Red Hot Red Wines to Try this Winter

Justin Falco, winemaker and owner of Montifalco, and Denis Nekipelov, vineyard manager, are doing incredibly beautiful things with varietals not often found in Virginia. One of these grapes is Saperavi. Saperavi is originally from Georgia – the country, not the state – and produces wine that is often compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. If that doesn’t sound like your thing, don’t worry, it is likely you will find the Saperavi at Montifalco far superior to many Cabernet Sauvignons you have tried. Montifalco Vineyards is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from noon - 5PM and on select holidays. Guests most be 21-years-old and over, guided tastings are offered, and well-behaved pups are welcome outside. For the most up-to-date information on hours and upcoming events and to make reservations (recommended), head over to their website to plan your trip.

The 2021 Rivanna Red is 40% Merlot, 40% Cab Sauvignon, and 20 % Petit Verdot. The Rivanna Red is great for gifting this holiday season if you want to share a Virginia red blend with friends and Cunningham Creek is worth a visit. It truly has something for every wine lover, and I think new visitors will be pleasantly surprised. In the winter, Cunningham Creek Winery is open Thursdays from 12-8PM, Fridays and Saturdays from 12-6PM, and Sundays from 12-5PM. They offer customized wine flights, traditional tastings, and fresh pizza from Villa Nova's Pizza. For the most up-to-date information on hours and upcoming events, head over to their website to plan your trip.

Lush in every way possible – from its bold notes of red fruits to its deep color – Bacco is a great option to enjoy after a day of fall activities or a nice addition to holiday tables and bars. If you are not a fan of bolder reds, don’t be intimidated. While the tannins are ever present in this wine, they are not overwhelming. Afton Mountain Vineyards is open Thursday through Monday from 11AM-5PM in the winter. They have a temperature-controlled indoor pavilion and expansive outdoor space (well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome outdoors). For the most up-to-date information on hours, guided tastings, and upcoming events, head over to their website to plan your trip.

While Monticello AVA Tannats boast the smokiness you’ve come to expect from this grape varietal, this fruit-forward version makes this wine more versatile than you may have expected it to be. As the weather turns cooler, pair Tannat with beef tenderloin, medium to rare steak, or even a hearty chili. Michael Shaps has two tasting rooms. The original tasting room, open 11AM-5PM daily, offers an intimate experience nestled in the woods south of Charlottesville. The second, Wineworks Extended, is located close to downtown Charlottesville and open until 7PM each night.

Merlot grows well in Virginia and as you visit wineries in the Charlottesville area, you’ll experience it in blends and single varietal bottles. Lovingston’s Merlot is berry-forward with floral notes on the nose. Lovingston Winery is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2-6PM, Fridays from 1-6PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM-6PM. Families, leashed dogs, and outside food are welcome. Sourdough pizza from Slice Versa is available on-site. For the most up-to-date information on hours and upcoming events, head over to their website to plan your trip.

This list is just the start of the wines you can sample this winter at the 40+ wineries in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

If these reds have you dreaming of a winter getaway, book your trip today! Winter is technically the off-season for our wineries, so you'll enjoy lower rates, fewer crowds, and have a cozier, more intimate experience. Charlottesville and Albemarle County have a wide range of accommodations to choose from in the winter – including some special vineyard stays.