Arcady Vineyard Bed & Breakfast

Winter Time in Charlottesville Wine Country 28 Jan 2013, 6:09 am

The weather has turned chilly and the wineries have the fireplaces burning! I am surprised at how many people don't realize the wineries are open year round!

We are quieter during the week this month and have used this time to update the inn! The Arcand has a coat of fresh paint, and now also the dining room!

Starting on January 28 we'll have Restaurant Week here in Charlottesville which is another great way to while away the chilly weather...although we will have warmer temps this week. Check out what's offered!!

Congrats to Wisdom Oak Winery! 19 Jan 2013, 8:52 am

Congrats to Wisdom Oak Winery (formerly Sugar Leaf Winery) located just minutes outside Charlottesville!

Their Vidal Blanc and Cabernet Franc are being poured this weekend at an  inaugural event at the White House.

Wisdom Oaks is busy expanding and we can't wait to see the new tasting room this March.

Virginia wines have been enjoyed quite a bit at the White House- Veritas has poured their Viognier, and Claude Thibaut's Thibault-Janisson Sparkling Wine as well, just to name a few.

Bubbles in Charlottesville Wine Country! 10 Jan 2013, 7:40 am

Just a quick note to those who enjoy the bubbles! We think there are some super Champagne-style sparkling wines made here in the Charlottesville area, but again the wineries here are victims of their success!

There used to be several wineries where tasters could enjoy samples of sparkling wines, but at this time the only winerues offering sparkling to taste in the immediate Charlottesville area are Trump Vineyards, (formerly Kluge) and Mountfair, usually known for their Bordeaux Blends. At Mountfair right now they are pouring the wonderful Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Chardonnay.

The reason is that the wineries are now immensely popular for weddings, and as it takes two years to make a Champagne-style sparkling wine (second fermentation is in the bottle, creating the bubbles, then aged) the weddings have purchased most of the available sparkling wine. While Trump has three - two of which my favorites are the Blanc de Noir and the Sparkling Rosé.

Because of this many wineries don't even have it for sale, much less tasting. It's all already purchased by the booked weddings!

But wait!!! Recently we purchased the new sparkling from Afton Mountain Vineyards and WOW! It is delicious and we highly recommend it!! It is named Bollicine (not sure of the spelling since I don't have the bottle here but I do recall the Smiths told me it meant "tiny bubbles" in Italian). This wine is not available for tasting, but is for sale at the moment. And it is a WINNER!!

This Weekend in Charlottesville Wine Country! 28 Sep 2012, 12:41 pm

This weekend, starting Friday, Sept 28, 2012!

Friday, September 28 - Tom Tom Founders Festival is Charlottesville's month long music, art and innovation festival.  This evening is the McGuffey Block Party at the historical schoolhouse. Free activities- music on the front lawn, street food fair, public art and a beer garden.

Friday, September 28, at Keswick Vineyards!
In honor of Virginia Wine Month they are celebrating Virginia's native grape, Norton!
Reservations only to Bryant in the Tasting Room 434-244-3341   $20
Each guest will receive a glass of the 2011 Norton Reserve. Special discount 25% per case.

Friday, September 28, at Devil's Backbone!

Celebrate Oktoberfest with a German dinner 5pm to closing with a selection of authentic German beers on tap


Saturday, September 29
11 am - 5pm in Lee Park downtown Charlottesville
The 16th Annual Vegetarian Festival!

September 29, 30 - Saturday and Sunday
Oktoberfest at Blue Mountain Brewery
Special tastings and music!

Don't forget our fantastic Farmer's Market Saturday morning!

Jazz Night at Escafe Restaruant on Sunday! 8 Sep 2012, 6:29 am

If you're in Charlottesville for Sunday, one of our favorite jazz singers, Carol Covell, will be performing at Escafe Restaurant, 215 W. Water St on Thursday, from  6 - 9 P.M. and again on October 11 and October 25!

This weekend in Wine Country! 7 Sep 2012, 5:37 am

When you get here don't forget Fridays after Five, and our wonderful Farmer's Market!

Fridays After Five will present "Second Draw", a six member band that describes their music as "Blue Jam" from 5:30 to 8:30.

Things to Do!

Monticello's Revolutionary Garden Tours are still going  on (see older post for information)

If you're wine tasting out in the Crozet / Afton area, visit Flying Fox Vineyard and enjoy an art exhibit by Kathy Versluys, a local artist!

In the same area, Cardinal Point Winery will be hosting The Hamner Theater which will be presenting Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream!

Music for Friday, Sept 7

Chatham County Line
Southern Cafe and Music Hall, 103 South 1st Street on the Downtown Mall, Charlottesville
Doors open 7pm, Showtime 8pm  Price: $12

This Friday in Charlottesville's Wine Country! 30 Aug 2012, 7:05 am

Hi all!

We have nice weather predicted for this weekend, yipppeee!

If you're coming for the weekend don't miss Fridays after Five - Charlottesville's best Friday Happy Hour event - it's at the Pavillion of the downtown pedestrian walking mall at 700 E. Main Street, and entry is free as always!


The band In Full will be performing this Friday. They can vary from tasteful cocktail Jazz and Latin to Soul, Funk, Rock and Pop.  High energy!

For those with an intersest in gardening and history, Friday and Saturday at 9am there's a two hour tour of Thomas Jefferson's Revolutionary Garden.



A guided walk will be followed with a "meet the garderner" presentation. You'll take part in activities such as planting and harvesting as well as sampling spring crops.

Cost is $42 which includes admission to the house.  Meet at the Woodland Pavilion at 9am

Great news from Virginia Wine Country! 15 Aug 2012, 6:49 am

Charlottesville is listed as the #10 Wine Country to tour in US News Travel Section!

We are winning more and more awards - see this list from the prestigious San Francisco International Wine Competition. We love this one because the tastings are blind so no prejudice! They came away with 24 medals!
Meanwhile, if you are in town and want something to do tomorrow in Charlottesville, Thursday August 16, check out the music and food at Carter's Mountain!  

Or head up to Stinson Vineyard for their Tailgate Thursday with live music from Dwight Howard Johnson! You can bring your own dinner to barbecue or call ahead to purchase from them!

If you are out in the Afton/Crozet area, drop by Wild Wolf Brewing Company where they are celebrating Virginia Craft Month with music by Ashley McMillen.

Music Tonight at Jefferson Vineyards! 12 Aug 2012, 4:50 am

Terri Allard will be playing music at Jefferson today, starting at 2:30! Just minutes from downtown Charlottesville a couple of miles past Monticello! Ends at 5:30pm

 9 Aug 2012, 5:23 pm

Please help us and vote for us as "Best wine tour/limo" and "Best Bed and Breakfast for a Wine Weekend" at this link- We have lots of competition from much bigger companies! Thank you so much!