THE WINE DOWN
WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES?
53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD
A note from Winegrower and Owner, Dave Drillock
I’m back! It has been a heck of a growing season. From early heavy rains to heat domes to drought! Don’t forget the Spotted Lanternfly! What’s a winegrower to do…giving up is not an option. That said, yields are lower resulting from smaller berries. My prediction…Winemakers and their Teams, who work hard in a normal year, will offer above average wines from a tough growing season, showcasing Virginia’s resilience!
October is Virginia Wine Month, and we are releasing our 2024 Viognier. A Medium bodied white wine, and if you like white peach, you will enjoy this wine. Lots of complexity and minerality at the finish. The connection of wine over the millennia has always been Family, Friends and Food and this wine is perfect for all three.
We invite you to visit our serene, meadow-like location in rural Louisa County. We pride ourselves on being genuine and approachable, eager to share our passion for wine without any scripted lines or memorized facts, just a warm and welcome atmosphere. We are a Winery that just wants to be a Winery!
For more details, please check our website at www.53rdwinery.com or call us at 540-894-1536. We look forward to welcoming you to the winery, and we truly appreciate your business and support.
Upcoming events:
Saturday, October 18th : Wine Club Pick-Up Day 1: 4th Quarter 2025 11-5:00pm
Live Music: Mike Proffitt 1-4pm Food Truck: Salty Bottom Blue Oysters
As always, we are planning an extra special tasting experience. Not a wine club member, no problem. Guests welcome for $17/person which includes the tasting and a food coupon for the food truck.
Sunday, October 19th: Wine Club Pick-Up Day 2: 4th Quarter 2025 11-5:00pm
Live Music: Scuffletown 1-4pm
Food Truck: Zippy’s Smokeshack
As always, we are planning an extra special tasting experience. Not a wine club member, no problem. Guests welcome for $17 per person which includes the tasting and a food coupon for the food truck.
Saturday, October 25th - Live Music: Matt Johnson 1-4pm
Matt Johnson is a Central Virginia musician with a soulful voice and standout piano skills. A former The Voice, Season 15 contestant on Team Jennifer Hudson. Matt has performed everywhere from The National in Richmond to wineries and breweries across Virginia. Don’t miss the chance to see him live at 53rd!
Open 7 days a week, 11 am – 5 pm • Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm 13372 Shannon Hill Rd Louisa, VA 23093 (540) 894-5474 • 53rdwinery.com
DUCARD VINEYARDS
2021 Merlot
A welcoming nose of dark fruits and herbs is evident in this well-balanced wine. Soft tannins with vanilla notes leave a rich and warm mouthfeel. This wine was aged in French oak for 9 months. Just named one of VinePair’s 20 Best Merlots for 2025.
We are open 7 days a week throughout the month of January, with
live music every weekend! Make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media pages for the most up to date listings of our upcoming artists.
Fridays- Friday Night Out! Every Friday night through the summer we feature half price wine flights, live music, food for sale, and grills available for use until 8:00pm.
Weekends- Live music all weekend long! Check out our lineup on our website!
Fall Chocolate & Wine Pairing Event - October 19, 2025 123:00pm
DuCard Vineyards is excited to welcome back Master Chocolatier Ann Czaja, DipWSET, for a unique Chocolate and Wine Program. This class has become a beloved tradition at the winery and a favorite for guests. Ann and DuCard owner, Scott Elliff, select each pairing and share the reasons why they work. While tasting and sipping, Ann will talk about the history of chocolate, her role at Lindt, and offer samples of the “building blocks” of chocolate for everyone to try. Scott will share the story of the vineyard and how wine is made. Think you have it down? Good because there will be an opportunity for you to come up with you own perfect pairing. Limited seating, advance reservations required. $75 per person. Sorry, no discount for Wine Club members at this event. Purchase tickets at https:// ducardvineyards.com/event/chocolatewine-pairing-fall-2/
Open daily
Mon-Thurs. 12-5 pm Fri. 12-9 pm Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm
40 Gibson Hollow Ln Etlan, VA 22719 (540) 923-4206 www.ducardvineyards.com
EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY
Fall at Eastwood Farm and Winery
Join us in celebrating the 2025 harvest. There is always something for the whole family to enjoy at Eastwood from our gold medal 2024 Petit Manseng and Petit Verdot to our new Oktoberfest beer and our popular juice flights for kids. We will also be hosting live music four days a week all season long. Join us for festive fall days in Virginia wine country.
