Boutique Hotel near Local Vineyards
Nestled in the heart of Charlottesville, The Forum Hotel offers an ideal base for exploring the Monticello Wine Trail, home to over 40 wineries within a 25-mile radius . This region, recognized as Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year, boasts a rich viticultural history dating back to Thomas Jefferson's 18th-century experiments at Monticello . Notable nearby wineries include King Family Vineyards, Veritas Vineyard & Winery, and Eastwood Farm and Winery, all within a 30-minute drive from the hotel . Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of varietals such as Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, set against the backdrop of Virginia's picturesque landscapes.
Explore Charlottesville Wine Country
Staying at The Forum Hotel enhances the wine country experience with curated amenities and offerings like our [Wine & Dine package Wine & Dine package. Guests can savor selections from the Monticello Wine Trail through the hotel's exclusive wines on offer, featuring bottles from esteemed local wineries like Pippin Hill Farm and Veritas Vineyard & Winery. Whether planning a vineyard tour or a relaxing evening with a glass of local wine, The Forum Hotel serves as a luxurious and convenient retreat in Virginia's celebrated wine region.
Wine & Dine
Enjoy local the acclaimed Monticello region wines! This package includes a bottle of one of our favorite local wines + a cheese board, and a voucher to a local winery for a wine tasting for two (plus a discount on food). You'll also get a $50 food and beverage credit to any of our on-site restaurants or bars and complimentary valet parking for one vehicle.
Monticello Wine Trail
The Monticello Wine Trail is a premier wine region in central Virginia, encompassing over 40 wineries across Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Orange, and Nelson counties. Recognized as Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year, it offers a diverse range of tasting experiences, from intimate vineyard tours to lively festivals and concerts under the stars. Visitors can explore award-winning wines, meet passionate winemakers, and enjoy the rich history and stunning landscapes that define this renowned wine region. The trail is named after Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, highlighting its historical significance in American winemaking.
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
Nestled in the heart of Virginia's wine country, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards creates an exceptional experience with its handcrafted wines, farm-to-table dining, and stunning panoramic views, perfect for relaxation and celebration. The winery is renowned for its beautiful venue, making it a popular choice for weddings, events, and culinary experiences, all while highlighting local agriculture and sustainable practices. Visitors are invited to explore the beauty of the surrounding landscapes while enjoying world-class wines and seasonal menus that showcase the region's bounty.
Barboursville Vineyards
Barboursville Vineyards, established in 1976 by Gianni Zonin, is a renowned winery in Virginia's Monticello AVA. The estate produces award-winning wines like the Octagon blend and offers a historic setting with Thomas Jefferson-designed ruins, a fine dining restaurant, and lodging options.
Blenheim Vineyards
Blenheim Vineyards, established in 2000 by musician Dave Matthews, is a family-owned winery located just 20 minutes southeast of Charlottesville, Virginia. Situated on the historic Blenheim estate, the winery spans three vineyard sites, cultivating varieties such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Blenheim Vineyards is part of the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) and is a notable stop on the Monticello Wine Trail.
Glass House Winery
Glass House Winery, nestled in Free Union, Virginia, is a boutique winery renowned for its tropical conservatory and estate-grown wines. Founded in 2006 by Jeff and Michelle Sanders, the winery spans 15 acres of vineyards and offers a unique experience combining winemaking with a tropical ambiance. Visitors can enjoy handcrafted wines made solely from grapes grown on the property, along with artisanal chocolates produced on-site.
Hazy Mountain Vineyards
Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery, located in Afton, Virginia, encompasses 86 acres of estate vineyards across the Monticello and Shenandoah Valley AVAs. Established in 2018, the winery produces a diverse range of wines from varietals such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Their wines have garnered recognition, with vintages like the 2019 Cabernet Franc and 2019 Riesling receiving 89 points at the 2023 Sommeliers Choice Awards.
Eastwood Farm & Winery
Eastwood Farm and Winery is a women-owned, family-operated winery located just five miles from downtown Charlottesville, Virginia. Situated along the Carters Mountain ridge, the winery offers award-winning wines, beers, and ciders in a picturesque setting. Guests can enjoy a farm-to-table menu featuring shareables and small plates, as well as fire-grilled items from the food truck. The winery regularly hosts live music and events, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors. With ample indoor and outdoor seating, Eastwood Farm and Winery provides a welcoming environment for all guests. The winery is also dog-friendly and offers a variety of non-alcoholic options, including juice flights for children. Open daily, Eastwood Farm and Winery is a perfect destination for a relaxing day in Virginia's wine country.
King Family Vineyards
King Family Vineyards, located in Crozet, Virginia, is a family-owned winery renowned for its award-winning wines, including the 2019 Meritage, which won the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup. Established in 1998, the winery specializes in premium wines that showcase the remarkable quality and terroir of the Monticello AVA. Winemaker Matthieu Finot creates wines inspired by the old world, uniquely expressive of Virginia. The estate offers a picturesque setting with expansive lawns, a covered veranda, and a tasting room featuring a warm stone fireplace. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, gourmet cheeses, and salamis, and attend Roseland Polo matches held on Sundays from May through October.
Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard
Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard, located in Keswick, Virginia, offers a distinctive wine-tasting experience in a creatively designed tasting room. Founded by Guy and Elizabeth Pelly, the winery combines warm hospitality with a whimsical setting, featuring eclectic decor and expansive views of the vineyards. Guests can enjoy guided tastings, vineyard safaris, and curated food pairings, making it a unique destination on the Monticello Wine Trail.
Michael Shaps Wineworks
Michael Shaps Wineworks, established in 2007 near Charlottesville, Virginia, is renowned for producing award-winning wines under the Michael Shaps label and offering contract winemaking services to over 20 wineries. The winery operates two tasting rooms: the Harris Creek location provides a traditional tasting experience with wines crafted using natural yeast and extended barrel aging, while Wineworks Extended, situated near downtown, offers everyday wines on tap and in bag-in-box packaging. Founder Michael Shaps, trained in Burgundy, France, has been instrumental in introducing innovative packaging options, such as bag-in-box wines, to the Virginia market. The winery's commitment to quality and innovation has earned it numerous accolades, including multiple gold medals at the Virginia Governor’s Cup.
Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard
Mount Ida Farm & Vineyard, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a 4,000-acre estate offering estate-grown wines and house-brewed beers. The Tasting Room & Taphouse provides panoramic Blue Ridge views and a seasonal menu featuring local ingredients. Guests can explore the vineyard via walking, horseback, or ranger tours, and enjoy accommodations, making it a premier destination on the Monticello Wine Trail.
Veritas Vineyard & Winery
Veritas Vineyard & Winery, located in Afton, Virginia, is a family-owned estate known for its award-winning wines crafted from over 60 acres of vines. Established in 1999 by Andrew and Patricia Hodson, the winery produces a diverse range of wines, including Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, and blends like Claret and Red Star. Winemaker Emily Hodson combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern technology to create wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Monticello AVA.
