Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard is Open! Visit and Tour Charlottesville's NEWEST Vineyard!
Mariko, our Wine Tour Itinerary Specialist, was able to visit the GORGEOUS, and newest Vineyard near Charlottesville, VA! Located in Keswick, VA, Merrie Mill Farm and Vineyard is stunning; the amount of time designing, and creating, the space and setting is unparalleled. For a full day of “wine touring” visit Keswick Vineyards, Castle Hill Cider, Barboursville Vineyards, and Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards before or after sampling the fine wines of Merrie Mill. We are excited to help you visit, tour, taste, explore, and fully experience Merrie Mill Vineyard on your next Wine Excursion. You can choose to visit Merrie Mill Vineyard on one of our Custom Wine Tours, or one of our All Inclusive Wine Tours.
Merrie Mill Farm and Vineyard’s Posh Outdoor Patio Seating
Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard - View from second floor looking into the tasting room
Tasting Room
The tasting room design is eclectic and whimsical. Elizabeth Pelly, the co-owner was in charge of the (super cool!) interior design and decorating. Mariko felt like she was Alice in Wonderland! FYI - children are welcomed, and they will LOVE it. Guy Pelly, co-owner, notes that Merrie Mill is open to entertaining a wide variety of groups. Bachelorette Party Wine Tours are welcome.
Merrie Mill Farm Winery Tours, Wine Tastings and Flights
Wine Making
For those familiar with Veritas, Flying Fox, and True Heritage wines, Emily Hodson Pelton is Merrie Mill’s winemaker. They are hoping to have their first vintage out in 2022. The current plan is to continue serving True Heritage wines as well. Merrie Mill does not expect production to exceed 2,500 cases of wine annually.
Emily is excited to work with the rocky terroir, which is a departure from the traditional red clay that the Monticello AVA is known for.
Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard grows 7 grape varietals on 12 acres of vines:
Petit Manseng
Petit Verdot
Cabernet Franc
Viognier
Chardonnay
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Of these 7 grape varietals, only the Petit Manseng is planted in red clay. The other grapes will enjoy Merrie Mill’s rocky terrain, especially the Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Pelly’s added the turbines following the devastating frost of May 2020 which impacted the entire winemaking region; the only grape that survived for Merrie Mill was their Petit Manseng. This was due to the fact that this grape varietal buds later than the rest. Want to know what wines are currently being sold at Merrie Mill Vineyard? Check out Merrie Mill’s current wine offerings here.
Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard, Tasting Room - The Bar
Merrie Mill Wine Tour
Terroir
Merrie Mill’s idyllic farm stretches across more than 400 acres. Rolling hills and the maturing of vines are the views one can bask in from the Vineyard Terrace. The rocky soil will make for some different flavor profiles from other typical styles on the Monticello AVA. We cannot wait until their release dates in 2022!
Merrie Mill Winery Tours
Wine Tasting Spaces
Several different spaces for different groups sizes.
Vineyard Terrace
Covered Patio w/ Ceiling Fans
Uncovered Patio w/ Umbrellas
Additional seating on the lawn with canopy tents.
New grass has been planted for future expansion to feature larger tables for additional group seating.
Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard - The Most Unique Wine Tasting Experience on the Monticello Wine Trail
Food
To accompany your wine tasting, glass, or bottle, Merrie Mill Vineyards offers some shareable platters to enjoy:
Cheese and Charcuterie
Hummus Platter
Chicken Salad Share Platter
Pimento Cheese Platter
Don’t forget to check out their dessert bites from Chandler’s Bakery.
Merrie Mill Vineyards Tour and Wine Food Pairing
Welcome to Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyards!
Chris, their GM, is very welcoming and kind and always happy to discuss favorite wines. He was trained under Sommeliers in Chicago and has extensive experience with old world wine. He is excited to be a part of the Virginia Wine Industry, and specifically Merrie Mill.
Much of the art in the building is original antique and must be experienced in person. You can also learn more about the Pelly’s and the story of Merrie Mill from their website’s About page.
Join us for a Wine Tour soon to visit Merrie Mill Farm and Vineyard. We look forward to helping you explore the newest Vineyard on the Monticello Wine Trail!
Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard - Entrance Signage