THE WINE DOWN
WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES?
53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD
A note from Winegrower and Owner, Dave Drillock 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.
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.
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!
January events
Saturday, January 24th: First Taste: Wine Tasting and Charcuterie
Open 7 days a week, 11 am – 5 pm
13372 Shannon Hill Rd Louisa, VA 23093 (540) 894-5474 • 53rdwinery.com
DUCARD VINEYARDS
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.
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!
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 fare from our lite noshing menu to pair with our award-winning wine for a fun afternoon in our amazing mountain setting.
Open daily Mon-Thurs. 12-5 pm Fri.
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!
to roasting s’mores around our fire pits. Also enjoy a refreshing lineup of non-alcoholic beverages from vibrant mocktails and mimosas to extensive NA beer offerings.
You won’t want to miss the inaugural January Jubilee on Saturday, January 31st featuring free swing dance lessons, live music from Zuzus Hot 5 and a special Low Country Shrimp Boil. And from now through the end of January, we’ll also be hosting special events for teachers, nurses, first responders, and hospitality industry professionals. Join us in celebrating the people who make Charlottesville such a special place.
Upcoming at the Winery:
Low-Country Shrimp Boil Every Friday 4-7:30PMÂ (open 12-8PM)
Get ready for a delicious, flavor-packed 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.
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.
Hospitality Industry Night | Monday, January 26th 5-8PM (Open for regular business 12-5PM)
Join Eastwood in conjunction with Virginia Women in Wine for an evening of networking, food and wine. Also enjoy a live cooperage discussion with free samples of wine from various types of barrels led by winemaker, Jake Busching. The kitchen will remain open until 7:30 PM. Industry receives a 20% discount on all food and beverages. Free raffle for prizes.
January Jubilee | Saturday, January 31st, 5-8PM (Open 12-8PM)
Join us for our inaugural January Jubilee, a New Orleans–inspired celebration filled with live jazz, swing dancing, and Southern flavor. Also enjoy a low country shrimp boil from 4-7:30PM, free swing dance lessons with Swing Cville from 5-6PM and live music from Zuzus Hot 5 from 6-8PM.
Paint & Sip Sunday, February 5th 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 Looking for ways to Enjoy Valentines Day?
White Wine Blending Workshop|Thursday, February 12th 6-8PM (open 12-8PM)
Join us on Thursday, February 12th for a hands-on workshop where you get to be the winemaker! You’ll sit down to a table with beakers, a flask, a large vessel and our winemaking team will walk you through the steps of making a great blend. Plus, there is some friendly competition involved and one of the team’s blends will be deemed the winner!
Ticketed Event - Reserve Your Spot On Our Website
Galentines Market & Live Music Sundays, February 8th and 15th (12-5PM)
Join us for two special Galentine’s Markets on Sunday, February 8th and 15th along with free tastings of our newly released 2025 Rosé and a great lineup of local makers from Craft Cville! We also have juice flights and cheese boards for the kids and there will be live music from 1-4PM.
Valentine’s Eve|Friday, February 13th (open 12-8PM)
What better way to spend the evening than with a Low Country Shrimp Boil and live music by crowd-favorite, Matthew O’Donnell!
Valentine’s Day|Saturday, February 14th (open 12-8PM)
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 (12-5 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
EASTWOOD FARM AND
Community Celebrations, January Jubilee and Valentine’s Day. Enjoy Friday night shrimp boils and weekly live music—along with award-winning wines, ciders and beers, and all your favorite menu items, from
and
Enjoy a casual day at the Winery (chocolate fondue, anyone?) or splurge for a guided tasting of award-winning wines paired with a curated sample of chocolates and cheese. Try your hand (or feet!) at a free swing dance lesson by Swing Cville from 5-6PM and enjoy live music with Zuzus Hot 5 from 6-8PM. There will also be special treats and crafts for the kids.
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 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):Â Live Music 5-8PM
Thursday “Thank You” Community Day at Eastwood— $5 Taps (Beer
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 with just about any meal, occasion, and mood!
WE ARE OPEN REGULAR HOURS IN JANUARY! Our event space is now complete and booking for special events in the coming year! HAVE YOU SEEN OUR REELS YET?? Check us out on all social media channels. All events can be found on our website at www. hardwarehills.com
EVENTS:
January 22nd - 6 - 8:30 p.m. COUNTRY MUSIC DANCE NIGHT! Grab your boots and your dancing pals and come out to boot scoot with us. Line dancing expert Madison Kinney will lead us through new line dance lessons from 6 - 7, then the floor is open for all to enjoy! Must be 18 to attend and there is a $10 cover charge. Wine and food available all evening for purchase.
January 23rd - 5:30 p.m. LIVE MUSIC with Jon Zlock. Coming to us from the lake, we love the incredible songs Jon brings and he is definitely one crowd pleaser!
January 30th - 5:30 p.m. LIVE MUSIC with Pat Anderson -- we can’t wait for Pat to play for us at the Hills. Say goodbye to January with a warm
and welcoming night at the Hills!