Upcoming at the Winery:
Oktoberfest (every Saturday and Sunday September 13 - October 31) Every Saturday and Sunday this Fall, Eastwood is bringing you all the cozy, festive vibes with a lineup of flavor, fun, and celebration
featuring delicious food truck specials, raffles, live music and traditional Oktoberfest beer. And the fun doesn’t stop after the weekend. You can enjoy a special Oktoberfest menu in the tasting room every day featuring German-inspired delights, including our Flammkuchen, Bacon Maple Pecan Brie and loaded potato soup seven days a week. Check out our website for full food truck and tasting room menus.
Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration | Every Friday in September & October
Our Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration is back every Friday night! The oysters are prepared by Salty Bottom Blue. Enjoy them in a relaxed, fun atmosphere with live music from 5-8pm on the stage in our tasting room.
Music Bingo | Thursday, October 30
Everyone loves singing along with their favorite songs and who doesn’t love a competitive game of Bingo? Music Bingo brings together the best of both worlds for a high energy game that is fun for everyone. Simply listen to the music, match the songs to the titles on your music bingo cards, and win great prizes! Free to play
Paint & Sip | Wednesday, October 15th 6-8PM; October 26th 12-2PM
Grab a glass of wine (or your favorite drink!) and let your creativity flow in our relaxed and fun Paint & Sip classes. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a first-time painter, the talented instructors of Blue Ridge Brushes will walk you through the painting process as you create your own masterpiece. Ticketed Events Reserve Your Spot On Our Website
United By Beer Happy Hour| Thursday, October 16th 5-7PM
Join the Charlottesville Ale Trail for a fun happy hour. Open to the public.
Red Wine Showcase Friday, October 17
Celebrate Virginia Wine Month at the Red Wine Showcase set against the picturesque backdrop of Eastwood Farm and Winery! This exclusive event brings together 18 esteemed wineries from the Monticello Wine Trail for an unforgettable evening of red wine tastings, gourmet pairings, community and conversation. Reserve your tickets at eastwoodfarmandwinery.com.
Harvest Party Weekend October 17 -19
Join us for a festive weekend as we celebrate Harvest Party Weekend and Virginia Wine Month!
Enjoy three days of live raffles, pop-ups, wine, food, music, and the Harvest Party Artisan Market on Sunday 10/19.
See website for live music schedule
Halloween Weekend| October 31Nov 2
Enjoy our special release “snickers” chocolate stout and other fun adult treats like Chocolate Fondue and Warm crab dip, along with live music all weekend long.
MUSIC AT EASTWOOD THIS MONTH!
Join us for the popular Eastwood After Dark featuring upbeat, danceable music on Saturday nights from 5-8pm (in addition to our more mellow Saturday afternoon music program). Eastwood
also hosts a range of live performances by talented local and regional musicians every Thursday and Friday night. See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.
MUSIC AT EASTWOOD!
Join us for the popular Eastwood After Dark featuring upbeat, danceable music on Saturday nights from 5-8pm (in addition to our more mellow Saturday afternoon music program). Eastwood also hosts a range of live performances by talented local and regional musicians every Thursday and Friday night (and Sundays!). See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.
Every Thursday: Live Music 5-8PM or Music Bingo 6-8PM
Thursday “Thank You” Community Day at Eastwood—$5 Taps (Beer & Cider)
Every Friday: Live Music 5-8PM
Low-Country Shrimp Boil 5-8PM
Every Saturday: Live Music 12:303:30PM + Eastwood After Dark with
Extended (5 mi from Downtown Mall) Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 264-6727 www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com
HARDWARE HILLS VINEYARD
“What She Said” White This fun wine is a new release and a delicious representation of all the white grapes from Hardware Hills. A carefully crafted blend of Vidal Blanc, Traminette and Seyval Blanc it is packed with flavor and a hint of sweetness. A great porch sipper as we say goodbye to the warm summer months and gear up for Fall. Come get a bottle
Live Music 5-8PM
Every Sunday: Music Bingo, Paint & Sip, Maker’s Market or Live Music (See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.)
What about the kids?
Kids can share in the experience with their own juice tasting flights and cheese boards!
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!
