The Transit Limousine has all the luxury you have come to expect from a standard limousine, but with enough room for everyone. This is the perfect vehicle to enjoy Charlottesville’s many wineries and breweries with friends and family.
25 PASSENGER MINI BUS
Our Mini Buses are great vehicles for medium sized groups. These 25 Passenger vehicles, with their large viewing windows and individual seating, are a great way to tour the local area or shuttle guests from one location to another.
47–55 PASSENGER MOTOR COACH
The Motor Coach is the largest vehicle type in our fleet. We have two sizes of Motor Coach, 47 Passenger and 55 Passenger, both of which are ideal for large groups. These vehicles enable you to transport a significant number of passengers at one time
31 DAYS OF Holidays
Whether it’s the holidays, the end of another year, or the long cold nights that make us want to gather, December is full of events and celebrations. And in Charlottesville, if you want to, you can be out and about every night of the month. So pick your mix, and see how many days you can party on.
Let voices ring
December is the time of the year for lovers of both classical and holiday music. Start off on December 7 and 8 with a town-andgown favorite, UVA’s Family Holiday Concert with the Charlottesville Symphony and UVA Singers, performing a collection of carols and holiday favorites. (Hint: you might want to brush up on “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”)
Return to Old Cabell Hall on December 10 for the 57th annual Messiah Sing-in. Singers and instrumentalists can bring their own score or pick one up there; spectators are treated to an entire community singing and playing their hearts out. Don’t worry, it’s not the entire two-and-a half-hour work, just selected excerpts—including, of course, the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
On December 14, come out for the Virginia Consort’s Christmas with the Consort (matinee and evening concerts). If you’re yearning for mountain vistas, the Consort will also perform the next day at Wintergreen for Wintergreen Music’s Winter Wonderland.
Go ahead, make it a three-fer: The Oratorio Society of Virginia’s Christmas at the Paramount (matinee and evening concerts) on December 21. This year’s major work
BY CAROL DIGGS
Messiah Sing In ▼
is Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols; added highlights are performances by local youth choirs. (Music lovers take note: The Oratorio Society will be performing Bach’s masterpiece Mass in B minor in May 2025.)
The play’s the thing
Our local community theaters are going all out to make sure the boards are full of family fare, starting at Thanksgiving (for those who don’t do football or shopping).
From November 22 through December 15, take in Four County Players’ Coney Island Christmas, the story of a Jewish girl who finds she’s been cast as Jesus in the school’s holiday pageant. Comedy, drama, and cultural rapprochement ensue.
If you love live theater but are suffering from Christmas overload, Live Arts offers family fun with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, complete with musical score from the 1939 classic movie, from November 22 through December 15.
Or, if you can’t get enough Christmas, revel in the mice and magic of Tchaikovosky’s The Nutcracker, brought to life by the Charlottesville Ballet with two performances on December 7, and then again on December 21 and 22 (these dates have live accompaniment, courtesy of Charlottesville Symphony).
For many of us, it wouldn’t be Christmas without Scrooge and Tiny Tim, even if it’s the Muppets version. You can get your
Charlottesville Ballet’s
UVA’s Family Holiday Concert ▼
Christmas with the Consort ▲
The Nutcracker ▼
Photo by Sarah Cramer Shields
Dickens fix at the American Shakespeare Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, from December 5 through December 29. It’s a 90-minute romp with a moral: God bless us, everyone!
’Tis also the season
For many in our community, there are other December celebrations. A Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on the Downtown Mall to mark the Jewish holiday is hosted by UVA’s Chabad House. And for Kwanzaa, check out the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center’s Kwanzaa
Celebration, which includes Black business vendors, a craft table for kids, and a presentation about traditional African religion. (For both events, check websites, as the dates were not set at time of publication.)
Historical holidays
This area is rich in history, so there are plenty of opportunities to sample the holiday season of years past, before the Christmas tree and Santa and lawn decorations took center stage. Festive food has always been part of the season, so take in the 40th anniversary of the 18th-century Yuletide Dinner at Michie Tavern (December 14, two seatings).