DATES TO NOTE:
Feb. 15 -- Valentine’s Dinner -- small and exclusive. Watch for tickets on our website and social media.
Feb. 28 -- DUELING PIANOS Dinner and Show at the Hills -- tickets are on sale NOW
5199 W River Rd, Scottsville, VA 434.286.4710 • www.hardwarehills.com
KESWICK VINEYARDS
Spend Your New Year at Keswick!
Kick off the New Year the Keswick way!!! Great wine, live music, and plenty of reasons to gather with friends. Every Saturday in January, enjoy live music from 12–4 PM, the perfect soundtrack for a relaxing afternoon at the winery.
Looking for a little extra fun? Our mini golf course is open year-round! For just $10 per person, enjoy 9 holes of wine-side fun, no matter the season.
Hungry while you sip? Our own food truck, Barrel & Board, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12–4 PM, serving up the perfect bites to pair with your favorite Keswick wines.
There’s never been a better time to become part of Virginia’s Most Rewarding Wine Club. From exclusive perks to unforgettable experiences, our Wine Club is designed for those who love great wine and even better memories, ask us how to join!
At the heart of it all are our wines. We’re passionate about what we create, and truly, all we want to do is share them with you. Start your New Year with a glass in hand at Keswick, we can’t wait to welcome you!
Hours:
Monday- Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm
1575 Keswick Winery Drive
Keswick, Virginia 22947
Tasting Room: (434) 244-3341 ext 105 tastingroom@keswickvineyards.com www.keswickvineyards.com
PRINCE MICHEL VINEYARDS
January is for fresh starts, lighter pours, and discovering places that feel memorable—and Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery delivers all three. As a woman-owned winery in the heart of Virginia Wine Country, Prince Michel blends tradition with a modern, welcoming vibe that invites you to slow down, sip, and stay awhile.
This month, we’re spotlighting our 2024 Grenache Blanc, a bright, refreshing white made for the new year. With notes of white peach, honeysuckle, and citrus, layered with golden apple and lemon zest, it finishes crisp and clean—perfect for lighter winter meals, healthier choices, and easy nights in with friends.
Pair it with seafood, roasted chicken, fresh veggies, or lighter sauces, or enjoy it during a relaxed visit to the winery. From wine tastings and scenic picnic spots to Tap 29 Brew Pub with craft beer and craveable food, Prince Michel is about more than wine—it’s about the experience.
Enjoy Grenache Blanc all January at 15% off (20% off for Wine Club members)Â and start the year somewhere worth remembering.
Live Music every Friday–Sunday (lineup on our website)
Trivia every Monday, 6–7:30 p.m.
Tuesday is Beer & Wings Specials Day
Happy Hour every Thursday, 3–5 p.m.
Open 7 days a week at 11 a.m.
154 Winery Lane, Leon, VAÂ 22725 (540) 547-3707
www.princemichel.com
A Woman-Owned Business
REVALATION VINEYARDS
Verj us
Dry January? We’ve got you covered! Revalation Vineyards’ verjus is the perfect mocktail ingredient. This non-alcoholic juice, made by pressing grapes early in the season, has a fresh, tart, and sweet flavor. It is excellent as a spritzer, a tasty toddy with slices of fresh ginger, or it can be enjoyed neat. It also adds zest to sauces, salad dressings, and marinades without overpowering other delicate aromas in the dish. Visit revalationvineyards.com for recipes.
January Hours: Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 6 pm; Sundays, noon to 5 pm. Monday January 19, noon to 5 pm. Mondays and Thursdays by reservation.
Until February 28th - Winter Experience - Looking for something fun and different to enjoy during the gray winter months? Our Winter Experience is exactly what you need. Enjoy our stunning vistas of Old Rag and the Blue Ridge Mountains as you snuggle under our heirloom quilts. Warm yourself by a fire pit, while you enjoy a mug of mulled wine and toast your marshmallows from our very special s’mores kit, which includes Belgian chocolate and homemade waffles.
Until February 28th - Exhibition of art pieces by Chealsea Kirby.
January 23rd - Book Club @ The Vineyard at 6pm: Author Paula Whyman will join us for Book Club this month to discuss her memoir, Bad Naturalist.
January 30th - Words & Wine at 6pm. Poets, novelists, spokenword artists, and storytellers of all sorts are invited to share their work. RSVP to the event by email to info@ revalationvineyards.com.
February 6th - Book World Meets Wine World at 6 pm: author MK England will read from his novel Roll For Love. A benefit for the Literacy Council of Madison County.
February 15th - Français with Françoise at 4pm: Practice your French conversation skills. Feel free to bring your dinner to enjoy during the evening.
February 22nd - Sip & Learn at 4 pm: Historian Jody Lahendro will talk about Historic Black Schools in Central Virginia.
February 27th – Book Club @ The Vineyard at 6pm: We will discuss The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope.
2710 Hebron Valley Road, Madison, VA 22727 • 540-407-1236 www.revalationvineyards.com
