Virginia's Monticello Wine Trail
Discover Wineries in the Southeastern United States
The Monticello Wine Trail, located in central Virginia, includes 21 unique wineries. The trail shares the region with the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive
There are 21 wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail, located in central Virginia. These wineries share the region with the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, plus the historic city of Charlottesville, making it a popular travel destination. One of these wineries is Afton Mountain Vineyards.
When Shinko Corpora's husband Tom told her that he wanted to escape the "rat race" and purchase a small vineyard in Central Virginia, she gently reminded him that they knew nothing about growing grapes or making wine.
"That's okay," he told her. "We like to drink wine."
That was 16 years ago. Armed with the knowledge of what they liked in a wine, and with the help of winery consultant Gabriele Rausse, Afton Mountain Vineyards is now a successful, quality-oriented enterprise, turning out award-winning wines from its location on Afton Mountain.
"It's such a beautiful area," Shinko said. "It attracts a lot of tourists."
Mary Davis Barton of the Virginia Wine Marketing Office in Richmond, agrees.
"The scenery is spectacular," she said, adding that attractions such as Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and Ash-Highland, a plantation once owned by fifth president James Monroe, are popular tourist destinations in the region.
Felicia Warburg Rogan has promoted the area for years as a member of the Jeffersonian Wine Grape Growers Society based in Charlottesville.
She opened Oakencroft Vineyards and Winery in 1983. Oakencroft is the closest winery to Charlottesville as well as the oldest winery in Albemarle County. The winery has also been the recipient of numerous awards and medals, and their 1992 Chardonnay was served by President Clinton at his first official White House dinner in 1993.
"We have not only historic lore but over 20 wineries within an hour of Charlottesville," Felicia said. In fact, she noted, Charlottesville has been designated "The Wine Capital of Virginia" by the city council.
Afton Mountain offers a variety of activities for visitors. There's free wine tastings, scheduled tours during special events, and open houses throughout the year. They also have a picnic area with a beautiful view that customers are welcome to enjoy.
Shinko keeps in touch with her customers through newsletters, and their wine club. At Oakencroft, there are open houses, festivals, and of course, wine tastings. The winery will also host private events, such as weddings and dinner parties.
The Monticello Wine Trail website, sponsored by the Jeffersonian Wine Grape Growers Society, divides the wineries into four smaller trails of up to six wineries. Each "mini" trail offers a great way to spend the weekend or even a day, sampling the Monticello Wine experience.
