Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Snow may have covered the ground, but between the stunning aesthetic, incredible wine, and delicious food, I am officially SOLD. This spot has earned a place in my top 5 wineries! From the moment we arrived, the hostess and waitstaff were attentive, welcoming, and full of recommendations. I went with a wine flight (because variety is a must!), and every pour was a hit. As for the food? We indulged in pasta, sliders, short-rib grilled cheese, truffle fries, and a charcuterie board everything was absolutely mouthwatering. We ate, we sipped, and we were very merry! I'm already counting down to a summer return so I can soak in those breathtaking mountain views from the patio.

Pippin is poppin! One of the most gorgeous wineries in Virginia. The grounds were beautiful and…read moreeven though the hydrangeas were fading, it still looked pretty! The inside was spacious and comfortable. Loved the shiplap, the wood floors, the purse hooks on the bar, the patio with the stone and tile floor, the exposed beams, and the welcoming front entryway! We not only did the tasting, where one wine was better than the next; But the food was incredible as was the impeccable service! We did the red flight of wines, and I also had some rosé. We particularly favored the cannon red and the Cabernet franc. Our food was excellent; a the dishes they were served upon were lovely! My hubby got the roasted Brussels sprouts, my daughter chose the tomato basil soup, and we all shared a well designed charcuterie board! We left nary a morsel behind! The manager was so kind and generous, asking us to return and sharing the best times to come! He gave us some background information on the area and gave us a mini tour! This vineyard and farm is well worth visiting, making it a memorable destination!!

Grey place, had so much fun!!! The atmosphere, the views, food and drinks are on point.read more

I enjoyed the tasting cellar much more than the vibe upstairs at Charley's. The folks working were…read morekind and welcoming, and they answered some questions I had ahead of ordering a wine flight. Since I was planning to share with my mom, I went for the sweet wine flight despite personally preferring semi-dry wines more. I think that was my mistake, as my mom ended up not wanting to drink much, and the sweet wines are SWEET. Like syrupy-sweet. Not just like a nice moscato-sweet. It was like drinking straight sugar. And the price was steep at $37 after tip. We sat on their patio, which is underneath Charley's patio, and were treated to serene river views. A local artist played some music too. Cool vibe, I just ordered the wrong thing.