THE
53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD
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A note from Winegrower and Owner, Dave Drillock
DOWN WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES?
Wishing you a Healthy and Happy New Year. We were recently rated by JamesSuckling.com on six of our wines. Here are the results. 2022 Petit Verdot 92 points Dark and brooding aromas of blood plums, coffee, tobacco, licorice and tobacco. The palate is structured with a good core of fruit with plenty of structure to reward aging. Drink or hold. Available for purchase. 2023 Romulus 91 points Soft and Supple aromas of dark fruit, spices, earth and dried herbs. The palate is mid-weighted and quite austere, with drying tannins. Needs time to soften, but plenty to like. Drink or hold. Not released. 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve 91 points Bright, fresh and crunchy, with aromas of cherries, tomato leaves and spices with an earthy undertone. The plate is mid weighted with taut tannins and focused acidity, leading to a drying and quite austere finish that will soften with time. Nicely constructed. Drink or hold. Not released. 2023 Two Springs 90 points Soft and supple aromas of dark fruit, spices, earth and dried herbs. The plate is mid-weighted and quite austere, with drying tannins. Needs time to soften but plenty to like. Drink or hold. Not released. 2024 Chardonnay 89 points Aromas of yellow apples, pears, lemons and vanilla. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe fruit flavors, gentle acidity and a smooth creamy finish. Easy and balanced. Drink now. April Release.
WINERY
DUCARD VINEYARDS
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PRINCE MICHEL VINEYARD AND WINERY
REVALATION VINEYARDS
Congratulations to our Winemaker Chelsey Blevins! We invite you to visit our serene, meadow-like location in rural Louisa County. We pride ourselves on being genuine and approachable, eager to share our passion for wine without any scripted lines or memorized facts, just a warm and welcome atmosphere. We are a Winery that just wants to be a Winery!
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EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY
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HARDWARE HILLS VINEYARD
January events LOUISA
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2024 Viognier 89 points Fruity aromas of peaches, apricots and citrus. The palate is medium bodied, fresh and juicy, with soft acidity and a clean easy finish. Drink now. Available for purchase.
53RD VINEYARD & WINERY
Saturday, January 10th: Barrel Tasting with Dave 1:30pm Led by Dave Drillock, winegrower and owner of Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard, this 90-minute session will offer an inside look at our various vintages plus barrel tastings of Petit Verdot. With limited spots
for just 18 participants, this is an opportunity to learn from more about this grape variety and taste what’s to come! Ticketed event. Visit our website to sign up. Saturday, January 17th: Day 1: Wine Club Pick Up 1st Quarter 2026 11-5pm. As always, special tastings and our annual cellar wine sale (while supplies last) will be available for our wine club members! Non wine club members welcome for $17/person. Food Truck: Beaverdam Grill Live Music: Matt Johnson 1-4pm Sunday, January 18th: Day 2: Wine Club Pick Up 1st Quarter 2026 11-5pm. As always, special tastings and our annual cellar wine sale (while supplies last) will be available for our wine club members! Non wine club members welcome for $17/person. Food Truck: Zippy’s Smokeshack BBQ Live Music: Matty & Mirabelle Metcalfe 1-4pm Saturday, January 24th: First Taste: Wine Tasting and Charcuterie Get a first look at what’s coming next, taste bottled wines before they’re released, paired with a generous charcuterie table to savor alongside. Ticketed event. Go to website to sign up. For more details, please check our website at www.53rdwinery.com or call us at 540-894-1536. We look forward to welcoming you to the winery, and we truly appreciate your business and support. Cheers! Open 7 days a week, 11 am – 5 pm
fare from our lite noshing menu to pair with our award-winning wine for a fun afternoon in our amazing mountain setting.
Upcoming at the Winery:
Open daily Mon-Thurs. 12-5 pm Fri. 12-9 pm Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm 40 Gibson Hollow Ln Etlan, VA 22719 (540) 923-4206 www.ducardvineyards.com
EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY Kick off 2026 with our Community Celebration Month, a full month dedicated to the people and organizations that make Charlottesville thrive. Enjoy a packed schedule of programming— from Friday night shrimp boils to weekly live music—along with all your favorite menu items, from mulled wine to flatbreads and fondues to roasting s’mores around our fire pits. We’ll also be pouring a full selection of non-alcoholic options, including sparkling wines, beers, and mocktails, alongside our lineup of award-winning wines, hard ciders, and beers. Throughout the month, we’ll be hosting special events dedicated to our community, including celebrations for teachers, nurses, nonprofit organizations, first
