Embark on a journey back in time and discover the rich history and secrets of Charlottesville’s historic wine cellars. Join us as we explore some of the oldest and most fascinating wineries in the region. Charlottesville, Virginia is home to some of the most renowned wineries in the country. But did you know that many of these wineries have deep roots dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries? These historic wineries are filled with secrets and stories that tell of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. In this article, we will take you on a journey through some of the most interesting and unique wine cellars in Charlottesville.
1. Barboursville Vineyards
We begin our journey with Barboursville Vineyards, which boasts a rich history dating back to 1762. The vineyard was once owned by Thomas Jefferson’s good friend and political ally, James Barbour. After falling into disrepair, the vineyard was eventually purchased by Italian winemaker Gianni Zonin in 1976, who saw the potential in the land and brought it back to life. Today, Barboursville Vineyards is renowned for its award-winning wines and stunning Italian-style villa. But what many visitors may not realize is that the winery is home to a series of underground wine cellars that date back to the early 19th century. These cellars were used to store wine and tobacco, and visitors can still see the original brick arches and pillars that support them.
2. Jefferson Vineyards
Named after Thomas Jefferson, Jefferson Vineyards was established in 1981 on land that was once part of Jefferson’s original Monticello estate. Today, the winery produces a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Visitors can tour the winery and see the underground wine cellar that dates back to the 18th century. This cellar was once used to store wine, tobacco, and food during the Revolutionary War.
3. Keswick Vineyards
Keswick Vineyards is a family-owned winery that has been producing award-winning wines since 2000. But the history of the land dates back much further, with records showing that the property was once owned by Thomas Jefferson’s grandfather, Peter Jefferson. The winery’s underground wine cellar was built in the early 19th century and is still used to store wine today. Visitors can take a tour of the cellar and see the original brickwork and barrel racks that have been in place for over two hundred years.
4. Horton Vineyards
Horton Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in Virginia, with a history that dates back to the early 19th century. The winery is known for its unique and eclectic blends, which range from Viognier to Tannat. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and see the underground wine cellar, which was once used to store wine and tobacco. The cellar is still in use today and visitors can see the original hand-cut stone walls and wooden beams that support it.
5. Blenheim Vineyards
Located just a few miles southeast of Charlottesville, Blenheim Vineyards was founded by Dave Matthews, the Grammy-winning musician and Charlottesville resident. The vineyard’s wine is made exclusively from estate-grown grapes and features a mix of traditional and modern winemaking techniques. One of the unique features of Blenheim Vineyards is its wine cave, which is dug into a hillside and provides a naturally cool environment for aging wine. Visitors can take a tour of the cave and taste some of the vineyard’s best wines.
