Trek and Taste Charlottesville

An immersive hiking experience where we learn about the geology, climate, and history that make Virginia a unique and incredible place for wine.

What's Included:

• Fine wine tasting and charcuterie curated by level-1 sommelier David Miller
• Guided beginner level terroir hike and lesson through the Blue Ridge Mountains
• Packed Lunch Day 1
• Hike to and guided tour of Monticello (Thomas Jefferson's Estate)
• Private fine wine tasting at the renowned King Family Vineyards
• Transportation to all events from a central location

What's not Included:

• Accommodation (optional)
• Day packs/hiking apparel
• All other meals

The Lowdown

 Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Charlottesville, Virginia! Join us for a thrilling hiking and wine tasting event that promises to elevate your senses and your spirits! Imagine sipping exquisite wines, expertly curated by our outdoor sommelier David Miller, while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. As you traverse the picturesque trails, you'll not only indulge in tantalizing flavors but also soak in the rich history with a visit to the iconic Monticello. This is not just an event; it's a sensational experience where nature and fine wine converge in perfect harmony. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to create lasting memories in the great outdoors—secure your spot today and prepare for an adventure like no other! Why you ask? Because wine tastes better in the woods.  

What You'll Love

You probably know that the Blue Ridge Mountains boast some of the best views and hiking trails on the east coast. What you may not know is that the original connoisseur of Virginia wine, Thomas Jefferson, called these mountains home. We'll learn about the history of wine in Virginia while hiking through the mountains that help shape the Shenandoah Valley and Monticello AVA's. If that's not enough, you will also LOVE our comparative wine tasting pitting Virginia's premier varietals against their old world counterparts while enjoying the view from the side of a mountain. 

The Trip

Day 1 - Shuttle from downtown Charlottesville to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a hike through the blue ridge mountains where our very own Blaze Adventure Tours sommelier will teach you about the terroir and varietals of Virginia as we look over the Shenandoah Valley and Monticello AVA's below. Following the hike we will have a 6-wine comparative tasting of old world wines and their Virginian counterparts (accompanied by charcuterie) to highlight what is special about Virginia wines. During this guided tasting, our outdoor sommelier David will teach you about each wine, where it comes from, and how it ties into the history of Virginia wine Our time today ends with a shuttle back to Charlottesville and a cornucopia of dinner/evening options.

Day 2 - On day two we head to a paved trail and hike two miles to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. On this hike we will learn about the 300-year history of wine in Virginia and the godfather of Virginia wine himself, Thomas Jefferson. Upon reaching Monticello we will enjoy a guided tour of the estate before hiking back. Our last stop of the weekend will be to the renowned King Family Vineyards where we will enjoy lunch before a private wine tasting overlooking their spectacular grounds.