Set in the heart of Central Virginia’s scenic Blue Ridge, the Monticello Wine Trail is fittingly located near the home of President Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s earliest wine enthusiasts. Jefferson aspired to grow outstanding grapes and to craft extraordinary wines here that would rival the finest European wines. Fast-forward to the modern era, and Jefferson’s dream has become a reality. More than just a successful wine region, this thriving AVA now draws visitors from around the world eager to experience its award-winning wines and stunning scenery. I’ve always loved this area and visit often, but for this trip, I was looking for a fun and leisurely way to explore a few of the Monticello Wine Trail’s best wineries. The Crozet Trolley proved to be the perfect way to do just that—here’s what I discovered along the way.
Welcome to the Monticello Wine Trail
For us, this wasn’t just a wine tasting adventure—it was the perfect halfway meeting point to catch up with some of my family. With six in our group, we were able to take advantage of a slight group discount when booking the Crozet (pronounced the French way, Crō-zāy)Trolley Wine Tour, which made the day even more enjoyable. While the actual trolley was booked for a special event, we were comfortably accommodated in a spacious coach, which allowed us to relax and enjoy the best of the Monticello Wine Trail.
Jason and I joined the rest of our group for a leisurely ride, visiting three standout wineries and one laid-back brewery. With someone else doing the driving, we were free to savor every sip and take in the charm of Virginia’s rolling countryside. Our tour began at the Square in historic downtown Crozet, a quaint little town just outside Charlottesville. I’d never been before, but I instantly loved its small-town charm. It was the perfect place to meet up and start our wine trail adventure.
Stop #1: King Family Vineyards
I was especially excited that our first stop was King Family Vineyards—I’ve been following them on Instagram for a while, so seeing it on our tour itinerary felt like a little wish come true. With its lush polo fields and stunning mountain views, the winery was just as beautiful in person as I’d imagined.
This delightful farmstead turned winery has ample indoor and outdoor seating, a spacious tasting room, and plenty of food trucks for munching while sipping. Our visit to King Family Vineyards lasted around an hour and a half. Jason and I kicked things off with a glass of their popular Crosé Rosé, a crisp, dry wine with hints of strawberry and watermelon. Sipping it while taking in the vineyard views set the perfect tone for the rest of the day.
Stop 2: Valley Road Vineyards
Our second stop is a short drive up the road to Afton, Virginia, and Valley Road Vineyards. Situated about 20 minutes west of Charlottesville, this charming winery boasts a vineyard and tasting room, event venue, and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge. In addition to being on the Monticello Wine Trail, Valley Road has the bonus of being at the head of the Rockfish Valley in Afton’s celebrated craft beverage route, Nelson 151.
At this stop, there was a cozy fire calling my name. We took our glasses of estate Cabernet Franc to the fire pit and settled in. The Cab Franc was smooth and earthy with a peppery finish—just the thing for a crisp afternoon. We enjoyed good wine, laughter, conversation, and a little pizza at this stop.
There’s something special about lingering by a fire with a good glass of red, and Valley Road delivered on both the atmosphere and the wine. This is an unpretentious and approachable winery, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the beautiful views enhancing our visit to this easygoing winery.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, opt for comfortable yet stylish footwear, pace yourself by sharing tastings, and be sure to tip your driver—they make the day run smoothly. Remember, wine tasting is a marathon, not a sprint!
Stop #3: Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery
Our third stop was Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery, perched high in the hills with jaw-dropping views. This dual-concept destination offers both craft beer and high-quality wines, making it ideal for mixed groups or adventurous palates.
With 35 acres under vine and more than 65,000 vines in total, this is an impressively large vineyard. Moreover, the tasting room and event space, which have a stunning Tuscan look and feel, are massive.
We opted to sample their Petit Manseng Aged in Stone—a white wine with a rich, almost creamy texture and tropical fruit notes. It was unlike anything we’d tasted that day and a real standout. In addition to the tasty wine, a couple of our travel mates sampled the beer. Hazy Mountain also crafts refreshing, moderate-style beers such as their Hazy IPA, a soft ale with a smooth finish. Hazy Mountain’s rolling vineyards, delicious wines and beers, paired with the spectacular ambiance make this a memorable stop along the Monticello Wine Trail.
Final Stop: Pro Re Nata Brewery
We ended the day with a casual vibe at Pro Re Nata Brewery, which is right across the street from our first stop of the day in Crozet. With plenty of outdoor seating, live music, and rotating food trucks, it was the perfect spot to unwind. By the time we arrived here, Jason and I were ready to sip some water. Nonetheless, a couple in our crew tried a seasonal IPA while another enjoyed a lighter wheat beer—just the thing to refresh the palate after a day of wine tasting.
This is a lively spot with a feel-good energy that’s infectious. It is also a popular local spot. There was a line at the door as we were leaving, of folks waiting to get inside to hear a country cover band that was performing.
Good food, good beverages, good tunes, and a good atmosphere– a winning combination along the Monticello Wine Trail.
Tips for Planning Your Crozet Trolley Monticello Wine Trail Tour
A tour of the Monticello Wine Trail on the Crozet Trolley is an affordable and convenient method of exploring this burgeoning AVA. In addition to being a great group outing, couples’ itinerary item, or celebration, such as a bachelorette or birthday party, the Crozet Trolley delivers a unique and enjoyable experience. Here are a few things you will want to keep in mind when making your plans.
- Book ahead – tours fill up quickly, especially in spring and fall. Tickets can be purchased online. We took their “Spirits Loop” tour, which runs from 12 pm to 5 pm and visits 3 wineries and 1 brewery. While the website lists the planned stops, those are subject to change. They also offer a variety of other tours, so it’s a good idea to visit their site to find the one that best suits you and your group.
- Be mindful of the weather. You’re in the Blue Ridge, which means the weather can be changeable. You might also want to carry a bottle of water; staying hydrated is always a good idea on a wine tour.
- Most tasting rooms allow purchases, so come prepared with a wine carrier or tote.
- Don’t forget your ID—even though you’re riding, tastings still require proof of age.
- Don’t be those people! You know who I’m talking about. The person or people who keep the rest of the bus waiting. If the driver says to be on the bus at a certain time, be there.
Final Thoughts
This tour was focused solely on wine tasting, allowing guests to experience each winery and sample a selection of wines. It’s not the kind of tour that includes behind-the-scenes access or details about the winemaking process. If that’s more your style, you might consider booking a winemaking tour directly with a specific vineyard or winery.
That being said, exploring the Monticello Wine Trail via the Crozet Trolley was the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely day in Virginia wine country—and even better, it was a wonderful way to spend quality time with family. From the elegance of the King Family Vineyards to the laid-back vibe at Pro Re Nata, each stop had its own unique charm.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a craft beer fan, or just someone looking for a relaxing adventure with scenic views, this tour delivers. Jason and I will be raising a glass to this day for a long time to come—and if you’re in the area, I highly recommend pulling over and letting yourself out for this unforgettable ride. Cheers!
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