Normās Transportation = Charlottesville Wine Tour, Brewery, Cider and Distillery Tour Options
The following are suggested options for wine tours and more in the Charlottesville area with stops that are close in proximity to each other. Feel free to develop your own tour or ask us for our help! If youād like to know more about these wonderful wineries, breweries, distilleries or cider locations before you book, look at our informative wineries and breweries page RIGHTĀ HERE.
Whether itās wineries, breweries, hard cider, or distillery tours that youāre looking for, Normās Transportation will take you there in style and get you back safe and sound!Ā We use newer model (2019/2020) full-sized SUV’s, luxury sedans and vans that can accommodate up to 14 passengers.
Normās Transportationās tour pricing is per group, not per person. All prices are based off of Charlottesville being the starting/ending location.Ā Ā An extra charge for locations outside the general Charlottesville area may be applied.
Charlottesville š· Wine Tours
The Western Excursion
Nestled in the Crozet and Nelson County area, with breathtaking views of theĀ Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll find plenty of wonderful vineyards to choose from King Family, Septenary, Pollak, Valley Road, Flying Fox, Veritas, Afton Mountain, Cardinal Point, and Hill Top Berry Farm and Vineyard.Ā We suggest choosing between 3 to 4 locations during your 5-hour tour to avoid being rushed. Lunch options are available from Greenwood Gourmet Grocery and Deli.
The Southern Adventure
This route holds some real gems for great wines š· and some very lovely ā°ļø scenery:Ā Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida, Thatch, Trump, Jefferson, and Blenheim.Ā We suggest choosing between 3 to 4 locations during your 5-hour tour to avoid being rushed.Ā Lunch options are available at Trump and Mount Ida.
The Eastern Exploration
With its rolling valleys and hills, this scenic route, on the Eastern side of Charlottesville, includes the options of Barboursville, Horton, Reynard Florence, Chestnut Grove, and Keswick.Ā š„ Lunch reservations can be made at Barboursville’s’ esteemed Palladio Restaurant.Ā We suggest choosing between 3 to 4 locations during your 5-hour tour to avoid being rushed.
The Southwest Journey
Located on the Southwest side of Charlottesville, these smaller, yet beautifully set vineyards are well worth the short drive.Ā Choose any 3 to 4 of these fabulous locations and enjoy some fantastic š· wines:Ā Brent Manor, Delfosse, Loving Cup, Pippin Hill, and Wisdom Oak. Lunch is available at Pippin Hill or feel free to bring a picnic to be enjoyed at one of the other vineyards.
The Northern Expedition
Heading North / North West of Charlottesville you’ll find these, “off the beaten path”, quaint and marvelous vineyards with their stunning views and delicious wines:Ā Grace Estate, Stinson, Knights Gambit, Glass House and Whitehall.Ā Picnic lunches are suggested for this route.Ā We suggest choosing between 3 to 4 locations during your 5-hour tour to avoid being rushed.
Due to group restrictions at some wineries, groups ofĀ 7Ā or more must make reservations.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN PACKAGE!Ā Ā The above options are just suggestions.Ā Feel free to mix and match to design your own tour or ask us for help with your itinerary.
Charlottesville šŗ Brewery Tours
Bountiful Brews
Located outside of Charlottesville:Ā Pick any 3 to 4 of these thirst-quenching breweries for your 5-hour brewery š» tour or mix them in with some wine, cider or spirits:Ā Devils Backbone, Wild Wolf, Blue Mountain, Pro Re Nata, Basic City, and Starr Hill.
Beer Happens
Located in Charlottesville: With all the breweries š» located in the Charlottesville area, it should be classified as the Brew Capital of Virginia!Ā Pick 3 to 4 of these outstanding breweries for a day you won’t soon forget if you’re able to remember it at all!Ā Champion, Three Notchād, South Street, Reason, Random Row, and Decipher.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN PACKAGE!Ā Ā The above options are just suggestions.Ā Feel free to design your own tour.
