Ring in the New Year With These White Wines

This is not your average sparkling wine. 100% Chasselas Doré, it is fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in bottles. The result is a fun, yet serious sparkling that pushes the limits of what most expect from a sparkling wine. Gabriele Rausse Winery is family friendly, dog-friendly, and open Thursdays and Fridays from 11-5PM, Sundays from 10AM-4PM, and Mondays from 11AM-5PM. Seating is all outside with some covered options and firepits available on a first come, first served basis. Fresh baked baguettes and local cheese are available, but you're more than welcome to plan ahead and bring your own food.

Blenheim's has the traditional yellow pear tasting note we’ve come to expect from the grape, with hazelnut and vanilla notes as well. Blenheim’s Roussanne is aged 65% in stainless steel tanks and 35% oak aged in French oak barrels. Give this a try if you’re looking for a great white wine heading into the colder months. Blenheim Vineyards is open Thursday through Monday from 11AM-5:30PM. Reservations are recommended (but not required) and the vineyard is family friendly and dog-friendly. A selection of charcuterie items and snacks are available, but visitors are welcome to bring their own food.

Reynard Florence Vineyard is a small but mighty winery producing excellent wines in the Monticello AVA. Their petit manseng has an upfront toasted richness that is nicely balanced by acidity. The 2022 vintage shows depth and concentration. Reynard Florence Vineyard is open Thursdays and Fridays from 12-5PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM-5PM. There is limited indoor seating, but plenty available outdoors with firepits and heated seating options. Visitors welcomed on a first come, first served basis and pets are welcome!

This is an approachable blend that easily transitions from supper sipping to winter fun. It’s a great addition to what you’re offering friends and family after a day of winter fun exploring one of our many parks or doing some holiday shopping on the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall. Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery is open Sundays to Thursdays from 11AM-7PM and Fridays and Saturdays from 11AM-9PM. Reservations are not required for outside seating, but are suggested for inside seating. There's a full kitchen with sandwiches, pizzas, and small plates. Check out the full menu here.

You can only purchase this one by the bottle, but you will not regret it! This cozy chardonnay is great for sipping by the fire and for pairing with a variety of food. Try it with one of their tasty, locally made paninis or a '14' artisan pizza. With its thoughtful and unique décor and open from 10AM-5:30PM, Thursday through Monday, Merrie Mill is creating a Virginia wine experience like no other for visitors. Inside seating is limited, so make a reservation if you’re heading out on a weekend during the winter!

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

If these white wines have you dreaming of a winter getaway, book your trip today! Winter is technically the off-season for our wineries, but all of these wineries are still open at the hours listed above! Not only that, but you'll also enjoy lower rates at places to stay, encounter 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. Start planning your stay today!