Head up the mountain for a look at how deist Thomas Jefferson celebrated the holiday season: Monticello’s Holiday Evening Tours, including the second floor and the fabulous Dome Room, are available De-
Live Arts Royal Shakespeare ▲ Company’s adaptation of The Wizard of Oz
Boar’s Head Winter Wander ▼
Jefferson School African ▲ American Heritage Center’s Kwanzaa Celebration
THE WIZARD OF OZ photos by Will Kerner
cember 13-23 and 26-30. And then, just for comparison, stop by at James Monroe’s place for the After-Hours Seasonal Tour at Highland (dates not set at time of publication; check the website.)
Light up the night
Since the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, is also in December, celebrating with lights is an ancient tradition. The Boar’s Head Resort kicks off the season with its Winter Wander, November 22 through January 4. Enjoy a dynamic light display around the lakeside trail, ending with food and drink (and photos with Santa). Special nights this year feature a drone show and a performance by winged dancers.
Another well-known light-display destination is Veritas Vineyard’s Veritas Illuminated, November 22 through January 4. This is the vineyard’s 25th anniversary, so look for something special.
The Downtown Mall unveils its holiday lights at Thanksgiving, but the big event is the Grand Illumination on December 6, complete with music, food, games, Santa, and 20,000 LED lights. (Can’t wait to find out the winner of this year’s Christmas tree name!) That same night, you can also catch UVA’s Lighting of the Lawn, a student-run event that began in 2001 as a community rallying event after the attacks of September 11.
Fun for kids …
All these events above are kid-friendly, but there are also lots of activities geared spe-
cifically to the younger set. From Thanksgiving through the end of December, the Downtown Mall will host Magic on the Mall—events include Santa’s Scout Elves scavenger hunt, the Peppermint Trail, selfies with Santa, a weekend Holiday Trolley, and Saturday Holiday Markets.
On December 7, the Mall will host the Santa Fun Run and Walk, for ages 3 to 99, which raises funds for Arc of the Piedmont. Kids wear elf ears, adults wear Santa costumes, the race is only a mile, and a good time is had by all. As the slogan goes: “Be a Claus for a cause!”
… and adults
More grown-up fun is happening at the wealth of local wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries. The Crozet Winter Brews Festival at Claudius Crozet Park on December 7 offers a range of brews and food, as well as the Winter market. Participants are encouraged to wear “your ugliest sweater.”
Once you’ve recovered, head to Potter’s Craft Cider’s Wassail on December 14 for food and drink, singing to the apple trees (encouragement for a good 2025 harvest?), and the crowning of the Wassail Royals. By the end of December, you may be all partied out. But just in case, mark your calendar for Veritas Vineyard’s New Year’s Eve Masked Ball for a five-course, wine-paired dinner, dancing, and a buffet breakfast (if you’re still standing). It may be the perfect occasion to wish a fond farewell to 2024 and strike a hopeful note for 2025.
Potter’s Craft Cider’s Wassail ▲
Arc of the Piedmont ▲
Santa Fun Run and Walk
Grand Illumination ▼
Making magic
magic
The Downtown Mall is your one-stop shop for holiday happenings
BY FRIENDS OF CHARLOTTESVILLE DOWNTOWN
As the air turns crisp and the holiday spirit fills the streets, Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall is set to sparkle with joy and festivity. Whether you’re planning a winter weekend getaway, celebrating with lifelong friends, or creating new family traditions, you’ll find something special in downtown Charlottesville this winter.
The jolly time of the year transforms downtown Charlottesville into a glittering, bright, and merry place with memorymaking magic for adults and children alike. Of course, there’s eating, drinking, windowshopping, and gift-buying, but there is so much more!
Get lost on Charlottesville’s Downtown Peppermint Trail, search for Santa’s elves, enjoy the brand-new Magic on the Mall holiday lights, and explore all the merriment that downtown has to offer this season!
Here is a Santa-approved list of things to do downtown this holiday season.
