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CVA Area Guide

Designed for our clients and collectors, discover our local partners and destinations in this CVA Area Guide for a journey through historic Albemarle. This region has become the wine country of the East Coast and continues to evolve with a complex mix of craft breweries, distilleries, agricultural tourism, a world-renowned university, vibrant music scene, and great food culture. Whether coordinating your excursion around our calendar of events with brand residencies for a robust connection to your favorite creators, or taking a sole adventure to this extraordinary place, please feel free to Contact Us if you need any assistance with navigating accommodations or suggestions on what to do in the area.

Partners

  • Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
    One of the first members of the Monticello Wine Trail and one of the most-loved vineyards in Charlottesville, Pippin Hill is known for their superb farm-to-table fare, fantastic selection of wines, and the pristine valley views surrounding their vineyard. Our first winery recommendation and one of our partners, Pippin Hill’s award-winning wine has range and depth, with something available on the menu for everyone.
  • Potters Craft Cider
    Art, science, experimentation, collaboration, and local apples go into every pour of Cider at Potter’s. Featuring 10 ciders on draft, Potter’s Craft Cider offers an extensive live music line-up Thursday through Saturday, a stunning tasting room, and local food trucks every weekend.
  • Common House Social Club
    A modern social club with good food, good drink, and good people. Designed to bring its visitors together in an inclusive community and environment, mention you’re a friend of Division Road for day-access to the plush and eclectic spaces, dining rooms, and rooftop terrace.
  • Grelen Nursery & Market
    Situated on a 900-acre property, Grelen is one of the largest retail nurseries in Virginia and we are partnering with them to reintroduce large-scale trees and shrubs to The Fields. There’s a greenhouse, hiking trails and a pick-your-own farm on property, perfect for a day visit. The Market on property is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and a glass of wine, or shop for local gifts and goods.

Vineyards

Mount Ida Tasting Room & Taphouse

Situated on 5,000 acres, Mount Ida Reserve is a fully operational farm and winery as well as our go-to lunch spot, just a quick seven-minute drive from the DR headquarters. The stellar kitchen offers a rotating seasonal menu of creative local fare that pairs perfectly with their brews and bubblies. With stunning Blue Ridge views, stopping by Mount Ida in the heart of Virginia wine country is a must.

VERITAS VINEYARD

The name Veritas comes from Roman author, naturalist, and philosopher Pliny the Elder’s observation, “In Vino Veritas,” meaning “In Wine there is Truth,” and this is the basis of the family-owned vineyard. Known for their classic yet innovative wine portfolio, incredible menu at the Farmhouse, and serene setting in the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Veritas is located just 20 minutes outside of Charlottesville.

MICHAEL SHAPS WINEWORKS

Michael Shaps is a well-known name in the viniculture of the East. He originally studied oenology and viticulture in France, then moved back to Virginia to build his reputation as a top winemaker, creating award-winning wines and taking Virginia winemaking to an international stage. Swing by Wineworks for a tasting of the prestigious Michael Shaps’ label which focuses on fine wines produced from select plots in both Virginia and Burgundy, France.

BLENHEIM VINEYARDS

Our next-door neighbor, Blenheim Vineyards was designed by Dave Matthews (yes, from Dave Matthews Band) and William Johnson in 2000. Make a reservation for a wine tasting in the indoor tasting room or grab a spot outside on their patio and picnic tables for wines by the flight, glass, or bottle.

KING FAMILY VINEYARDS

Visit King Family Vineyards to catch a Roseland Polo match during the Virginia Polo Season (June 1-August 27). Indulge in wine, swing by a food truck, and Divot Stomp the day away at this Charlottesville Sunday afternoon staple.

DISTILLERIES & BREWERIES

RAGGED BRANCH DISTILLERY

Using their own corn and rye, Ragged Branch produces some of the best craft Bourbon in town. Visit their tasting room over the weekend or tour the distillery and get a behind the scenes look into production on Saturdays at 4pm.

PRO RE NA TA BREWERY

Post up at a picnic table with some craft beer at PRN to enjoy live music, play cornhole, or sit around a fire and socialize. Pro Re Nata is 20 minutes outside of Charlottesville and has a lively atmosphere with food on site from Dino's Pizza & Grill.

STARR HILL BREWERY

With a location situated in Charlottesville’s new Dairy Market, Starr Hill is the second oldest craft brewery in Virginia. Spend an afternoon enjoying the rotating menu of creative and refreshing brews with $1 from every pint purchased donated to a local Non-Profit Organization.

BLUE MOUNTAIN BREWERY

The first rural brewery in Nelson County, Blue Mountain Brewery is tucked away between the Blue Ridge Mountains, with amazing views, great brews, and a selection of farm-to-table food. Brewery tours are available on Saturday afternoons and their tasting of ten 2.5 oz sample pours is a must to check off all the IPAs, Ales, and Lagers that you can’t decide between.

