Pippin Hill is a vineyard, winery, wedding venue, high-end farm-to-table restaurant, and farm situated fifteen minutes south of Charlottesville. A refined and beautifully landscaped tasting room and grounds are open year-round for wine lovers and discerning diners. Small enough to be intimate but large enough to host weddings with 150 guests, Pippin Hill is a study of how to preserve a beautiful, self-sustaining farm while maintaining the highest quality product. The atmosphere is friendly but more formal than many local vineyards. Leave your dogs and kids at home, dress up a touch, and drink in the beauty of the Blue Ridge as you sit on the stone veranda with a glass of Reserve Rosé. In summertime Sunday afternoons, you may find tasteful live music outdoors. Plan to spend the early part of your day here, as closing times are a bit early due to wedding bookings.

Drinks

Pippin Hill is out to sweep Virginia wine awards! Among their gold medal winners are a sumptuous 2021 Petit Manseng ($35), the house blend Wild Common ($55), and the Petit Verdot ($60). Two sparkling wines are offered; a Blanc de Blancs ($50) and a Rosé ($50). Flights are pricey ($22) but are poured generously.

Menu

Important: To access the menu, you’ll need to reserve a table on the veranda or inside the Tasting Room. Otherwise, it’s a BYO picnic on the lawn. The farm at Pippin Hill produces most of its vegetables, herbs, and all of its poultry. You’ll be eating elevated seasonal offerings from their expert chef. Where else are you going to find charred dandelion greens and burrata? Spring for a cheese and/or charcuterie board for your table ($27-30), or treat yourself to the most delicious sliders or roast turkey club ($17) you’ve ever tasted. Finish with a Petit Verdot cupcake ($10). Foodie to foodie: every piece of food from this kitchen is worth the price tag.

Pros

Breathtaking mountain views, variety of seating options, elegant vibes, great wine and food

Cons

Early closing time on weekends means that without a reservation, you’ll likely be in a spot with no shade and busy.

Alternatives

King Family Vineyards, Septenary Winery, Veritas Vineyards

FAQ

What should I know about visiting Pippin Hill Vineyards?

Make a reservation if you want to order food. Schedule this during the early part of your vineyard tour, as it closes earlier than other vineyards. If you visit for wine only with no reservation, you will be on your own.

The vibe at Pippin Hill is sophisticated, geared toward adult gatherings rather than kids-and-dogs-and-games.

Where is the best place to stay near Pippin Hill Vineyards?

There is a historic 1820 farmhouse onsite available for an overnight stay. Afton Mountain Inn, a beautiful countryside specialty hotel, is ideal for a romantic getaway. For larger parties or a girls’ weekend away, peek at Afton Clubhouse (3-bedroom house) or Afton Farmhouse (4-bedroom house). Both properties are a 22-minute drive to Pippin Hill Vineyards and dozens of other wineries, breweries, and other attractions along Route 151.

Does Pippin Hill do weddings?

Pippin Hill is a popular and refined wedding venue. Due to their fabulous in-house cuisine, they prepare all meals for weddings on the premises and serve indoors. The stunning mountain ridge vista from the veranda makes a gorgeous backdrop to your special event in all seasons.