Snap holiday photos in front of downtown lights
Kicking off holiday celebrations, the Magic on the Mall holiday lights will be officially illuminated November 21 at 5pm. Cheerful fiberglass flowers will light up the west end of the Mall between The Whiskey Jar and the CODE Building, while a whimsical CVILLE topiary (perfect for photo ops!) will be in the middle of the Mall. In addition, all the trees will be uplit with brightly colored lights, creating a warm and festive ambiance. Not only will the lights add a holiday twinkle to the Mall, they will also add extra illumination during the dark winter months.
On the east end of the Mall you will find the downtown Charlottesville Christmas
tree, which will be lit at the Grand Illumination on December 6 (at City Hall Plaza in front of Ting Pavilion). The event runs from 5pm to 8pm, and will feature food, performances, and activities for the whole family. After watching the tree lighting, follow the Downtown Express train in a holiday parade down the Mall!
Get your kids out of the house during school break
Help your kids burn off some excess energy and keep them entertained during winter break while making lasting holiday memories downtown. Here are some recommendations for kids. Find more info at friendsofcville.org (unless otherwise noted).
FREE Ride on the Friends of Cville Downtown Express, which runs every Saturday from 10am to 1pm on the Downtown Mall. The train leaves roughly every 10 minutes from Central Place next to the fountain. Take a merry trip around downtown, enjoy the festive sights, and see if you can spot one of Santa’s elves.
FREE Elves in Cville Scavenger Hunt runs from Thanksgiving through the first week of January. Santa has sent his elves to Charlottesville to help during the holiday season, but some of them have gotten lost. Help him find them all and win a prize! This is quickly becoming a beloved Charlottesville tradition. Pick up your scavenger hunt booklet and holiday stamp at Magpie Knits or J Fenton Too on the Downtown Mall.
FREE Selfies with Santa and holiday classics at The Paramount Theater on November 30 from 10am to 1pm. Santa is coming to the Paramount for photos on Small Business Saturday. Bring your family downtown to share your wish list with Father Christmas himself, snap a photo for your holiday card, and catch a few beloved holiday classics on the big screen. This event will include a food drive benefiting the Blue Ridge Food Bank. If you would like to donate, bring unopened canned food and non-perishables in non-glass containers.
FREE Alakazam Toy Store is helping get Santa’s mail to him! Bring your letter to the big red post box at Alakazam and make sure your wish list makes it to the North Pole in time for Christmas. Parents, be sure to scan the QR code at the post box to get a
personalized reply from Saint Nick. alakazamtoys.com
Date Night Drop-Off Need a Friday night out? Let the Virginia Discovery Museum watch the kids on December 13 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Enjoy the holiday lights and get all of your shopping done while your children engage in crafts and activities in a safe environment. Don’t forget to pre-register! vadm.org
For Goodness Bakes ’Tis the season for baking and eating. Celebrate great bakes at the Central Library. There will be cookies, crafts, games and puzzles, and socializing for the whole family. You’ll also find supplies to create vision boards for 2025, and tools to help reflect on 2024. Bring a dozen of your best homemade cookies to enter in the cookie competition, which has exciting new prizes up for grabs this year. jmrl.org
Shop small, shop locally
(open late on Thursday evenings)
Downtown Charlottesville offers something for everybody on your list. Here are a few spots you might want to visit.
For the art-lover, find treasures at Cville Arts Cooperative, which features handmade works by more than 50 Virginia artists and craftspeople; Consignment House Gallery, an eclectic mix of consigned antiques, art, jewelry, and other gift items; Oyster House Antiques, a hand-picked curation of traditional antique Chinese furniture and goods; Ten Thousand Villages, a fair-trade retailer of artisan-crafted home
decor, personal accessories, and gift items from across the globe; or Second Street Gallery, which showcases contemporary artists and cutting-edge new art.
For the book lover, head to 2nd Act Books, a secondhand bookshop with particular focus on children’s books, books by authors of color, and books about local culture; The Beautiful Idea, which features books, artwork, jewelry, apparel, and other goods from more than two dozen local Queer vendors; Blue Whale Books, purveyor of used and rare books, old maps, and prints from the 1500s onwards; and Hello Comics, where you’ll find a huge array of hard-to-find small-press and independent comics in addition to classics from Marvel and DC.
