Easy and close: Just between Monticello and Ash Lawn-Highland sits the Jefferson Vineyard where Jefferson planted the first american grapes, next stop justt beyond Ashlawn-Highlands to the Kluge Farm Shop and Winery, then turn right past Carters Bridge and back on Rt. 20 to First Colony Winery and finally back to the Inn. Stop at Brix just before Jefferson Vineyard for a wonderful take along picnic lunch.

Great scenes to the West: Visit one of the many wineries to the west of Charlottesville, VA within 20 minutes of the inn. Oakencroft, Whitehall, King Family, Afton Mt, Cardinal Point and Veritas are our suggestions. Enjoy the beautiful mountains, a glass of your favorite wine and perhaps some cheese and bread from one of our local gourmet shops.

Great Wine and Great History: Drive a bit further north along Rt's 20, 15 or 231 and see the real estates of Virginia. Arriving at Barboursville, Burley and Horton wineries. Great food at Barboursville along with the Govenor Barbour's Ruins, and then off to see Montpelier, the home of James and Dolley Madison.

BEST NEW PLACE TO DRINK WINE As seen in LIFE Magazine on June 24, 2005

"CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia

Want to plan your own "Sideways" tour, minus the snooty sip-n-spit oenophiles and soul searching angst? Head for the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains around Charlottesvillle, Virginia, two hours southwest of Washington D.C. Twenty-one emerging wineries make up the Monticello Wine Trail named for the nearby estate of wine enthusiast Thomas Jefferson. He also founded the University of Virginia, whose campus gives this high-IQ community of 45,000 a youthful, modern vibe.

LOCAL DELICACY:
The prizewinning Cabernet Franc at Barboursville Vineyards

DON'T FORGET TO:
Visit Jefferson's architectural masterpiece at UVA, the Rotunda.

SLEEP HERE:
The five room Inn at Monticello ($195.00 www.innatmonticello.com)"

-Thanks Greg Melville, writer for LIFE Magazine!

While visiting the Inn at Monticello in Charlottesville, VA visit a winery or two. Virginia has a growing wine industry, and we at the Inn are most fortunate to have several wineries within minutes of the inn. We have 26 wineries within 30 minutes of the inn. All are beautiful drives with interesting sights along the way. Once there you will find great wines and wonderful information to make your wine tasting complete. If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else: hire a local wine expert who will also drive you to a selected group of wineries! Contact Erika at Arcady Vineyard: http://www.arcadyvineyard.com