first colony winery

We stopped by around five fifteen based on the Internet saying they where open till six. They actually close at five but Gavin was more than willing to help us. He is very knowledgeable on VA wines and gave us a great tasting experience. We went to First Colony because another winery nearby was way to busy and I am glad we did. If you are in the Charlottesville area and like wine, First Colony is a must.

We stopped by this winery just as they were closing. They informed us they were closed, but then recognized that there website said they were open an hour later, so,they invited us in. The building and grounds are beautiful. The server we had was extremely knowledgable and friendly and didn't rush us, despite his wasn't to close shop for the day. The wines were quite good and we bought a couple to take home. Definitely want to return in the Spring !

We stopped in as a group of 5 on a Saturday, just after 5PM. We thought we read online that they were open to 6, but we were mistaken. Upon arriving, they had just started to close, but welcomed us in anyways. The sommelier, Gavin was very accommodating, pleasant and helpful. We really have a big appreciation for full-bodied chardonnays with a nice oaky, buttery taste and he gave us a vertical chardonnay tasting of their 2013 and 2012 vintages. This was fun and interesting as we noticed obvious differences and it sparked some interesting debate between the group. But we honestly enjoy both, a LOT!Their tasting room is very nicely built (take a look at the exposed trusses on the second level!) with plenty of food and beverage offerings and a nice deck outside to sit.We really do look forward to going back when the summer months come to enjoy sitting and sipping on the deck!

Stopped by to kill some time before meeting some friends for dinner in Charlottesville. The wines were good, I particularly enjoyed the Zephyr (a dry white blend) and Andrew was wonderful, friendly and knowledgeable. For those who are able week days really are the best for visiting wineries.

I visited this vineyard and the gentleman who poured my tasting not only ignored my friend and I as much as possible but he also cursed and made rude comments about the other guests in the tasting room. Any other staff member could have provided a wonderful experience but when there are 30+ other wineries within 20 minutes, I suggest you not take the risk.

On a recent drive around Albemarle County to check out wineries, we tracked down First Colony because of its general reputation. It's a reasonable drive from downtown Charlottesville, set back along Harris Creek Road from Route 20 South (Scottsville Road). First Colony offers $5 tastings, which is a very good value because of the general excellence of their wines. Their Merlot, Meritage, and Chardonnay Reserve are well worth sampling, especially if you go onto the back porch, which overlooks a fairly steep slope thick with mature trees, and have a light meal. If you plan to do multiple winery tastings in the same afternoon, plan to go to First Colony and, just down Harris Creek Road within sight of First Colony, another highly regarded winery, Virginia Wineworks.

We came here last month and had a great time. For $5 a tasting, this place could not be beat. But the real winning factor was the friendly staff. I wasn't so sure about taking our little one with us, but she happily got to run around the grounds with my husband while some of us had a tasting. The staff member who helped us was so friendly, and even gave us a sample of port and another wine that were not on the tasting list, because of the way our conversation was flowing about different wines. It was so relaxing and informative, and for someone who enjoys wine but is not a connoisseur, it was a great atmosphere. We will DEFINITELY be back. The grounds were beautiful and I just can't say enough nice things. Thank you, First Colony, for making our weekend!

My husband and I enjoyed this experience. The staff was very nice and we enjoyed our tasting. They knew a lot about the wines and we left with a few bottles. It was near closing time but they never treated us as if it were. If your in the area go visit them. It's worth the drive.

My husband and I visit Charlottesville at least 2-3 times a year. We visited First Colony winery at least 3 years ago. The wine was good, service was friendly, and the views are lovely. But we hadn't been there for a few years until we heard they were under new ownership. So, we decided we needed to venture over again. And boy are we glad we did! The service was still very friendly, wines were all spectacular, and the outdoor seating was comfortable and perfect place to enjoy some wine. The tasting does not include the logo glass, which is unfortunate since they are very nice, large glasses. You can purchase them for $8 each. A bit on the high side.... But, the wines are totally worth the visit. Especially the Zephyr white wine. Include First Colony on your vineyard tour in Monticello!

This winery is a real surprise and is in a very secluded but wonderful location. The staff are great and the facilities are first rate.

If you are in Charlottesville, you must visit! I was not expecting to enjoy this winery as much as I did. The wines are truly spectacular, the staff is fabulous, and the grounds are pretty.

First Colony's new owners are making improvements to a winery that had suffered from inconsistency over the past few years. Improvements to the wines are noticeable and they have added events. We visited recently on a Sunday when they have live music on the patio. A very relaxing afternoon. The owners, Bruce and Heather, even introduced themselves and discussed some of the changes they've made and have planned. Clearly they are infusing some energy and resources. A very enjoyable visit...thanks Bruce and Heather! We will definitely be back!!

very nice location, love the thatched roof, not far off of Rt 20, good wine and selections, some priced reasonably, staff was attentive, however we were early in the day and they were somewhat preoccupied when we arrived,

This is the second time I've been to First Colony. My first visit was with my family (parents, grandma, and fiance) alst Labor Day weekend. Just as this last experience, our service was fabulous even though they were very crowded, and we were never rushed through the experience. We felt like we were given individual attention even though our server was spread between several groups because they understand good customer service. This trip was the last stop on the tour for my bachelorette weekend, and it was a wonderful finish for the day. First of all, our server, Stone, was just amazing. He really treated our little group like queens. We tasted out in the little side tasting room. I don't know if people just don't know that it's out there, but the main room was packed, and we had the bar essentially to ourselves (there were 6 of us). Like I said, Stone gave us the royal treatment. Maybe he gives that level of service to everyone (and I hope so). The setting is beautiful, the wines are wonderful, and the service is just great.

We stopped by after a trip to Charlottesville and this is a very nice winery with some great wines. It you are in the area stop by.