Jefferson Vineyards
Closest Winery to Charlottesville.
Thomas Jefferson brokered the sale of our land to a Florentine Viticulturilist, Filippo Mazzei, inviting him to become his neighbor and to help in realizing Jefferson’s dream for the native production of wine in Virginia. First plantings of European vinifera varieties were in 1774 – in full view of Monticello. Unfortunately the Revolutionary War interrupted this venture and it was not until 1981 that planting vineyards here again regained favor.
Thirty six years ago, we introduced quality modern viticulture to Virginia, helping realize Jefferson’s dream. Our winery offers select wines of superior quality and is considered to have “one of the region’s most consistent track records” (Wine Spectator).
The wines we offer you are entirely of Virginia. The grapes are grown here on our property and in two select sites across the Commonwealth. We do not buy fruit from outside Virginia, nor do we use any commercial concentrates or additives to intensify our wines. These choices are consistent with our values, and we believe they are true to Jefferson's original vision of winemaking in Virginia. Further, we believe these choices create a better bottle of wine.
We are located between two presidential homes (Monticello and Ash Lawn Highland) and are the closest winery to Charlottesville.
| Region | |
| AVA | Monticello AVA |
| Wine Trail | |
| Tasting Fee | $12.00 |
| Reserve Tasting Fee | $20.00 |
| Tour Fee | $0.00 |
| First Planted | 3/1/1981 |
| Vineyard Acres | 23 |
| Estate Acres | 400 |
| Winemaker | Chris Ritzcovan |
| Vineyard Manager | Attila Woodward |