For the fashionista, check out secondhand shops like Agents in Style, which offers new and consigned designer and luxury clothing and accessories for women and men or DarlingxDashing, a curated selection of contemporary secondhand and artisan handmade goods for a feminine and masculine aesthetic, plus Jean Theory for designer denim, and Ma Nah Ma Nah for bohemian flair.
For the jewelry-lover, pop into Angelo Jewelry, a contemporary jewelry store showcasing national and local artists; Formia Design, which offers handmade jewelry and custom designs including custom items featuring children’s artwork; Lynn Goldman Elements, designer jewelry ranging from modern to bohemian; The Jeweler’s Eye, a tailored selection of antique and estate jewelry; Tilla Accessories, offering
trendy and affordable jewelry as well as home décor items; or Tuel Jewelers, a longtime Downtown Mall favorite specializing in silver jewelry and watches.
For kids, make their eyes sparkle with a plush toy or board game from Alakazam Toy Store or a posh outfit from O’Suzannah. And for all those hard-to-buy-for recipients or holiday extras, you can’t go wrong with one of the many specialty shops on the Downtown Mall.
• Get your holiday cards at rock paper scissors.
• Decorate with flowers from Hedge Fine Blooms.
• Pamper your loved ones with relaxing self-care gifts from Ovid & Lane or luxurious bedding from Yves Delorme.
• Spoil your pet with a treat or new toy from PawPrints Boutique.
• Buy beautiful yarn for your favorite knitter at Magpie Knits.
• Find the best quirky hostess gifts at J Fenton Too.
Many downtown retailers are helping to make the holiday season just a little less stressful by extending store hours until 8pm on Thursdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Spend an evening downtown viewing lights, sampling delicious treats, and checking shopping off your todo list. Visit friendsofcville.org/magic for up-to-date information on participants.
Finally, don’t miss your chance to find great handmade artisan crafts, candies, jewelry, woodworking, and home decor goods at all downtown holiday markets.
• The City Market on Water Street will host holiday markets from 9am to 1pm be-
tween November 30 and December 21.
• Market Central at IX Art Park hosts its winter market from 9am to 1pm starting October 5.
• The First Street Holiday Fair takes place on First Street downtown between 10am and 3pm on December 7, hosted by DarlingxDashing Boutique.
coffees including holiday flavors of peppermint, gingerbread, cinnamon, cranberry, apple spice, and more. Follow the trail of candy canes on the sidewalks of downtown Charlottesville to discover all sorts of treats.
From candy cane coffees at morning brunch to cider sipped by candlelight, you’ll find festive deliciousness around almost every corner. Explore the Peppermint Trail from
Eliminate cooking and cleaning by dining out on the Mall
With a diverse array of restaurants offering everything from cozy comfort food to gourmet delights, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual bite with family or an elegant dinner with friends, downtown Charlottesville has it all.
For those on-the-go mornings, grab coffee or breakfast at Corner Juice, Grit Coffee, Iron Paffles and Coffee, or Mudhouse Coffee Roasters.
Pause for lunch at one of downtown’s delicious vegan options Botanical Fare and Farmacy Café, or indulge in a burger at Citizen Burger Bar followed by a sweet treat at Petite MarieBette.
And for those special evenings out, you might try Hamiltons’ at First & Main, Petit Pois, or Ten Sushi. Whether you’re craving Southern, French, or Japanese, downtown has anything your taste buds desire.
Sleigh the Peppermint Trail
Downtown Charlottesville is decked out and dipped in peppermint—the Peppermint Trail is sweeter than ever! Treat yourself to delicious holiday cocktails and
the day after Thanksgiving through January 7, 2025.
Visit friendsofcville.org/magic to download your Peppermint Trail Passport. If you collect four or more secret code words, turn in your passport to J Fenton Too or Magpie Knits to win a prize.
Attend a special holiday event downtown
Arts, culture, and community are things that set downtown Charlottesville apart from any other shopping and dining district.
You won’t want to miss:
• The Santa Fun Run on Saturday, December 7, which features hundreds of happy Santas walking or running through Charlottesville’s festive streets for the annual Arc of the Piedmont event.