Winery Hours: Sunday-Wednesday (125 PM); Thursday-Saturday (12-8 PM)
We look forward to welcoming you to our cozy tasting room, seven days a week. Join us for award-winning wines,
to party! Come get your weekend kicked off with this exceptional group of fun and fun-loving musicians for an evening of wine, food, tunes and fun! Music starts at 5:30.
Oct. 18th- SCOTTSVILLE WINE FESTIVAL! This first annual event is sure to please and show the charm and flavor of Scottsville, VA. Grab the whole crew and come spend a great afternoon with multiple wineries, vendors, food trucks and great music! https://www.riverbendwinefest.com/
Oct. 23rd- TRIVIA NIGHT at the Hills! OKTOBERFEST is our theme this month and get ready to put your brain powers to the test to win! Groups of up to 6 are welcome for a fun night of casual and challenging trivia good times! Games start at 6:30!
Oct. 30th - COUNTRY LINE DANCING night at the Hills! Pull on your boots and grab your friends. This rapidly growing-in-popularity night is sure to get your feet stomping and learning some new moves! Bring the whole group! Dance lessons at 6 followed by open floor night!
Oct. 31st- LIVE MUSIC with Brent Hull. If you haven’t experienced a night of music with Brent... well come see what an amazing artist is here. Escape the Halloween ho-hum and come turn up the fun at the Hills! We’ll be serving mulled wine, great food, some special treats... and the magical mash-ups of this very talented musician!
5199 W River Rd, Scottsville, VA 434.286.4710 • www.hardwarehills.com
KESWICK VINEYARDS
Spooky Season at Keswick Vineyards
October is here, and we’re celebrating Virginia Wine Month with hauntingly good wine, live music, and plenty of festive fun!
Live Music Every Saturday & Sunday
Raise a glass to the season! Enjoy tunes from 12–4 PM while sipping your favorite Keswick wines among the fall leaves. Enjoy your weekend with all of your Keswick fam!!!
Wine Down Wednesdays
It’s the last month of the year for midweek magic! Join us from 5:30–8:30 PM with Happy Hour on select wines from 5–6 PM. Perfect for shaking off those weekday cobwebs. Join the Club… if you dare Become a member of Virginia’s Most Rewarding Wine Club! A treat far sweeter than any candy. Stop by the tasting room or visit our website to sign up today!
Hours:
Monday- Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm 1575 Keswick Winery Drive Keswick, Virginia 22947
Tasting Room: (434) 244-3341 ext 105 tastingroom@keswickvineyards.com www.keswickvineyards.com
PRINCE MICHEL VINEYARDS
At Prince Michel, indulge in a spectrum of wines—from luxurious craft picks like Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Manseng to distinctive favorites such as our Rapidan River Sweet White Reserve. But this season’s standout is our Prince Michel 2023 Cabernet Franc, freshly honored with a silver medal at the 2025 East Meets West Competition. Elegant and expressive, it showcases Virginia terroir with bright red cherry, violet, and savory spice, framed by supple tannins and a refined finish. During the month of October, enjoy this award-winning vintage at 15% off (20% for club members)!
Discover Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery, an iconic East Coast estate. Family- and pet-friendly, we’re one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Commonwealth—and home to Tap 29 Brew Pub, serving local craft brews and delicious pub-style food seven days a week.
Located in the heart of Virginia Wine Country, our elegant winery on Route 29 between Charlottesville and Washington, DC, offers wine tastings, tours, shopping, and scenic picnic spots daily from 11 a.m. Ask to taste the award-winning 2023 Cabernet Franc; it’s a versatile pour that pairs beautifully with herb-roasted chicken, mushroom flatbreads, grilled lamb, or aged Gouda.
During the month of October, celebrate Virginia reds by cellaring a few bottles—or open one now for a late-summer evening on the patio. The Cabernet Franc’s vibrant fruit and graceful structure make it perfect for sipping, picnics, and backyard cookouts. On sale October 1-31st for Virginia Wine Month, the perfect reason to stock up!
Live Music every Friday–Sunday (lineup on our website)
Trivia every Monday, 6–7:30 p.m. Tuesday is Beer & Wings Specials Day
Happy Hour every Thursday, 3–5 p.m.
Open 7 days a week at 11 a.m.
154 Winery Lane, Leon, VA 22725 (540) 547-3707 www.princemichel.com
A Woman-Owned Business
REVALATION VINEYARDS
2023 Tannat (13.3% ABV)
Our 2023 Tannat is like sipping on dreams and red wine. It has a deep ruby color with an opaque core and garnet rim. Made from 80% Tannat and 20% Cabernet Franc, it exhibits a nice intensity of dark fruits, with aromas of blackberry and Damson plums, as well as integrated oak. This wine has a bountiful fruit-forward palate of dark fruits that balances juicy acidity, medium body, alcohol, and tannins. The wine finish lingers and invites more, making it the perfect accompaniment to a BBQ or a hearty fall stew.
October Hours: Fridays noon to sunset; Saturdays noon to 6 pm; Sundays noon to 5 pm. Mondays and
Thursdays by reservation only. Until October 30 - Exhibition of art pieces by Richard Young.
Friday, October 17 – Sip & Learn – Briana Zack joins us at 6pm to share How to Kick the Sugar Habit.
Friday, October 24 – Book Club @ The Vineyard starts at 6pm.
Sunday, October 26 – Sip & Learn – Maria Frawley joins us at 4 pm to share her presentation on Jane Austin.
Sunday, November 2 – Wine Club Pick-Up Party – Our tasting room is closed to the public for our pick-up party, but our cabin is open to the public all day.
Friday, November 7 – Book World Meets Wine World at 6pm: author Charlotte Matthews will read from her newest book of essays, Everything in Its Brilliance.
2710 Hebron Valley Road, Madison, VA 22727 • 540-407-1236 www.revalationvineyards.com
VIRGINIA WINE COLLECTIVE
Fall at the Collective
Join us for Harvest Viewing Days at the Collective every weekend this September. We bring harvest to downtown Charlottesville and are located on Avon Street at the 4-way stop for Wegmans! You can watch the action during our first harvest while enjoying our delicious small plate menu and winemaker wine flights. If you would like to secure a seat by the viewing windows, we are taking limited reservations for lunch or dinner “with a view” every Friday. However, you don’t need a reservation to be a part of the 2025 harvest. There will be ample viewing opportunities. In fact, we will be roping off a small area on the production floor so that you can walk out to view the action all weekend long. Anytime is a great time to visit the Collective this September. Email Gabrielle@ eastwoodfarmandwinery.com to make reservations or if you have questions.
The Virginia Wine Collective is a new wine production facility in Charlottesville. Eastwood designed the space to include nine winemaker suites and an incubator alongside the main production area. The suites provide a space where independent winemakers can anchor a license and make their wines. The Collective has been designed to reduce the costs associated with independent winemaking, and thereby support further innovation and
talent in the Monticello AVA.
Upcoming at the Collective:
Hallowine Trunk or Treat, October 24th 4-8PM
Join us for an evening of community, connection and Halloween fun. Great food, wine, and a food truck serving up delicious Oktoberfest fare. The event will take place in the grassy area behind the Collective building to provide space for the kids to trunk or while the parents sample wine treats door to door with each of our independent winemakers. Be a part of the kick off year to a new Charlottesville tradition! Costumes encouraged for all.
Lobsterpalooza Saturday, October 11th 12-3PM
Join us for a celebration of the sea. Our lobsterpalooza is here! Salty Bottom Blue will be serving up mouthwatering lobster rolls and fresh blue oysters paired with our incredible Collective wines! This is in addition to the daily menu served up by Chefs Andrew and Cory Partridge.
Paint & Sip | Select Sundays, October 12th 1-3PM, November 9th 1-3PM
Grab a glass of wine (or your favorite drink!) and let your creativity flow in this relaxed and fun class. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a first-time painter, the talented instructors of Blue Ridge Brushes will walk you through the painting process as you create your own masterpiece. Ticketed Events - Reserve Your Spot On the Virginia Wine Collective Facebook Page or the Eastwood Website.
Open Bottle Special | Every Sunday 3:30 to 5:00 PM
Half off all glasses poured from open tasting bottles.
Production Tours and Guided Tastings
We look forward to welcoming guests to the Virginia Wine Collective for tours and guided tastings. Please email our Wine Collective Coordinator, Gabrielle Thomas, if you would like to schedule a tour or guided tasting. She may be reached at gabrielle@ eastwoodfarmandwinery.com
Large Party Reservations
Interested in making a large party reservation for your group? Reach out to emma@eastwoodfarmandwinery. com to book.
Winery Hours: Friday 1-8PM Saturday 12-8PM Sunday 12-5PM 1585 Avon Street Extended Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 264-6727 https://eastwoodfarmandwinery.com/ virginia-wine-collective/