Visit Monticello This Summer: A Journey Through Jefferson’s Legacy and Virginia’s Wine Country
- Casey Woodburn
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Nestled atop a quiet hill in Charlottesville, Virginia, Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, stands as one of America’s most iconic landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only home in the U.S. on the list, Monticello isn’t just a place to see—it’s an experience that blends American history, innovation, breathtaking landscapes, and even wine tasting, all into one unforgettable summer trip.
If you're planning a visit to Virginia this season, a day spent exploring Monticello—and the charming wineries surrounding it—offers the perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and discovery.
Explore Monticello: The Vision of a Founding Father
Designed by Jefferson himself, Monticello reflects his deep interests in architecture, agriculture, and philosophy. Monticello, the home of Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, offers a glimpse into his life and vision through its unique architecture, gardens, and the artifacts within, including a time-keeping device called the Great Clock.
Visitors can explore the estate inside and out through guided tours and interactive exhibits.
Highlights include:
The Dome Room: An architectural marvel atop the house, rarely open to the public but featured on select tours.
The Great Clock: Powered by gravity, this invention displays both time and the day of the week.
Jefferson’s Private Study & Library: Where he read thousands of books and wrote countless letters.
Wine Dumbwaiters: Ingenious hidden lifts used to carry wine from the cellar to the dining room.
Gardens in Full Bloom: Monticello in the Summer
In summer 2025, visitors to Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia, can expect to see the gardens in full bloom, including summer annuals like Globe Amaranth, Texas sage, and Cockscomb, along with other plants and flowers that Jefferson cultivated.
Summer is the best time to explore Monticello’s world-famous gardens. Jefferson was a dedicated gardener and botanist, experimenting with hundreds of plant species on the property.
In the nearby South Orchard, Jefferson cultivated over 130 varieties of fruit trees—including peaches, apples, figs, and cherries—transforming the landscape into a living experiment in horticulture.
Not-to-Miss Garden Spots:
The Vegetable Garden Terrace: Featuring over 330 types of vegetables.
The Flower Gardens: A showcase of ornamental blooms, buzzing with pollinators.
The Fruit Orchards & Vineyard: Home to peaches, apples, and Jefferson’s favorite—figs.
Visitors can take guided Garden and Grounds Tours to learn about Jefferson’s agricultural experiments and the historical significance of his crops.
A Complex Legacy: Stories of the Enslaved at Monticello
Monticello also serves as a space for reflection and education on America’s complicated history. Jefferson, while a proponent of liberty, enslaved more than 600 people throughout his lifetime. The estate provides thoughtful and honest interpretation of this contradiction.
Key Experiences:
Mulberry Row: Once the heart of the plantation, where enslaved people lived and worked.
“Slavery at Monticello” Tour: A guided experience centered on the lives of individuals like Sally Hemings and Isaac Granger.
Exhibits and Audio Tours: Interactive displays honoring the legacies of those whose labor sustained the estate.
Get There the Scenic Way: The Saunders-Monticello Trail
For those who enjoy nature and a bit of light hiking, the Saunders-Monticello Trail is a must. This beautifully maintained 2-mile path leads from the base parking area through lush forest and across scenic boardwalks directly to the Monticello visitor center.
It’s an ideal way to start or end your Monticello experience, especially on a mild summer morning or evening.
Parking Information
Trail users have access to three convenient parking areas:
Route 53 Lot – 503 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902
⏰ Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Route 20 Lot – 678 Dairy Barn Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902
⏰ Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Monticello’s David M. Rubenstein Visitor Center – 1050 Monticello Loop, Charlottesville, VA 22902
⏰ Open during Monticello's regular operating hours only
Restroom Access
Restroom facilities are only available during Monticello’s open hours, located at the Visitor Center.
Trash Policy
To help protect staff and the environment, guests are encouraged to carry out all trash and dispose of waste responsibly outside of the park. Thank you for helping to keep the trails clean for everyone.
