The other weekend I left the hustle and bustle of DC for a girls getaway in Charlottesville with one of my life-long best friends. We decided to head to Charlottesville for our mini getaway due to its easy driving location and most of all- WINERIES. I personally had never been to the wineries in Charlottesville before and it had been some time since I was last out there. Our visit entailed 5 wineries and lots of wine, Bodo's Bagels (a must!), and brunch before heading home the next day. Our trip was a blast and I had forgotten how beautiful the Charlottesville area is! I urge you to take a trip out there this fall, and if you do, here are some recommendations on what to do!
The Monticello Wine Trail Wineries:
This winery had some of the best wine out of all the ones we visited. While its not as scenic and the winery décor/building is a little outdated, the owners are so friendly and the wine was amazing! The tastings were only $3 too!
Reynard Florence Vineyard & Winery
This was my favorite! The wine was delicious and I liked every wine we had during the tasting. The winery is small, but well decorated with artwork and they have a nice patio that overlooks the vineyard and mountains. It is an all encompassing winery and I hope to be back one day soon! If you go, try the Petit Manseng Monticello 2014, its amazing!
Deserted town on the drive to Barboursville Vineyard
We didn't actually taste any wines here due to crowds, but the views are gorgeous. Due to the crowds we instead just went to see the ruins. The ruins are of a building that was designed by Thomas Jefferson and caught fire in 1884. Its considered a historic site in the state of Virginia and is definitely a must see.
Barboursville Ruins
The pro is you get to pick and choose from their long list of wines the 10 you want to taste. The con is it was so very crowded when we went that it was hard to enjoy ourselves. Try to visit in an off time to get the full feel of this place. It was also raining when we went, so that probably didn't help with the crowded tasting room!
This was another one of my favorites. Maybe its because they have swans on the premises, but I really liked the scenery and wine here. They also have a great patio and outdoor area!
Keswick Swans
Where to Shop:
Barracks Road and The Shops at Stonefield both have great stores and retailers, as well as a number of restaurants.
Where to Eat:
1. Bodo's Bagels IS A MUST. The one on UVA campus is always crowded but the line moves fast. If you go to Charlottesville and don't visit Bodo's....then you are doing it all wrong.
2. Brunch at Pigeon Hole. This is a cute spot on campus that has great energy and friendly staff! Order the French Toast- its the best I've had in a while!
French Toast from Pigeon Hole
Outfit Details:
Black Floppy Hat: Aldo Accessories
Black and White Turtleneck Dress: ASOS
Black Booties: Jessica Simpson
Red Tassle Necklace: Macy's
XOXO
Blonde in the District
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