This entry is part 1 of 5 in the series Albemarle Wine Country Virtual TourThe Historic Clifton Inn Starting a winery tour at the historic Clifton Inn near Charlottesville places one in the heart of what many call “Jefferson’s Virginia.” Thomas Jefferson’s father, Peter, owned the land on which the Inn sits, and Thomas’ own [...]

This entry is part 2 of 5 in the series Albemarle Wine Country Virtual TourJefferson Vineyards Virginia wine country has no stronger advocate than the nation’s third president: Jefferson expressed his fondness for the fruits of the vineyard — “Good wine is a necessity of life for me,” he is quoted as saying — and [...]

This entry is part 3 of 5 in the series Albemarle Wine Country Virtual TourKeswick Vineyards The pleasant 11-mile drive to Keswick Vineyards for the next wine tasting includes an area considered “one of the most scenic in America” by The New York Times. Routes 22 and 231 make up “a two-lane country road…framed by [...]

This entry is part 4 of 5 in the series Albemarle Wine Country Virtual TourBlenheim Farm For a sophisticated wine tour seeking a celebrity conclusion, Blenheim Farm provides the appropriate rock-star finish. Musician Dave Matthews, whose performing roots are in Charlottesville, started Blenheim Vineyards 11 years ago. The winery has two vineyard sites growing five [...]

This entry is part 5 of 5 in the series Albemarle Wine Country Virtual TourBeautiful Wine Tour Ending The end of the winery tour brings guests back to the Clifton Inn, whose gourmet restaurant has a generous selection of fine wines. The Inn’s spectacular 100-acre setting in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains provides [...]