Pets on the Trail
Dogs are welcome on the Saunders-Monticello Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. Starting March 15, 2025, leashed dogs will also be permitted on the boardwalks, offering even more space for your four-legged hiking buddy to explore safely.
Trail Resources & FAQs
Explore everything you need to plan your visit:
Monticello for Families: Fun, Educational, and Engaging
Monticello offers a number of family-friendly activities perfect for visitors with children of all ages.
Top Family Attractions:
The Griffin Discovery Room: Interactive exhibits where kids can build Monticello from blocks, write with a quill, and explore 18th-century life.
Family Tours: Specially designed guided experiences that make history engaging and age-appropriate.
Outdoor Exploration: Wide open spaces, shaded trails, and picnic areas to enjoy between tours.
Top Wineries Near Monticello: Sip in Jefferson’s Backyard
Once you’ve explored Monticello, consider extending your day with a stop at one of the nearby wineries. Jefferson was a passionate wine enthusiast, and today, the Monticello Wine Trail continues that legacy with award-winning vineyards offering stunning views and exceptional tasting rooms.
Here are the top wineries to visit near Monticello:
Jefferson Vineyards: A Legacy in Every Glass
Conveniently located just minutes from Charlottesville and the University of Virginia, Jefferson Vineyards sits on historic ground where Thomas Jefferson and Philip Mazzei first planted the seeds of American viticulture in the early 19th century.
Over 40 years ago, Jefferson Vineyards helped pioneer modern winemaking in Virginia, bringing Jefferson’s original vision to life. Today, the winery continues to produce award-winning wines and is celebrated for its consistency and craftsmanship across varietals like Viognier, Petit Verdot, and Meritage blends.
Whether you’re a casual sipper or a seasoned wine enthusiast, Jefferson Vineyards offers a memorable tasting experience steeped in both flavor and history.
🕒 Tasting Room Hours:
Open daily, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Located on historic land once cultivated by Jefferson himself, this vineyard is known for its award-winning Viognier and Petit Verdot. It’s a charming and quiet place to unwind after your tour of the estate.
📍 Just 1 mile from Monticello
King Family Vineyards: Polo, Peaks, and Perfect Sips in Crozet
A scenic destination offering incredible wines and Sunday polo matches throughout the summer. Their Meritage blend is a must-try. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a truly Virginian afternoon. Just 15 minutes west of Charlottesville, nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in scenic Crozet, Virginia, you’ll find King Family Vineyards—a locally loved, family-run estate that blends rustic charm with boutique wine elegance.
This award-winning vineyard is known for its bold reds and crisp whites, including standouts like Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Viognier. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just looking to unwind with a glass in the countryside, King Family Vineyards offers a warm, welcoming experience year-round.
What Makes It Special:
Sunday Polo Matches (May–October): Bring a picnic and a blanket to enjoy a glass of wine and watch live polo on the lush green field.
Outdoor Seating: Expansive lawns, a brick patio, and a covered veranda perfect for relaxing in warmer weather.
Cozy Indoors: A beautiful tasting room with a stone fireplace and enclosed pavilion, ideal for cooler days.
Gourmet Snacks: Local cheeses, salami, artisan spreads, and warm French bread available in the tasting room.
Tasting Experience: Wine tastings and flights start at $20 per person.
🕒 Hours:
Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and until 8:30 PM on Wednesdays
Last tastings are offered 30 minutes before closing.
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Large groups and buses welcome by appointment. Private events and reserved tastings available.
📍 20 miles west in Crozet
Barboursville Vineyards
📍 25 miles northeast of Monticello
This vineyard combines world-class wines with historic charm. The ruins of a Jefferson-designed mansion still stand on the property. Their flagship wine, Octagon, is one of the most celebrated in the region.
