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 had my 40th wedding anniversary there and it was amazing! The people are so friendly and easy to…read morework with. They serve both beer and wine. They also had a playground for my grandchildren to play on. Everyone had a great time!! I would highly recommend this place to everyone!!

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!

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.

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!

Me, texting Yelp friend/die-hard DMB fan Stephanie S., who doesn't live in Virginia or anywhere…read morenear Virginia: "I just realized the winery I'm visiting is actually owned by Dave Matthews." Steph: "OMG, you're at Blenheim!?" Suppose this spot has a reputation. I chose it at random based on photos of it, and it was the perfect scene for a chill early Spring afternoon. We were able to bring outside food in, and we split a flight in their gorgeous tasting room. Prices were super reasonable and their grounds are absolutely stunning. I really loved everything about my afternoon at Blenheim, aside from the drive home that passed a certain President's tacky fence line. Highly recommend this spot!

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.

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 had a fantastic time at Mount Ida! The views are absolutely beautiful, and we thoroughly enjoyed…read morethe Sunday brunch. The food and drinks were amazing. Our server, Dominique, truly made our visit special. She made us feel so welcome, incredibly attentive and friendly. I highly recommend you visit the Tasting Room & Taphouse.

What a welcoming experience I enjoyed last week when I met up with my Cornell nursing school mate…read moreand her husband after 58 years. Carson was our phenomenal waiter whose smile and skill we all enjoyed. Mount Ida has been my go to venue for special family and friend events and will continue to be.