Charlottesville š¹ Cider Tours
These wonderful š¹ cider locations are spread throughout theĀ Charlottesville,Ā Nelson County,Ā andĀ BarbousvilleĀ areas and are commonly added to a wine tour or brewery tour.Ā They make a perfect “palate cleansing” stop:Ā Bold Rock, Albemarle Cider Works, Potter’s Craft Cider, Blue Toad Cider, and Castle Hill Cider.
Charlottesville š„ Distillery Tours
In our opinion, nothing beats great liquors (aka Spirits) š„ and these outstanding distilleries don’t disappoint! Since these locations are spread out throughout theĀ Charlottesville,Ā Nelson County,Ā andĀ BarboursvilleĀ areas, they are commonly added to a wine tour or brewery tour. Silverback, Vitae, Virginia, and Ragged Branch Distilleries.
Pre-Planned Tour Option
A ā Pick up and drop off in Charlottesville
You can set your pick up location after you book your tour. The Downtown pick up is used as an example to show driving time and distance for this route.
B ā King Family Vineyards | 17.4 mi, 21 min from downtown
King Family Vineyards offers great wine coupled with breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and a top-notch staff who understands hospitality. The vineyard is well known for its Meritage, a Bordeaux style blend of four red varietals. King Family offers a gourmet assortment of chocolates, cheeses, salamis, spreads, and hot French bread. Ā You can also feel free to bring a picnic.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The last tasting begins at 5 p.m.
Public Tastings $8 per person (signature wine glass included), no reservation required. Private Tours and Tastings are available by appointment only, $20 per person with a $100 minimum. Call 434-823-7800.
Tip: King Family Vineyards hosts weekly polo matches, held on Sundays from Memorial Day through early October. Buy a bottle of wine at the tasting room and enjoy the game!
C ā Pollak VineyardsĀ | 5.8 mi, 10 min from King Family
Pollak Vineyards offers a picturesque lake and dramatic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But itās not just the setting that demands attention. Their wines have been widely recognized as some of the finest in the region.
Open daily from 11 am to 5 pm.
Tastings $8 per person. Groups larger than 6 people are $12 per person and require a reservation. They do not accommodate groups larger than 12. Call 540-456-8844.
D ā Veritas Vineyard and WineryĀ | 5.5 mi, 9 min from Pollak
Veritas Vineyard and Winery started as the familyās labor of love and has grown into one of the best event destinations in the region. Enjoy their popular wines and relax in the elegant tasting room, from the porch or on the lawn featuring breathtaking views.
Veritas offers a cheese plate of three gourmet kinds of cheese, homemade apple chutney, and warm baguette.
Open Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.
Tastings $7 per person. Groups of 7 or more please make a reservation. Call (540) 456-8000 or Click here to reserve online. Please include the date and time of your visit in the comments section.
Tours by reservation (48 hours notice required) at 11 am, 12:30 pm, and 2 pm. contact@veritaswines.com
E ā Afton Mountain VineyardsĀ | 2.7 mi, 8 min from Veritas | 26.4 mi / 34 min. to downtown.
If the slogan āgrapes donāt grow in ugly placesā is true, they have nothing to worry about: Afton Mountain Vineyards is surrounded by beautiful vistas. The beautiful setting, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent wines make Afton a memorable stop on your tour.
Afton offers a selection of meats and cheeses. You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy along with the wine and mountain views.
Open Wednesday through Monday from 11:00 ā 5:30 pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Tastings $7. The last tasting is conducted 15 minutes before closing. Tasting fee for groups of 6, $10 per person. Group tasting times: 11 am, 12 pm, and 1 pm only. Pre-paid reservations are required. Call 540-456-8667 or send an email to finewines@aftonmountainvineyards.com.
Feel free to add or leave out wineries, breweries or cideries in the area. You can set your itinerary after you book your tour.
Lunch Options On This Route
Enjoy a cheese plate, baguette, or snack at one of the wineries, bring a picnic, or pre-order a gourmet sandwich, snack, and drink of your choice. Your driver will pick up lunch while your group enjoys the tasting. Check out the Gourmet Sandwich Menu.
Or stop at Blue Mountain Brewery which is on the route. It might mean you will have to skip one winery, but they do have good food and beer.
