The Monticello Wine Trail is home to over 40 wineries, many with stunning, mountain views. Most wineries stay open for business throughout the winter, with abbreviated hours and fun, seasonal offerings! Here are the top 10 cozy wineries you need to check out this winter!

1. King Family Vineyards

Located in Crozet, King Family Vineyards is a short and scenic drive west on I-64 from Downtown Charlottesville. Nestled against the backdrop of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, you can enjoy a glass of wine outside at a firepit or inside, next to one of their cozy, indoor fireplaces. New this year, King Family will also be temporarily enclosing their outdoor patio for more heated seating options.

King Family Vineyards

2. Mount Ida Reserve

The Tasting Room & Tap House at Mount Ida Reserve is another great spot for winter wine tasting. Both their expansive Portico and neighboring Brewer’s Bar and pizza kitchen are enclosed and heated. They also have a large fire pit circled by rocking chairs and a Fireplace Terrace with lounge seating and tables. If you’re planning a visit in the early-winter, their Tasting Room transforms into a holiday winter wonderland all December long with a famous 30-foot Christmas tree, 19th century sleigh, and greenery and lights everywhere. Make sure to grab a glass of their seasonal warmed port wine cider when you visit!

Credit: Jen Fariello

3. Grace Estate Winery

Grace Estate Winery is located in Crozet and has a spacious patio with great views. In the winter time, guests can enjoy outdoor firepits on their upper patio (no reservations required) or stay warm inside next to their wood-burning fireplace. While you're there, make sure to grab a slice of artisan wood-fired pizza from their new partner, Slice Versa! Or, come out for a Friday Raclette Night in December, featuring extended hours and their Swiss specialty Raclette, a melted cheese dish served with potatoes, bread, and charcuterie.

4. Keswick Vineyards

Located in the eastern portion of Albemarle County, Keswick Vineyards is surrounded by rolling hills and horse farms. Visitors come to Keswick Vineyards to enjoy the award-winning wines no matter the season! This winter, Keswick has a brand new fully enclosed building for visitors to stay cozy. They will be offering guided tastings as well as wines by the flight, glass, and bottle!

Credit: Brian Schornberg

5. Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard

Not far from Keswick Vineyards is Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard, one of the area's newest wineries! In the winter, you can reserve a private firepit with unlimited s'mores and firewood for only $35. Or book a spot on one of the winterized, heated terraces. Reservations are recommended but not required!

6. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard has breathtaking views that draw visitors throughout the year. When the weather is on the colder side, you can sit inside at their Tasting Room Bar and enjoy a Winter Estate Tasting, led by one of Pippin's wine experts. While you're there, grab a slice of wood-fired pizza, available Friday - Sunday in the winter only, with specialty flavors each week! Looking for the perfect date night? Attend one of their seasonal cooking classes (ticketed with limited space!)

7. Glass House Winery

Glass House Winery has a unique tasting room that will transport you to a warmer place. Their climate-controlled tropical conservatory is open during business hours and is a great spot to enjoy wine and fine chocolates that are made on-site. There are also outdoor tables with firepits -- guaranteed to keep you cozy!

8. Eastwood Farm and Winery

Enjoy making your own s’mores around the fire pits with a mug of hot mulled wine at Eastwood Farm & Winery. Or, stay inside and enjoy live music with a seasonal flatbread or fondue, plus juice flights and cheese boards for the kids. See the Winery Calendar for details. This cozy tasting room is open all winter long, seven days a week, and they stay open until 8PM Wednesday - Saturday! A rare treat considering most wineries have abbreviated hours in the winter!

A shot of the cozy outdoor fire pits at Eastwood Farm and Winery. The seating area is lined with lit fir trees.

9. Pollak Vineyards

Featuring gorgeous vineyard and mountain views, it's tough to beat the setting of Pollak Vineyards in any season. Settle in with some of their award-winning wines and grab a spot next to their cozy indoor fireplace or outside on their heated, covered porch. A perfect recipe for a terrific afternoon in Central Virginia's wine country!

Credit: @pollakvineyards on Instagram

10. Knight's Gambit

Round out your trip by booking the private, heated tent at Knight's Gambit Vineyard! Available by reservation only, this tent can accommodate up to 10 people, perfect for parties, day dates, or family gatherings. Rental includes use of the tent, deck, and neighboring lawn area for 2 hours and it comes with your choice of two wine bottles. Looking for something more lowkey? Knight's Gambit also has an indoor fireplace, outdoor propane heaters, and an outdoor firepit to keep you cozy!

You can discover more Charlottesville-area wineries on our wineries page and visit our wine tours page if you want to sit back, relax, and leave the driving to one of the region’s wine tour companies.

For even more ideas and trip inspiration, head to our calendar of events or check out our things to do page. We hope you enjoy your winter stay in Charlottesville and Albemarle County!

Author

Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau Staff

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