• The Nutcracker at the Paramount has an international all-star cast that blends world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics.
• National Go Caroling Day on December 20 gives you and your friends and family a chance to sing “loud for all to hear.”
• Charlottesville Holiday Band Concert showcases The Charlottesville Band closing out its 102nd season with its annual Holiday Celebration Concert on Sunday, December 8, at 3:30pm, at The Paramount Theater. The free family-oriented program features traditional holiday favorites, a sing-a-long, guest artists, and a visit from Santa.
• Opera Duets Concert Series with the Charlottesville Opera spotlighting soprano Caroline Worra and mezzo Leanne
Clement, who share their favorite duets and solos.
• The Wizard of Oz at Live Arts runs from November 22 through December 15, letting you experience the beloved classic on stage.
• The Paramount’s Christmas with Elvis includes holiday hits from the King of Rock and Roll, performed by tribute artist Matt Lewis, who will be joined by Big Ray and the Kool Kats as the 12-piece Long Live the King Orchestra.
• Leslie Odom Jr.’s Christmas Tour stop at the Paramount features Christmas classics performed by the Tony- and Grammy Award-winning, three-time Emmy- and two-time Academy Award-nominated vocalist, songwriter, actor, and New York Times bestselling author.
• The Oratorio Society’s Christmas at the Paramount showcases the talent of 95 local singers. The concert features Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” with harp, as well as traditional favorites such as “I Saw Three Ships” and new arrangements of holiday classics with a brass quintet.
• The Downtown Hanukkah Celebration celebration will be led by Chabad House on December 29, the fourth night of Hanukkah.
• Met Life in HD’s Holiday Encore: The Magic Flute is a Live in HD show with whimsical humor and the breathtaking puppetry of Julie Taymor’s hit production, presented in a shortened Englishlanguage version at the Paramount.
Make sure you stay in the know by signing up for the Friends of Cville Downtown newsletter, following @friendsofcville on Instagram, and checking the Downtown events calendar.
Treat yourself the gift of relaxation! Buy any 60 or 90 minute massage or facial, and receive a second one at 50% off.
Follow us on IG and Facebook to see other amazing holiday specials starting in December!
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Holiday Market
100 Water Street
November 30 – December 21
Saturdays, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Holiday Market hosts over 100 unique, local vendors that offer a wide range of arts, crafts, and specialty foods. ONE HOUR OF FREE PARKING at the Water Street parking garage.
Whether it’s a family portrait or a winter scene: the perfect frame wraps up your memories in style! Imagine your favorite artwork, elevated with a one-of-a-kind custom frame. Experience the magic of great custom framing and see how it can make your walls come alive!
Discover our extensive selection of choices and designs. Create the perfect frame this holiday season, and shop our gallery for original art, jewelry and gifts! All framing is hand crafted in our studio on site.
Locally artisan owned ~
Gallery/Design • Wed - Sat & by appointment.
Beate Casati • (540) 832.3701 • Book your design slot today!
Find inspiration, updates, hours, events & current art at IG @cavallo.gallery - IG @shop.cavallogallery
It’s that time of year again! Crisp days turn into chilly evenings, fireplaces are lit, and family and friends gather to celebrate the holidays. Several years ago, we took a look at some of the best local sparkling wines to add to your holiday table or wine shelf, and we’re back this season with a whole new lineup.
The first record of sparkling wine suggests it was made in the Languedoc region of France. Called Blanquette de Limoux, it utilized the ancestral method of winemaking, where fermentation is stopped early and the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle. As science progressed, the method for making consistent sparkling wine was refined by monk Dom Pierre Pérignon, and commercial production began in the early 1700s. This method is commonly known as Méthode Champenoise or Méthode Traditionnelle. In the late 1800s, Italian winemaker Federico Martinotti improved the traditional method with a new forced carbonation process that allowed sparkling wine to be made at a greater volume with a lower price point. This later became known as the Charmat method. In the late 18th century, British chemist Joseph Priestley again improved the forced carbonation method, which was later commercialized by Jacob Schweppe to create sodas and other carbonated beverages. To this day, sparkling wine is made in one of these styles.
