Gabriele Rausse Winery
Nestled in the woods, this intimate winery offers a taste of history with the 'Father of Virginia Wine' and unique, low-sulfide vintages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal time
Gabriele Rausse Winery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nestled in the woods, this intimate winery offers a taste of history with the 'Father of Virginia Wine' and unique, low-sulfide vintages.
"A hidden gem with 5-star service, wine, and atmosphere in the woods."
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
This hidden gem gets busy! Beat the crowds for the best seating and personal attention.
🍷 Taste the 'Father of Virginia Wine'
Don't miss the chance to chat with Gabriele Rausse; his stories are as memorable as the wine.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Woodland Tasting Room
Main tasting area
A quaint, beautiful space nestled in the trees, offering an intimate and natural setting for wine tasting.
Meet Gabriele Rausse
Tasting room and grounds
Experience the charm of the 'Father of Virginia Wine' as he shares stories and insights about wine and life.
Vino dal Bosco Wines
Tasting flights
Sample unique wines, including low-sulfide options, crafted by a true pioneer of Virginia winemaking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Intimate Atmosphere
Discover the 'Father of Virginia Wine'
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
This hidden gem gets busy! Beat the crowds for the best seating and personal attention.
🍷 Taste the 'Father of Virginia Wine'
Don't miss the chance to chat with Gabriele Rausse; his stories are as memorable as the wine.
🥖 Savor the Bread & Olive Oil
The complimentary bread and olive oil are so good, you'll want to buy a bottle to take home! [^Review]
🎶 Enjoy the Vinyl Vibes
The winery plays vinyl records, adding a nostalgic and charming soundtrack to your tasting experience. [^Review]
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Best Spots
This hidden gem gets busy! Beat the crowds for the best seating and personal attention.
🍷 Taste the 'Father of Virginia Wine'
Don't miss the chance to chat with Gabriele Rausse; his stories are as memorable as the wine.
🥖 Savor the Bread & Olive Oil
The complimentary bread and olive oil are so good, you'll want to buy a bottle to take home! [^Review]
🎶 Enjoy the Vinyl Vibes
The winery plays vinyl records, adding a nostalgic and charming soundtrack to your tasting experience. [^Review]
🌳 Embrace the Woodland Setting
The secluded, wooded location offers an intimate, nature-filled ambiance perfect for relaxation. [^Review]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Gabriele Rausse Winery's intimate woodland setting, personal service, and the unique experience of tasting wines from the 'Father of Virginia Wine.' The complimentary bread and olive oil, along with the vinyl music, add to the charming atmosphere. While it can get busy, the secluded location and quality of the wine make it a highly recommended stop.
"Their tasting location is small, quaint and absolutely beautiful! Fresh bread and olive oil alongside your tasting flight, and vinyl only music made for such an incredible experience. Loved the 90s rock while we were there, it brought back lots of memories! Lots of places to sit, in gazebos, open air, a few standing spots inside. Get there early, it gets really busy. The wines we sampled were all worthy of a bottle to take home. We bought three, and recently paired the Tannat with home cooked paella. A perfect pairing. Medium light in body, jammy, with a slight quick sweetness and goes dry on the palate. We can't wait to go back when we visit again. 5 star service, wine and atmosphere in the woods."
Greg
"Enjoyed the wine here more than any of the wineries in the area, staff was very welcoming and explained a lot about the wine and winemaking in Virginia. The setting is somewhat secluded in a woodland setting which was intimate and made us feel like we were really among nature."
Dennis Gebert
"Quiant little winery off the beaten path. This hidden gem is an intimate spot perfect for a day of wine tasting. Excellent selections and attentive, friendly staff."
Arabella Bonsor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gabriele Rausse Winery is located off Carters Mountain Road, a short drive from Charlottesville. Many visitors find it a convenient stop on the Monticello Wine Trail.
It's described as a 'hidden gem' and 'off the beaten path,' so use GPS and keep an eye out for signage. The secluded woodland setting is part of its charm. [^Review]
Consider ride-sharing services or hiring a driver if you plan to visit multiple wineries. This allows everyone to enjoy the tastings responsibly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The winery is typically open Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most current hours before visiting.
While not always strictly required, arriving early is highly recommended, especially on weekends, as it can get very busy. Reservations might be beneficial during peak seasons. [^Review]
Tasting fees are generally reasonable, and many visitors find the wines to be well-priced for their quality. Specific pricing can be found on their website or by asking staff upon arrival. [^Review]
While not explicitly stated in all sources, many wineries in the area are dog-friendly, especially in outdoor seating areas. It's best to confirm directly with the winery.
🎫 🍷 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is intimate, quaint, and beautiful, set in a secluded woodland. It offers a peaceful escape with outdoor seating in gazebos and open-air spots. [^Review]
The winery features a unique soundtrack of vinyl-only music, often playing 90s rock or other classic genres, adding to the nostalgic charm. [^Review]
While they don't typically serve full meals, they offer complimentary bread and olive oil with tastings. Some events might feature food pairings. [^Review]
It's known for its intimate woodland setting, the personal presence of Gabriele Rausse himself (the 'Father of Virginia Wine'), and its unique Vino dal Bosco wines. 
Absolutely! Many visitors purchase bottles of their favorite wines to enjoy later, especially the highly praised olive oil. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
The woodland setting, the charming tasting room, gazebos, and the architecture of the main building offer beautiful photo opportunities. [^Review]
Yes, the intimate, secluded, and beautiful woodland setting makes it a perfect spot for couples seeking a romantic wine-tasting experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more comfortable experience for everyone. The complimentary bread and olive oil are often a hit with younger palates, and the outdoor seating areas can provide a bit more space. It's a great stop for parents who want to enjoy a tasting while the kids can take in the natural beauty. [^Review]
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts & Connoisseurs
+1 [^Review]Pay special attention to the Vino dal Bosco line, which showcases his commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. The Tannat, mentioned in reviews, is a good example of the quality and complexity you can expect. The staff are knowledgeable and can offer insights into the winemaking process and the unique characteristics of Virginia wines. [^Review]
couples
[^Review]Pair your tasting with the delicious bread and olive oil, and let the vinyl music set a relaxed mood. It’s a place where you can truly connect and create lasting memories, away from the hustle and bustle of larger venues. [^Review]
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Gabriele Rausse
+1His own winery, Gabriele Rausse Winery, embodies his philosophy of winemaking. Visitors often have the unique opportunity to meet Gabriele himself, who is known for his engaging stories and deep passion for his craft. This personal connection adds an unparalleled layer of authenticity and charm to the tasting experience, making it more than just a visit to a winery, but an encounter with a living legend.
The winery also offers his 'Vino dal Bosco' (Wine of the Woods) label, which includes wines with minimal or no added sulfites. This reflects his ongoing commitment to natural winemaking and innovation, appealing to those seeking a more natural wine experience.
[^Review]An Intimate Woodland Escape
The ambiance is further enhanced by the thoughtful details, such as the vinyl-only music playing in the background. This adds a nostalgic and cozy soundtrack to the tasting experience, often featuring classic hits that evoke pleasant memories. The combination of the natural surroundings, the personal touch of the staff, and the curated music creates a deeply relaxing and memorable environment. [^Review]
This intimate setting is perfect for a relaxed day of wine tasting, whether you're with a partner, a small group of friends, or even enjoying a quiet moment alone. The secluded nature of the winery means that while it can get busy, the overall feeling remains personal and unhurried, allowing guests to truly savor their wine and the serene surroundings. [^Review]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit