Blenheim Vineyards: Fall Tastings Near Charlottesville
A family-run Albemarle winery founded by Dave Matthews, with the latest Saturday pour in the county's October lineup
Blenheim Vineyards, the family-run winery founded in 2000 by Dave Matthews, is open for tastings most of the week this October, with Saturday hours running latest, until 7:00 PM. It sits about 20 minutes southeast of Charlottesville, which makes it a natural fall afternoon for anyone staying in town.
Quick Facts
- Established: 2000, by Dave Matthews
- Setting: Family-run winery with two vineyards, about 20 minutes southeast of Charlottesville
- Open: Wednesday through Monday; closed Tuesday
- Google rating: 4.5
- Phone: (434) 293-5366
Why Blenheim Belongs on an Albemarle Fall List
Albemarle's better-known tasting rooms tend to draw the weekend crowd. Blenheim is the quieter, more rooted kind of stop: a family operation rather than a showpiece estate. In October, with the harvest season in full swing across the county, a visit has the right kind of unhurried feel. The pace is set by the vineyards, not the calendar.
We have no current menu, flight pricing, or event schedule from the winery, so we won't guess at them. Call ahead or check the website for what is being poured this month and whether reservations are suggested for groups.
How to Shape the Day
- Go for the late-afternoon light. On Saturdays the tasting room stays open until 7:00 PM, later than any other day, so it suits a slow end to a day spent in Charlottesville.
- Plan a weekday if you prefer calm. Wednesday through Friday hours run 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Skip Tuesday. The winery is closed.
Pairing It With Charlottesville
Because Blenheim is a short run from the city, it pairs easily with a morning at Albemarle Baking Company in the Main Street Market, open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday and closed Sunday. The bakery is known for baguettes, croissants and tarts, so it is a sensible place to stock a picnic or have breakfast before heading out to the vineyard. For an evening after the tasting, Random Row Brewing Co. on Preston Avenue offers a taproom and large patio near the Downtown Mall, open until 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Planning Your Visit
- Venue: Blenheim Vineyards, Charlottesville, Albemarle County, VA
- Hours: Monday 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM; Tuesday closed; Wednesday 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM; Thursday 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM; Friday 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM; Saturday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Phone: (434) 293-5366
- Website: blenheimvineyards.com
Blenheim has not posted recent updates to the sources we follow, so confirm hours and any reservation requirements directly before you drive out.
Places in this story
Sources
Reporting drew on sources available for these places:
- Blenheim Vineyards — venue signals
- Albemarle Baking Company — venue signals
- Random Row Brewing Co. — venue signals
Frequently asked questions
What are Blenheim Vineyards' hours in October?
Blenheim Vineyards is open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with Saturday hours extending to 7:00 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Who founded Blenheim Vineyards?
Blenheim was established in 2000 by Dave Matthews and is run as a family winery with two vineyards.
How far is Blenheim Vineyards from Charlottesville?
The winery is about 20 minutes southeast of Charlottesville in Albemarle County.
Do I need a reservation at Blenheim Vineyards?
You can call (434) 293-5366 or visit blenheimvineyards.com. We do not have confirmed policy details, so it is worth checking before you go, especially for groups.
This article was written from local venue data and reviewed by AI. Learn how we write these stories
Photo via Unsplash