This Beautiful Virginia Vineyard Is Perfect For A Budget-Friendly Wine Tasting Getaway

Located just a short, 30-minute drive from Charlottesville, Virginia, Barboursville Vineyards offers the ideal wine country escape. It is often included as part of the road trip of a lifetime for wine lovers, which takes visitors on a tour of the top wineries in the region. Barboursville stands out as one of the best to visit, thanks to it being a luxury winery, without the luxury price tag.

Nestled on a historic estate in Barboursville, Virginia, this renowned winery is known not only for its many award-winning wines, but also for its budget-friendly tastings. For just $20 per person, guests can enjoy a tasting of 12 different reserve wines, presented in 0.5-ounce pours, and staff are available to answer questions and provide menus. For an extra fee, guests can purchase bottles, glasses, and even expert-crafted charcuterie/cheese boards prepared by the in-house chef.

This stunning vineyard is considered by some to be one of the most underrated destinations in all of Virginia. It can easily be reached via a 75-minute drive from Richmond or a two-hour drive from Washington D.C. It is also conveniently located less than a 30-minute drive from Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport for those looking to fly into the area.

Barboursville Vineyards is located on the former estate of Governor James Barbour and was originally designed by his good friend Thomas Jefferson. Visitors can stroll through the landmark ruins on a self-guided tour to admire Jefferson's stunning architecture. After that, visitors can head on over to the Octagon Barrel Room to explore an exhibition that covers the biography of the vineyard's signature wine. Finally, they can enjoy a standard tasting experience on a stroll or picnic.

If you're looking for a more exclusive experience, Barboursville Vineyards also offers the Library 1821 Experience. This tasting experience consists of current and older vintages and varies in price, anywhere between $30 to $350 per head. During this experience, guests can indulge in seasonal culinary pairings designed by the in-house chefs, enjoyed in a section of the original winery building and overlooking the stunning surrounding landscapes.

The vineyard is dedicated to sustainability and hosts various events throughout the year. These include harvest celebrations, holiday events, and upscale dinner events. If you're looking to host an exclusive event of your own, such as a large-scale party or wedding, this can also be arranged to take place on the stunning grounds of the winery via a private booking.

Barboursville Vineyards is open every day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., opening from 11 a.m. on Sundays. Reservations are not technically required for standard tastings, but it's always a good idea to book your visit beforehand in order to avoid wait times. For those opting to stay on-site at the vineyard beyond a simple wine tasting, guests can enjoy dining at the on-site Palladio Restaurant.

There are also some great options for on-site accommodations too, with both the dreamy 1804 Inn and a range of cozy cottages available. All guests choosing to stay here can enjoy a full breakfast and a complimentary selection of fresh grapes, cheeses, and a bottle of the guest's choice from a selection of red, white, or sparkling wine.

Alternatively, due to its great location, guests can stay in Charlottesville, Virginia's charming college town nestled in the mountains, located only a 30-minute drive from Barboursville Vineyards. This gorgeous historical city is home to unique attractions, such as Thomas Jefferson's iconic Monticello plantation, the historic Downtown Mall, and gorgeous nature spots such as the Saunders-Monticello Trail. For those looking to enjoy even more great wine spots during their stay here, Charlottesville is also home to other great wineries, including Blenheim Vineyards and Trump Winery.