jefferson vineyards

25ACJ

Really nice and convenient place to stop on any trip to Charlottesville, other wineries are very close by - and they're only a few minutes from downtown. This was our first really great winery experience. The staff member that helped us put us at ease, and really opened us up to feeling comfortable about tastings (At first you expect you need to know something about wines to do a tasting). She mentioned, "if you like it - you like. If you don't - you don't. All the swishing and froo froo stuff isn't necessary." We joined the wine club here, and always return on our trips to CVille. They have the best red wines in the area! We have brought friends and family here, and will continue to do so.

gmaso

Having only tried a couple of Virginia wineries over the years, we made a stop after visiting Monticello. The staff was friendly and knew their stuff but we felt that none of the wines jumped out at us. The Meritage was good and the Vin Blanc would be a very nice wine for a hot summer day.

MarcD544

My wife and I had the great pleasure to discover this great winery with, as a guide, the Italian gentleman who built it back in 1979 when it was then known as Simeon Vineyards.At this same location, 250 years ago, a vineyard was first developed in 1773 at Thomas Jefferson’s request by a viticulturist from Tuscany named Filippo Mazzei.Although the initial attempt failed, Filippo is remembered for his contribution to the Declaration of Independence: he suggested to Jefferson to add: "All men are created equal".Isn’t it great when you can actually taste American history?

gregc409

Went here today with my girlfriend. Our tasting was conducted by the lovely Elaine, who was calm and collected despite having to do three tastings at once. She was knowledgeable of the wines and answered all of our questions. All of the wines were excellent and some of the best I've had in Virginia. We didn't order any glasses or food, but they had plenty of chocolate and novelty items for sale in the tasting room. We didn't bring a pet with us, but there was another couple there with dogs and it was nice to see that the winery was pet-friendly.We will definitely be back in the near future with our friends and family. Thank you Elaine!

Edandwendy

We enjoyed a delicious wine tasting and a bottle of splendid wine during our Valentine's Day visit. The do offer mil discounts on botes of wine, and products, so be sure to ask.

mdiv2001

The wines at Jefferson are consistent winners, ranging from off-dry whites to big bold reds. But we were in for a special treat this time -- the winery had opened up its cellars to allow us to taste library reds going back to 2005. They were delightful, especially the Bordeaux style blends from 2009 (smokey and robust) and 2010 (liquid silk).But we were also impressed with the 2012 Meritage, and we think it will be delightful after a few years in our own cellar. I would give it 5/5 for the wine and the tasting experience. But I have two knocks: First, they require you to pay for the tasting first, which is not a standard practice in Virginia and which interrupts the pleasure of the tasting experience. And second, they not longer give the Reidel glass with the tasting, but instead are using a less expensive glass with their logo stenciled on it. We would rather have the Reidel glass without a stencil.But I cannot take half a point here. So 4/5 it is.

326ElizabethR

I've been several times with small groups of friends doing a day-trip wine tour. Jefferson is always our first stop. Pleasant, clean and welcoming. Tables for sitting with a picnic.The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They more than other wineries in the area have a range of offerings that are sure to please everyone in the group. I always manage to find 2-3 bottles to take home.

MrsH0dges

We enjoyed the wines here and purchased 3 bottles. Again, going on a week day we had great access to staff who was very knowledgeable (be sure to find out the stories behind the artwork on labels). Having managed to visit about half of the wineries on this trip it really is interesting to reflect on how the staff we encountered each place had an impact on the overall success of the visit. This was not an overly warm fuzzy for me and that bothered me a little. Whether they like us or not, they should be glad we're walking in the door with our wallets & purses open--we got warmer receptions other places and for me, that definitely affects spending.

michiganshopper

We stopped here on a beautiful Charlottesville Saturday afternoon and were happy to find we could begin our tasting right away. We were fortunate to have Chelsea who is knowledgeable about the wines poured ...and has a darling personality! It is a fun place to go with friends. I bet it is gorgeous in early autumn when the leaves are changing colors. p.s. Take your UVA alumni lifetime membership card for a free wine tasting.

Kimo688889

Got a Magnum... what was I thinking? Must have been the great wines I was tasting with a knowledgeable and charming tasting agent, formerly from Barrington Illinois. She was most helpful and the whites and reds here are superb. With hundreds to choose from, I would still visit Jefferson, Keswick, Barboursville and skip Trump

Mill1791

This was my second time here, the first time was in summer and that was just beautiful, this time was in November and it was still gorgeous but definitely a bit chillier. We came in a large group on a tour - about 15 of us from 25-30, and we were put in an outside room to accommodate us. It was nice to be kept all together and not to feel like we were bothering any other patrons, but it was cold in that room! A heater would have been appreciated....we had to drink more wine to warm up :). Apart from that, I LOVE this winery. It is beautiful inside and out. Our wine guides Maggie and Lisa were very knowledgable and super fun. They made sure that our group sampled all that there was to offer. The out building was nice and large and was perfect for our group but the inside building is really cozy and intimate with a nice little shop. This trip I did not purchase any wine, but on my previous trip I ordered a case directly to my home.Go here! It is so pretty and the wine is great!

Ticolover

Our itinerary didn't allow a weekday visit; but this place was worth the stop. Tastings are $10 and include a souvenir glass. Knowledgeable staff who were very friendly and helpful. Having extensively visited wineries all along the West Coast, we weren't really sure what to expect of Virginia wines, but a stop to both the Jefferson and Barboursville wineries produced some nice tasting and we purchased a few bottles for our trip at both. Note: Due to licensing issues, neither of these places can ship wine to Oregon.

Suzique94

My husband and I were visiting Virginia for our first time and had just finished touring Monticello.Being tired and thirsty, we decided to stop and sample the wines at Jefferson Vineyards. For a fee of $10 a person, you get an ample sampling of wines to taste and can take home a very pretty wine glass. We had a pleasant experience chatting with the young girl pouring the wine and thought it was tasty enough to purchase a glass. The setting was beautiful on an October afternoon outside their retail store. The wine was very good. Overall, good experience and we would recommend it to others.

G1416LNkarenb

Close to Monticello-a great finish to our tour of Monticello since we could make it there before they closed. Even 20 minutes before closing we were given a complete wine tasting, along with a lot of information on each wine, the area and suggestions on other must visit places in Charlottesville. Jefferson Vineyards' Cabernet Franc '12 is wonderful. I also enjoyed the Vin Rouge. We enjoyed a glass of wine while watching the sunset behind the mountains from their small seating area. I look forward to experiencing more of Charlottesville ASAP

575nevas

They had a nice set-up, nice views, but the wine and service was just average. I really wanted to try the Rose, but apparently they're sold out. It didn't mention that on the website; I probably wouldn't have visited if I had known that.