image source stinsonvineyards.com
Stinson Vineyards, family-owned estate winery
image source stinsonvineyards.com
Like many of the local Charlottesville Wineries and Vineyards, Stinson Vineyards is a family-owned estate winery located in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Crozet. The winery specializes in small batch wines with a unique French influence. Their wines are made on premises by the husband/wife winemaking team of Nathan Vrooman and Rachel Stinson Vrooman.
Wine Making
image source stinsonvineyards.com
The Stinsons are lovers of French wines, with significant emphasis on those from the Bordeaux and Loire Valley regions. They use traditional French winemaking methods, which include whole berry fermentation for reds and sur lie aging for whites. The winery takes inspiration from “garagiste” wineries of France, in both their winemaking techniques and the winery itself, which is built into an old three-car garage on the gorgeous property. They are focused on producing European-style wines that emphasize subtlety and complexity rather than the power and super-ripeness of West Coast wines, which Virginia doesn’t have the climate for.
The Space and Tastings
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The winery has combined modern architecture and equipment with much loved traditional winemaking techniques. The winery is open to visitors from Thursday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but is closed for some Holidays. These include New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day. They currently offer bottle service, glasses and wine flights. If you plan on bringing your dog, they do allow leashed dogs in their outdoors area.
Wine Club
The winery offers a fully customizable amazing wine club experience, with winemakers’ suggested shipments provided. As a member, you’ll receive a minimum of four bottles of their choice three times per year (12 bottles total) and enjoy special club benefits year-round, including 20% off all wines all the time and free flights at the winery. Which depending on how often you plan on visiting may be a great deal for you!
The Inn at Stinson Vineyards
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The Inn at Stinson Vineyards is a modern version of the classic country bed and breakfast. When you visit, you’re in luck, you’ll be able to enjoy a gourmet breakfast which is included each morning of your stay; gaze at the majestic mountain views and indulge in their heated pool and outdoor patios. Of course you can have a glass or bottle of their wines while cozied up in one of the rooms in the inn or wander over to the winery to enjoy a flight. If you are an overnight guest, you’ll also have special access to their dinner options that are available Monday through Fridays!
Whether you’re there for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Stinson Vineyard is a great choice to visit and relax at. Cheers!