Gabriele Rausse Winery
Many consider the viticulturist Gabriele Rausse to be the father of the Virginia wine movement. In addition to overseeing the vineyards at Monticello, Rausse also runs Gabriele Rausse Winery, a destination for serious wine lovers known for its small-production, European-style wines.
“Gabriele Rausse’s tasting room is a must-visit,” says Lance Lemon, owner of Richmond-based wine shop Penny’s and the wine delivery service RichWine. “It’s an intimate setting with no frills, but the wine is amazing, especially their line of low intervention ‘garagiste’-style wines, Vino Del Basco, made by Gabriele’s sons.”
Tastings are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Head’s up, covered seating is limited at this rustic spot.
Where to Eat: Choose from more than a dozen vendors at the Dairy Market food hall, which offers everything from Filipino and Thai to Latin American street food. Eater has named it one of Charlottesville’s essential restaurants.