Central Virginia Food and Wine Getaway

The Nelson 151 Trail provides a convenient way to sample Nelson County's many wineries and breweries, all along scenic Rt. 151 – the destination for Virginia wine, craft beer, local food, and outdoor recreation lovers.

Day 1

Pick-Your-Own strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, at Critzer Family Farm open May-October and find seasonal orchard-grown peaches, Pumpkins, cider and mums in the fall.  

Enjoy Blue Ridge Mountain vistas from Afton Mountain Vineyards, while tasting or enjoying a glass on their outside veranda, then to Pollak Vineyards or Veritas Winery for tastings in elegant, verdant surroundings. Nearby is Blue Mountain Brewery for a delicious lunch – get an outdoor table for mountain views along with a brew!

Complete your day at Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery for "true to the fruit" wines or meads. Or, try Silverback Distillery for tastes of ultra-premium vodka, gin, whiskey and bourbon.

Day 2

Visit Carter Mountain Orchard for spectacular views of Charlottesville, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Open April through November, you can pick-your-own peaches and nectarines from June-August and apples from mid-August through November. The bakery serves fresh-baked pies and cookies, hand-dipped ice cream, and their famous Apple Cider Donuts! Apple Cider, Apple Butter, jams and jellies, local crafts, pumpkins, and gourmet food products available in our country store. Wine tasting and sales on site, and the Mountain Grille serves lunch.

Visit more nearby vineyards including Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery or Flying Fox Vineyard for tastings of fine Virginia wines.

Enjoy lunch under the Elm Trees, or inside the old schoolhouse at Wild Wolf Brewing Company. Take a hike on the Crabtree Falls Trail, one of the most popular and scenic hikes in the region.

At sunset, Devils Backbone Brewing Company is the place with award-winning beers and a varied dinner menu.

PLACES TO STAY:

• Wintergreen Resort – a four-season mountain retreat on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This beautiful hideaway is the ultimate vacation and conference spot, with 45 holes of championship golf; seasonal skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing; an award-winning tennis program; a full-service, destination spa; 40,000 square feet of meeting and event space; charming lodging; and a variety of enticing dining options.

• The Inn at Blue Mountain Brewery – Enjoy dinner or drinks at the brewery and retire to this 5 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom Cape Cod (Whole House Rental) a short walk away via our beautifully manicured path. In addition to comfortable, well-appointed sleeping quarters, a fully-stocked kitchen, and game room with pool table, the Inn features a welcoming wrap-around porch, large outdoor deck and patio areas, fire pit, hot tub, tiki bar, and gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain views.
• Farmhouse at Veritas Vineyards – Six rooms and suites, each with a private bath, comprise the historic farm house (est. 1836), located on a 250-acre farm at the foothills of Afton Mountain. The Tasting Room is less than a half-mile walk to Veritas Winery on a gravel path through vineyards and past horse fields. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and located in the heart of Virginia wine country which was named as one of the Top 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations in 2012 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.