A Romantic, Wine-Filled Weekend Getaway in Esmont, VA
A Cozy Weekend Away
Need a place to unwind and make new memories with your significant other?
Stay at a luxurious bed and breakfast in Esmont, VA (just about an hour and a half from Richmond!) and hit up some wonderful wineries around the same area, right outside of Charlottesville.
Find out a few of our favorite spots to grab a bite, marvel at the scenery, and more in this handy travel guide.
By Paige Poprocky - Social Media Manager
Image Credit: @sipsandtripswithpaige
Where to Stay
For this weekend, consider Woodville Bed & Breakfast your new home away from home. The home and estate are gorgeous, with views overlooking Green Mountain and its grounds. If you visit in the summer, you can also enjoy an evening dip in their beautiful pool.
The hospitable hosts, Desiree and Stefan, meet you as soon as you arrive and will show you to your room — even offering a complimentary glass of wine. All the rooms are spacious, comfortable, and include an en suite bathroom.
There are many shared spaces that you can enjoy, like their library — after dinner, enjoy a bottle of wine while perusing the books and listening to old records. You can also socialize in the living room, stroll the vineyard, or relax by the pool.
In the morning, enjoy a delicious farm to table breakfast made fresh by Stefan, who along with his wife Desiree, will bend over backward to make your stay truly unforgettable.
Location: 6634 Porters Rd
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Where to Drink
If you have visited wineries around Charlottesville, you may have heard the name “Michael Shaps.” Michael Shaps is a well-known winemaker that collaborates with several wineries to help with their winemaking —especially when the wineries are in their early stages.
There are two places you can taste his wines, the winery or the warehouse; for this trip, I suggest visiting the winery.
Michael also owns a winery in Burgundy, France. The wines he makes in France are under the Maison Shaps label. Visitors to his winery in Charlottesville have the opportunity to taste both Virginia wines, as well as his Burgundy Wines.
Some fan favorites include his Petit Manseng, Cabernet Franc, and Meritage. Another unique thing Michael Shaps offers is boxed wine — this is uncommon for a Virginia winery!
Location: 1750 Harris Creek Rd
Hours: Found here
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Mount Ida Reserve
Mount Ida is unique because it’s not only a winery but also a craft brewery and a kitchen. They have a beautiful, vast tasting room with a spectacular view.
Their small production wines and craft beers are paired with their seasonal menu full of snacks, small plates, and larger offerings. Some fan favorites include their Over the Moon Sparkling, Stargazer Sparkling Rose, High Ridge 1810 Reserve Red, and Petit Verdot.
For this side of Charlottesville, the view can’t be beaten. Enjoy a bottle with breathtaking views and fun vibes.
Location: 5931 Blenheim Rd
Hours: Found here
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Blenheim
Blenheim Vineyards is a beautiful winery and vineyard. The tasting room opened in 2001 and was designed by Dave Matthews (yeah, that Dave Matthews!) and William Johnson. The building was designed to have minimal impact in the environment.
Enjoy a flight, glass, or bottle(s) overlooking their gorgeous vineyard. Some favorites include their Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Painted Red.
One of the most unique things I love about Blenheim is their growlers! They always have a white blend and a red blend on tap. They have ample outdoor seating right outside their tasting room and their pavilion area overlooking their sprawling property and vineyard. The views are fabulous and the wine is great. What more can you ask for?
Location: 31 Blenheim Farm
Hours: Found here
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Where to Eat
MAS is a traditional Spanish tapas restaurant emphasizing simple, well-made ingredients. You will enjoy delicious small plates that can be shared among your party — they have a large menu of tapas that range from $5-$17. You can start out with a few, then add more if you are still hungry. The Carne Asada and Papas Bravas are delicious!
Location: 904 Monticello Rd
Hours: Found here
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Bang!
Bang! is an Asian fusion restaurant that focuses on small plates. Their menu is broken up into vegetarian, traditional, bites, gluten-free, vegan, and sweets so you'll be sure to please everyone’s palate. On top of their stellar menu, they are known for their amazing martinis!
Sip on a martini, savor some tapas, and enjoy each other's company.
Location: 213 2nd St SW
Hours: Found here
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Tilman’s
If a day of wine wasn’t enough, head to Tilman’s! Tilman’s serves up the three main food groups: wine, cheese, and snacks.
Grab a charcuterie board and share a bottle of wine. Tilman’s serves up delicious snacks, small plates, soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Tilman’s is located right in the heart of the downtown mall of Charlottesville. To continue your date, walk up and down the mall. Maybe grab dessert or another beverage at one of the many restaurants.
Location: 406 E Main St
Hours: Found here
This city guide was contributed by Paige Poprocky, author of the blog Sips and Trips with Paige.
Sips and Trips with Paige is a wine, travel, and experience blog that revolves around wine adventures, travel, and date night experiences.