Guide to Virginia's Monticello Wine Trail

Essential Tips for survival on the trail.

Of the few places in the country where you’d find a Wine trail, the one at Monticello should easily be on your ‘must-see’ list. This wine trail boasts many top-rated wineries in the United States. The Monticello Wine Trail currently consists of 33 of the best wineries in Virginia and is a definite must-see if wine is what gets your juices flowing.

History of the Monticello AVA and wine trail

The Monticello AVA is the first established AVA in Virginia. Named after its namesake, the residence of the great Thomas Jefferson, it is situated in Virginia’s Piedmont region along the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. Winemaking in this region could be traced back by about 250 years! Thomas Jefferson pioneered this cause, assisting the first wine planters in Monticello. The Monticello Wine Trail is regarded as the birthplace of American wines. Established in 1984, it is an association of Virginia's best and top-rated wine and grape producers, all located within a 25-mile radius around Charlottesville. All share their knowledge, experience, and expertise to develop world-class quality wines that are exported to even the most notoriously famous wine producing locations around the globe.

Experience The Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival.

The wine tasting festival held yearly at Monticello is every wine lover’s delight! This 3-day festival gives wine fans a chance to explore and enjoy the authentic taste and flavor of each winery part of The Monticello Wine Trail. If food, drinks, award shows, entertainment, vineyard tours, and merry-making excite you, then the Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival is a match made in heaven for you!

5 "Don't Miss" Wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail.

While all 33 wineries on the trail are unique in their own right, 5 of them stand out.

• The Cardinal Wine Point & Winery is renowned for its unique and instantly identifiable blends.
• First Colony Winery, for its generous 5000 square foot wine tasting room and its pristine Albemarle County location. You'll want to pack a wine picnic basket to enjoy while you linger to enjoy the view.
• Pollak Vineyards, for their award-winning lines of Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot blends.
• Stinson Vineyard, the trendsetters for incorporating environmental sustainability into this industry, specifically in the Monticello wine trail.
• Michael Shaps Winery for the low price but highly refined and quality wines and for being Virginia's sole bag-in-box wine producer.

Wine Trail Route Planner

It is easy to get lost in the sheer magnificence of each and every winery on this iconic Virginia wine trail. You'd be well advised to use a route planner to make sure you do not miss out on some of the most important locations along your vineyard tour. Click to plan your route and visit the top-rated wineries of the Monticello.