Blenheim Vineyards
4.5(361)google
3.9(283)yelp
WineryWine TastingLocal LifeDate SpotOutdoor
Overview
Offering an exceptionally sophisticated, rustic, and visually dazzling wine-tasting experience within the rolling agricultural hills of Charlottesville, Blenheim Vineyards is a premier destination for oenophiles. Established brilliantly in 2000 by legendary musician Dave Matthews, the sustainable estate features an innovative, eco-friendly timber-framed tasting barn designed beautifully to capture natural ambient sunlight. Visitors can spend sunny afternoons enjoying premium craft tastings of award-winning chardonnays and rich red blends on the sweeping outdoor deck overlooking lush green vines.
Practical Info
Mon11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
TueClosed
Wed11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thu11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Fri11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sat11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeThe peak window is the vineyard harvest season from May to October. Secure a terrace seat at the eco-friendly tasting room between 2:00 PM and 5:30 PM on a clear weekday; the sun strikes through the unique timber and glass conservatory ceiling, offering a sublime, calm setting to sip their estate-grown Petit Verdot.
Getting ThereTucked inside the historic agrarian valleys at 31 Blenheim Rd south of Charlottesville. No public transit option serves this agricultural ring; driving is required. Take VA-20 South for 8 miles, turn left onto Secretarys Road, and follow the scenic directional prompts straight into the winery's free gravel lot.
Travel Tips
- Weekend and holiday patio space is exceptionally limited. The winery operates on a strict reservation system; walk-in groups during peak hours will be turned away or denied wine flight service.
- Per Virginia ABC laws, outside alcohol of any kind is strictly prohibited anywhere on the property, including inside vehicles. Outside food is limited to small snacks, and pets are completely banned inside the indoor tasting room.
- Owned by musician Dave Matthews, the eco-friendly tasting room experiences intense fan surges during concert weekends. Parking fills up instantly; arriving exactly at the 11:00 AM opening time ensures hassle-free access.
Reviews
Positive
- The winery was founded by famous musician Dave Matthews; the solar-powered tasting room features a unique design, and the panoramic views of the vineyard are beautiful.
- The outdoor picnicking area is kept very clean and comfortable, signage is clear, and great accessible ramps make it perfect for families and pets to enjoy a pristine afternoon.
- The staff's attitude is extremely amiable and warm, giving very vivid explanations of each wine's tasting notes and crafting process, maximizing the service experience.
- The wine flight pricing is highly competitive in the area, offering great value for the tasting experience with moderate commercialization and a quiet atmosphere.
Heads up
- Due to its high fame, outdoor shaded seating is completely full and extremely crowded on weekend afternoons, often requiring you to bring lawn chairs or sit on the grass.
- The final stretch leading to the winery is an uneven gravel dirt road, causing self-driving vehicles to bump and kick up heavy dust, which gets muddy on rainy days.
- Aside from wine, the cheese and cracker charcuterie boards offered on-site are expensive and tiny in portion, making in-house dining options mediocre value.
- The number of restrooms is on the lower side; when encountering tour groups or wedding events, long lines frequently form in front of the doors, causing inconvenience.