13372 Shannon Hill Rd Louisa, VA 23093 (540) 894-5474 • 53rdwinery.com.
DUCARD VINEYARDS
Low-Country Shrimp Boil | Every Friday 4-7:30PM (open 12-8PM) Get ready for a delicious, flavorpacked Shrimp Boil Feast every Friday night this Winter! We’re bringing the best of Southern tradition right to your plate with succulent shrimp, juicy sausage, tender corn on the cob, and perfectly seasoned potatoes – all served hot and ready to enjoy in a relaxed, fun atmosphere with live music from 5-8pm on the stage in our tasting room. Mocktails & Mimosas | Beginning January 1 Enjoy a refreshing lineup of nonalcoholic beverages! From our vibrant mocktails to extensive NA beer offerings, we have something for every taste. And if you haven’t yet tried Wölffer Estate’s nonalcoholic Sparkling Rosé, you’re in for a treat! Non-profit Community Night | Thursday, January 15th from 5-8PM (open 12-8PM) Kick off MLK weekend early with an inspirational evening featuring presentations from several local non-profits paired with free tastings of their favorite wine, beer or cider. This event is dedicated to bringing together local nonprofits, supporters, and community members to share stories, build connections, and collaborate on
ways to create a brighter future for all. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, team member, volunteer, donor, or just someone passionate about giving back, this night is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible work happening in our community. All are welcome to join us and nonprofit members enjoy a 10% discount on food and beverages in the tasting room and free entry into a special raffle for fun prizes. Live music with Lenny Burridge from 5-8PM. MLK Weekend and Live Performance by The Fortresses! We are open to serve you from 12-5 PM on Monday, January 19th for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and we will be building up the celebration on the days leading up to the 19th, starting off with our Non-Profit Community Night on Thursday, January 15th, followed by a Friday night Low-Country Shrimp Boil and live music from Matthew O’Donnell. The live music continues on Saturday with Brian Franke 12:30-3:30PM and Jackson, Pendergrass & Townsend 5-8PM. And capping it all off on Sunday, you will not want to miss a very special performance by The Fortresses, a multi-part instrumental band directed by Zachary Hines, II and focusing on playing original Jazz, Funk, Soul, Afro-beat, and Hip Hop compositions. If you have never seen a Fortresses performance, you will not want to miss this show. This will be an unforgettable experience. Music Bingo and Nurses/First Responders Appreciation Day| Sunday, January 25th from 2-4PM (open 12-5PM) Open to the whole community. Nurses and First Responders receive 2 free raffle tickets and 10% off all food and beverages. Music Bingo and Teacher Appreciation Night| Thursday, January 29th from 6-8PM (open 12-8PM) Open to the whole community. Teachers receive 2 free raffle tickets and 10% off all food and beverages.
2022 Cabernet Franc Vinters Reserve Grown at our Whetstone Run vineyard, this Cabernet Franc was selected for its depth in color, welcoming mouth feel, well-defined structure. Pairs with French Onion Soup and hearty seasonal stews. 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup Gold Medal Winner.
Paint & Sip | Sunday, January 18 12-2PM, February 22 12-2PM Grab a glass of wine (or your favorite drink!) and let your creativity flow in our relaxed and fun Paint & Sip classes. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a first-time painter, the talented instructors of Blue Ridge Brushes will walk you through the painting process as you create your own masterpiece. Ticketed Event Reserve Your Spot On Our Website
We are open 7 days a week throughout the month of January with live music every weekend. Visit our website and our social media pages for the most up to date listings of our upcoming live music and events!
MUSIC AT EASTWOOD! Join us for the popular Eastwood After Dark featuring upbeat, danceable music on Saturday nights from 5-8pm (in addition to our more mellow Saturday afternoon music
Saturdays- Live music every Saturday in January from 2-5 pm. Come to DuCard for the afternoon with family and friends and enjoy a variety of live music (no cover). Bring a picnic or select some local SPECIAL ADVERTORIAL SECTION
responders, small businesses, and hospitality industry professionals. Scroll down for full details on how we’re coming together to celebrate—and say thank you to— the people who make Charlottesville such a special place.
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program). Eastwood also hosts a range of live performances by talented local and regional musicians every Thursday and Friday night (and Sundays!). See the Winery Calendar on our website for details. Every Thursday (open 12-8 PM): Live Music 5-8PM Thursday “Thank You” Community Day at Eastwood— $5 Taps (Beer & Cider) Every Friday (open 12-8 PM): Live Music 5-8PM Shrimp Boil 5-8PM Every Saturday (open 12-8 PM): Live Music 12:30-3:30PM + Eastwood After Dark with Live Music 5-8PM Every Sunday (open 12-5 PM): Live Music or Music Bingo (See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.) Also Open Monday through Wednesday 12-5 PM What about the kids? Kids can share in the experience with their own juice tasting flights and cheese boards! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Winery Hours: Sunday-Wednesday (125 PM); Thursday-Saturday (12-8 PM) We look forward to welcoming you to our cozy tasting room, seven days a week. Join us for award-winning wines, beer, and cider, as well as a delicious seasonal menu by Chef Andrew Partridge that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Delight in lounging on our enclosed & heated veranda with a glass of our gold medal 2022 Meritage Reserve. Or, stay inside and enjoy live music with a seasonal toasty flatbread or our scrumptious Cast Iron Baked Brie. Escape to Virginia Wine Country, only five miles from Downtown Charlottesville. Open year-round, seven days a week. Pet friendly and large groups are welcome. Ample indoor and outdoor seating. Rt 20 near the intersection with Avon Extended (5 mi from Downtown Mall) Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 264-6727 www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com
HARDWARE HILLS VINEYARD Sparkling Vidal Blanc Let’s kick off the new year with the most versatile of all wine options: BUBBLES! We are super proud of how our estate grown Vidal Blanc shows up as a delightful sparkling option. Crisp and refreshing, with a hint of mandarin and lime. It is distinguished, delicate and expressive. Pick up a bottle today and find that sparkling wine goes