DECIPHER BREWING

Winners of the 2022 Virginia Craft Beer Cup Competition, Decipher Brewing launched in 2019 and is a 100% veteran-owned company. The 14 rotating beers on tap are all unique and the direct result of hard work, dedication, and a love for brewing good beers. Join them once a week for trivia night or grab a bite to eat at one of the local food trucks they have on site.

RESTAURANTS

TAVOLA

Located in the charming Belmont district, Tavola is our go-to for incredible rustic Italian food, a carefully curated wine selection, and a warm and welcoming ambiance. A menu that’s dictated by seasonal Virginia ingredients and prepared simply but specifically, Tavola brings the taste of Italy to Cville’s doorstep.

PUBLIC FISH & OYSTER

Fresh East Coast Seafood and a Raw Oyster Bar can’t be missed when visiting Charlottesville, and Public Fish & Oyster is the best spot in town for just this. Enjoy the lively and casual atmosphere with one of the best raw bars in the region and dishes that will rival any epicurean center. Their famous lobster rolls are only available during Happy Hour (4-6pm)!

C&O

Tucked away on Water Street, C&O serves French fare with a curated wine list and an inviting setting for a unique and delicious dinner in Charlottesville. The Duck Confit, Steak Chinoise, and Crème Brulée are our recommendations but with the extensive menu, it’s truly hard to go wrong.

JACK BROWN'S BEER & BURGER JOINT

The best burger joint in town is conveniently located right off the historic pedestrian mall. For a laid back and local dining experience, grab a seat, a burger, and a beer at Jack Brown’s for a great meal in the heart of Cville.

VISION BBQ

As authentic as southern BBQ can get, Vision BBQ slow smokes all their meats over Oak with their sides and sauces made from scratch. They have a small and selective menu of brisket, pork, and chicken sandwiches and plates, but you can also walk out with meats and sides by the pound for extended stays.

REGIONAL

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MALL

Filled with shops, restaurants, art galleries, bookstores, and live music, the historic Downtown Pedestrian Mall is in the heart of the city and is a must to complete your Charlottesville experience. Whatever you’re in the mood to eat, you can find on the mall, whether it’s Italian, Korean, American, Chinese, or Mexican, the options are almost endless.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK & SKYLINE DRIVE / BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS

This drive takes a few hours but is well worth the trip. Traverse the 105-mile scenic byway through the Blue Ridge Mountains, stopping along the way to take in some of the most stunning views in the country.

MONTICELLO

A National Historic Landmark, spend an afternoon at Monticello, the home and autobiographical statement of Thomas Jefferson. Tour the first floor, private quarters, Dome Rome, lawns, and gardens for an inside look at the life of the third President of the United States and the lives of those who lived and worked on the property.

CHILES FAMILY ORCHARDS

Rooted in the region since the early 1900s and now in their 5th generation of family-owned operations, the Chiles family has expanded to four visitable, working farm destinations. Pick your own peaches, strawberries, apples, and pumpkins, grab a fresh apple cider donut, shop at the Country Store & Bakery, or simply just take in the amazing views the locations offer.

ACCOMMODATIONS

THE DOYLE HOTEL

This boutique hotel opened in 2020 as Quirk Hotel and has 80 guest rooms, an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar, and boasts an adjacent art gallery featuring work from established and emerging artists. Purchased and re-branded as The Doyle, this establishment is located in downtown Charlottesville and only minutes away from some of our favorite spots like the Historic Pedestrian Mall and restaurants like Public Fish and Oyster and Maya.

THE FORUM HOTEL - KIMPTON

A new Kimpton boutique hotel located on University of Virginia’s Campus adjacent to the Darden School of Business. With a Kimpton Steakhouse and a Craft Beer Bar on site, close proximity to a host of in-town destinations, along with walking trails through an arboretum and botanical garden behind the hotel, The Forum offers an upscale experience in the heart of Charlottesville.

THE CLIFTON INN

Just down the road from our DR headquarters and minutes from downtown Charlottesville, this boutique hotel sits on 100 acres of Virginia countryside. Choose from a selection of different accommodations that best fit your traveling needs, like a private room in the Manor, a Garden Cottage tucked away on site, or an entire Farmhouse for large party stays.

KESWICK HALL

The newly renovated Keswick Hall is an impressive property housing 80 luxury guest rooms, a spa, pool, tennis center, the award-winning Pete Dye golf course, Crawford cocktail lounge, and the Marigold restaurant by Chef Jean-Georges which features locally sourced, organic, seasonal fare.

BOAR’S HEAD RESORT

A classic, contemporary, and casual resort, Board’s Head is 10 minutes outside of downtown Charlottesville for close access to the shops and restaurants on Main Street and the Downtown Pedestrian Mall. The property features The Mill Room restaurant, as well as a spa, golf, tennis, and racquet ball.

STAY CHARLOTTESVILLE VACATION RENTALS

As a trusted, professionally managed alternative to Airbnb or VRBO, Stay Charlottesville features vacation and executive rentals in the Cville area, and has an impressive roster of exceptional properties to choose from during your stay in the region.