"Grapes don't grow in ugly places."
So says the mantra of Afton Mountain Vineyards, and looking out over the valley, I couldn't disagree. Although Virginia might not be the nation's leading wine producing state, that's hardly for lack of trying.
A mere stone's throw in just about any direction from the University, one finds a veritable smorgasbord of entertaining activities and, for those so inclined, there are enough wineries around Charlottesville to taste away many an afternoon. To make an afternoon trip of it, head toward Crozet, west for about 15 miles on route 250, and you will reach several wineries fairly close to each other. There are at least six vineyards within a few miles of each other, but three is a more reasonable number to aim for the first time you go wine tasting. More than three and you will certainly need a designated driver, but it also becomes increasingly difficult to keep the different wines straight for return visits. And it starts to get expensive...
But before you come to the first vineyard, your first stop should be Greenwood Gourmet Grocery for picnic supplies - go right on route 250 and it will be on the left just past the junction with Interstate 64 as you head west. The tightly-packed store offers sandwiches, salads, cheeses and other picnic necessities. There is even a small fresh produce section of locally produced vegetables. Sandwiches range from $6 to $8.50 and can be ordered ahead of time. They also have a wide selection of in-state and out-of-state wines, as well as local beers and the more questionable mushroom or bacon-flavored chocolates.
Get back onto 250 and your ideal picnic stop is King Family Vineyards. From Greenwood, head east briefly and then turn left onto route 797 then right onto route 684 until you see the winery on your left. All vineyards in the area are clearly indicated by signs with purple bunches of grapes.
King Family Vineyards' tasting room looks in on the cellar door and is open daily until 5 p.m. Although the vineyard sells some cheeses and cold meats, it encourages visitors to bring picnics, and I would advise doing so, as the selection is small and pricey. For $5 per person, you get to taste six wines - three whites and three reds - and you can keep your tasting glass. After tasting you can buy by the bottle; the more you buy, the greater the discount. The tasting wines range from $17 for the Ros
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