Blenheim Vineyards: Where Music Meets the Vine
Owned by musician Dave Matthews, Blenheim combines a relaxed, artistic vibe with sustainable winemaking. Just 20 minutes southeast of Charlottesville, nestled on the historic 18th-century Blenheim Farm, you'll find Blenheim Vineyards—a unique destination where art, sustainability, and exceptional winemaking come together. Founded in 2000 by musician Dave Matthews, this boutique winery brings a soulful, creative vibe to the Monticello Wine Trail.
Spread across 30 acres and three distinct vineyard sites within the Monticello AVA, Blenheim is known for producing expressive wines that reflect the character of Virginia’s piedmont landscape—its soil, climate, and seasonal rhythms.
What You'll Love:
Estate Wines with Personality: A rotating selection of whites, reds, and rosés, including Viognier, Albariño, Cabernet Franc, and more.
Architectural Charm: The timber-frame tasting room is both rustic and modern, featuring paneled glass floors that let you peek into the working cellar below.
Vineyard Views: Enjoy your wine on the scenic patio overlooking the vines—perfect for a laid-back afternoon in the countryside.
Sustainability-Focused: Blenheim is committed to sustainable farming and minimal intervention winemaking.
🕒 Hours:Thursday – Sunday | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Outdoor seating only
📍 6 miles from Monticello
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards: A Culinary and Viticultural Gem in Virginia’s Wine Country
Perched in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just south of Charlottesville, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is more than a winery—it’s a culinary and wine destination. Blending refined estate wines, farm-fresh cuisine, and immersive vineyard experiences, this boutique vineyard offers a picture-perfect taste of the Monticello Wine Trail.
An elegant vineyard offering farm-to-table cuisine alongside their wines, Pippin Hill is also known for its Instagram-worthy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and its Sauvignon Blanc and Petit Verdot.
Founded by hospitality visionaries Lynn Easton and Dean Andrews, Pippin Hill is designed to delight all five senses. From the garden-to-table menus to guided tastings with panoramic views, every visit is a thoughtful celebration of local flavor and natural beauty.
What Makes It Special:
Estate Wines
Enjoy a rotating selection of expertly crafted varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc—all grown on-site and known for balance, elegance, and food-friendliness.
Farm-to-Table Cuisine
The on-site garden supplies the Tasting Room’s seasonal menu—think artisan boards, small plates, and entrees that pair beautifully with the wines. Dining here is an experience in itself.
Estate Tour & Tasting
Go beyond the glass with a guided vineyard tour, behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process, and a curated tasting of reserve and library wines paired with chef-prepared bites.
Cooking Classes
Step into the kitchen with Pippin Hill’s chefs during hands-on classes that celebrate seasonal ingredients, like pasta-making and garden-inspired dishes.
Workshops & Events
Seasonal offerings include floral design, foraging walks, watercolor painting, and more—designed for curious minds and creative spirits.
📍 14 miles away in North Garden
Tips for Your Monticello & Wine Trail Day
Book Tickets Early: Monticello tours and winery reservations fill quickly, especially in summer.
Start Early: Begin at Monticello in the morning, then enjoy lunch and wine tasting in the afternoon.
Use a Driver: If you plan to visit multiple wineries, consider hiring a private driver or joining a wine tour for a safe and relaxing day.
Stay Comfortable: Bring water, wear sunscreen and walking shoes—there’s lots to explore.
Stay Nearby: Consider a cozy Airbnb or local inn in Charlottesville or Shenandoah Valley for a full weekend escape.
Conclusion: Make Monticello Part of Your Summer Story
A summer visit to Monticello offers so much more than a history lesson. It’s a walk through the gardens of a genius, a glimpse into the contradictions of our past, and an invitation to pause, reflect, and savor. Add in a visit to Virginia’s top wineries, and you’ve got the perfect summer escape—equal parts enriching and relaxing.
Whether you're a history lover, nature enthusiast, wine explorer, or family traveler, Monticello and the surrounding wine country promise a day—or weekend—you’ll never forget.
📍 Plan Your Trip:
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Tag Us in Your Monticello + Wine Country Adventure!
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