Charlottesville: Private Wine Tour with 3 Wineries & Guide

Summary

Virginia vineyards private day trip with guide and tasting stops

You’ll spend your day winding through Virginia’s wine country from Charlottesville, visiting three unique wineries with a local guide who shares stories as you taste. Enjoy private transportation in a comfortable sedan and relax over an optional picnic lunch among the vines. Expect laughter over local wines and moments where the scenery just takes over—this isn’t rushed or scripted.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning light hit the rolling hills outside Charlottesville — kind of gold and sleepy, like it hadn’t decided to wake up yet. Our driver, Marcus, waved from across the lot (he had that relaxed Virginia drawl) and handed us chilled water before we even got in the car. The ride itself was quiet at first, just the hum of tires and the smell of leather seats, but then we started chatting about which wineries we’d see. I didn’t expect to care about grape varietals, but Marcus made it feel like a story — he told us how one vineyard owner used to be a jazz musician. That stuck with me for some reason.

We stopped at three different wineries — each one felt totally its own. At the first place, there was this faint scent of wildflowers mixed with oak barrels in their tasting room. The woman pouring our flight (her name was Tasha) laughed when I tried to pronounce “Viognier” — honestly, I still can’t say it right. She explained how Virginia’s weather makes every year taste a little different, which made me pay more attention than usual. Lunch was an add-on (we booked it after reserving), so we ate outside under these big old trees with sandwiches that actually tasted homemade. There were bees hovering around my glass — not ideal, but kind of funny in hindsight.

The last stop had this view over the Blue Ridge Mountains that just sort of made everyone go quiet for a second. It wasn’t dramatic or anything, just peaceful in a way that sticks with you later when you’re back in traffic or whatever. Our guide handed out a little booklet about the Wine Trail before dropping us off downtown again — nothing fancy, but I found myself flipping through it on the drive home. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip from Charlottesville with someone who knows these places inside out, this private wine tour is pretty much what you want.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private custom wine tour in Charlottesville

• Be escorted in luxury Sedan
• Tour scenic Blue Ridge Mountains
• Visit 3 to 4 Virginia wineries
• Taste wines at recommended tasting rooms
• Enjoy picnic lunch or refreshment
• Experience personal Wine Trail guide

Top questions

How many wineries are included on this private wine tour?

The tour includes visits to 3 wineries near Charlottesville.

Is lunch included in the wine tour price?

Lunch is available as an add-on after booking; inquire for options and pricing.

How long does the Charlottesville private wine tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours.

What type of vehicle is used for transportation?

A luxury sedan or similar vehicle is provided; type depends on group size.

Is there a local guide during the wine tour?

Yes, an experienced personal Wine Trail guide accompanies your group.

Are drinks or water provided during the tour?

A chilled bottle of water is included for each guest.

Is this wine tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Where does the wine tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends in Charlottesville; pickup details are provided after booking.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Charlottesville in a comfortable sedan (vehicle size varies by group), visits to three handpicked wineries along Virginia’s scenic Wine Trail with your own knowledgeable guide, chilled bottled water throughout, and a handy Wine Trail Guide Publication to take home. If you choose to add lunch after reserving your spot, you’ll enjoy a picnic meal among the vines before returning downtown.