Northeast
Charlottesville’s love affair runs a little
deeper than food. Sure, Thomas
Jefferson’s love of good food and
gardening easily qualify him as the
nation’s “Founding Foodie,” but our
third president of the United States was
also quite fond of wine. He envisioned
a landscape covered in lush grapevines
producing bountiful barrels of Virginia
vino. Now living up to his vision, the
last decade has seen an explosion of
vineyards and wineries in Albemarle
County. At last count, there were more
than thirty (yes, thirty) wineries in the
region – a number that would surely
make Thomas Jefferson’s heart smile.
No doubt he would also flash a grin
if he knew U.S. News & World Report
recen tly ranked Charlottesville as the
#6 wine vacation destination in the
world. From a light crisp Chardonnay
to a heavy, rich Merlot, there’s a wine for
everyone, all of which can be beautifully
paired with the aforementioned
delicious dining options. Not a wine
drinker? No worries! Charlottesville
& Albemarle County is also home to
booming craft beer and artisanal cider
industries! Featuring a cornucopia of
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carbonated concoctions, you’ll have
no shortage of options from which to
choose!
Charlottesville and Albemarle County
continues to prove time and time
again that it is the destination for
lovers of food and drink. With several
worldwide distinctions under its belt
(which may need to be loosened
a notch or two after a food-filled
visit), this region continues to be a
formidable heavyweight in the farmto-table movement while gaining
national and worldwide attention for
its wines, beers and ciders. So bring
your appetite, bring your sense of
culinary adventure and get ready to
treat your taste buds to the time of
their life in Charlottesville & Albemarle
County, Virginia!