Hi everyone! Before I dive in today, I wanted to say thank you! This blog has been something I have been dying to do and I am so blessed and grateful for my readers, friends, and family who support me and all my wine adventures! This post is all about one of our favorite overnights! This was a last minute trip right before I started work, post summer vacation. There had been a couple wineries that I had my eye on so this was the perfect time to visit! We cannot wait to visit again this summer!
Michael Shaps Wine Works – If you have visited any wineries around Charlotesville, I am sure you have heard the name Michael Shaps. He is a well known wine maker that collaborates with a lot of wineries to help with their wine making especially when they are in their early stages. If he does collaborate, his name is on the bottle, an example would be Upper Shirley Vineyards. He has an amazing reputation and I had been dying to visit his very own winery. There are two places you can taste his wines, the winery or the warehouse; we visited the actual winery. My favorite was the Methode Sparkling, I also loved how he sold boxed wine! This was the first VA winery that we have been to that sold wine in a box.
First Colony Winery – First Colony is on the same road as Michael Shaps so it only makes sense to make this your second stop. This was a fabulous and informative tasting. We had a wonderful attendant that was very knowledgeable. Tastings are $9 per person but the fee is waived if you purchase three or more bottles of wine! We enjoyed several wines here. One of our favorites was Zephyr. It is a white blend made up of Petit Manseng, Riesling, Viognier, Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc. We also loved their Rose. If you can’t tell, Zach and I love dry Rose! It is light and refreshing, perfect for the summer months or just about whenever! The tasting room is beautiful with a lovely view of the vineyard. There is seating inside as well as outside. We enjoyed a bottle of Rose and walked around the grounds.
Jefferson Vineyards – Jefferson was one of the first wineries we visited in Charlotesville. They were one of the first wineries in the state producing wine as early as 1984. The winery is deeply rooted in history which I love as well. Their Meritage and Rose are to die for. Zach also really loves their Vin Blanc. Jefferson has a beautiful view and lovely gardens. Their tasting is $12 for eight wines.
Sips and Trips Pro Tip * Visit wineries during the week! Your tasting will be more intimate; you can ask questions and you will get more time with your tasting attendant. This selection of wineries can be paired up with MANY others. Blenheim, Trump, … I have visited these places and I love them! We just didn’t happen to visit this specific trip.
Woodville Bed and Breakfast – This is by far the BEST B&B we have ever visited. This will not be our last visit and I am already looking to book our trip this summer. The home and estate is gorgeous. They have beautiful views of their vineyard (they have collaborated with First Colony to learn to grow grapes) and grounds. Outside the wrap around porch is wonderful so you can sit and enjoy the view. Then THE.POOL. is amazing. Luckily, we had it all to ourselves! Inside the home, you get your own private room with bathroom but there are many shared spaces, our favorite was definitely the library. I could honestly sit in there all day. After our swim, we spent the majority of our night in the library … it is so cozy. They also have a record player with a ton of old vinyl. In the morning you get a lovely breakfast made fresh by Stefan, who along with his wife Desiree, will bend over backwards to make your stay here truly unforgettable.
There you have it, a WONDERFUL trip and B&B. Do you have a favorite Bed and Breakfast? If so, comment below! I would love to visit even more around the Charlottesville area.
Cheers, Paige
Sips and Trips with Paige 