Classically considered the universal pairing wine, a bottle of bubbly is perfect for the upcoming holidays. In support of our local wineries, consider picking up one of these incredible wines for the season.
Barren Ridge Vineyards:
2019 Blanc de Blanc, $42
Barren Ridge has a bright and intense sparkling wine in its Blanc de Blanc. Made in the traditional method, and from 100 percent chardonnay, the Blanc de Blanc has a strong bubble structure with a fizziness that is long-lasting on the tongue. With a color of pale straw and an aroma of Granny Smith apples, the palate contains notes of clementine and lemon zest. Aged in the bottle for approximately one year, this is a wine that is meant to be enjoyed young, but has the structure to age nicely. While the farm has been operating for almost a century, previously as an orchard, the first varietals were planted in 2007. Barren Ridge is located on the outskirts of Waynesboro, with a beautiful vista of the vineyard visible from the tasting room. Be sure to swing by for a glass next to the fireplace, and enjoy the incredible hospitality and offerings.
Local sparkling wines to add to your holiday table
BY STEPHANIE VOGTMAN
Blenheim Vineyards:
2022 Blanc de Blenheim, $33
Blanc de Blenheim is the very first sparkling wine from the team at Blenheim Vineyards. Made with chardonnay and garganega grapes in Methode Champenoise, it is a beautiful and unique wine. With large bubbles, and a straw-gold color, you’ll find a wonderful combination of flavors including McIntosh apples and yellow flowers. While the wine has a perceived lower acidity, and soft round mouthfeel, this sparkling wine is dry and very well balanced. Be on the lookout, because the popularity of this vintage has inspired two more sparkling wines that are currently in
the works at Blenheim. While the tasting room is open for bottle/glass sales, if you’d like to enjoy a classic tasting, you’ll need to make reservations in advance.
Eastwood Winery:
NV Blanc de Blanc, $39
Aged for roughly two years in the bottle, Eastwood’s Blanc de Blanc has a gorgeous golden hue. Dry and crisp, you’ll find hints of almond, apples, and just a touch of hazelnut on the nose. With a fine clean bubble, a product of the Methode Champenoise and its aging, this is a sparkling that can certainly be aged or enjoyed now. If you’re swinging by Eastwood, be sure to also pick up a packet of the winery’s mulling spice blend. Owner Athena Eastwood made the original blend from scratch, and through the cooler months it is a delightful addition to the vineyard’s wine menu. Start your visit with a bottle of Blanc de Blanc, and finish with a warm mug of mulled wine.
Gabriele Rausse Winery:
2019 Blanc de Noir $58
One of the more complex wines on this list, Blanc de Noir sourced its pinot noir grapes exclusively from our local area. The base wine was originally aged in older French
oak barrels to give a wonderful round mouthfeel that has translated into the finished product. Between barrel and bottle, the Blanc de Noir was aged for 40 months. The finished product has a light orange and gold hue, with fine mousse-like bubbles. Dried strawberries, nougat, cream, and a hint of clementine make for a perfect expression of the Pinot Noir grapes. If you hadn’t heard, Gabriele Rausse Winery has started a special bottle club, so be sure to check it out while you’re picking up a bottle (and one of their freshly made baguettes!).
Mount Ida Reserve:
NV Over the Moon Sparkling, $45
Known for its stunning views and combination of beer and wine, Mount Ida is a gor-
Jill Merriwether Photography
geous tasting room to visit. Over the Moon is a fun and zippy sparkling wine made from a blend of vidal blanc, chardonnay, viognier, and petit manseng. Made using the Charmat method, the wine’s bubbles are big and bright. Floral and creamy, this sparkling has a palate of apricot jam, light toast, and honeysuckle. Mount Ida does have a sparkling rosé in addition to Over the Moon, but it currently has limited availability until early 2025. When you visit, make sure to give one of the farm beers a try as well.
Oakencroft Farm & Winery:
2023 Bella Sparkling Rosé, $19
The newest tasting room in this lineup, Oakencroft re-opened 18 months ago, and was a finalist for Best Small Winery in the 2024 Best of C-VILLE. Originally their vines were planted in 1982, and they exclusively grow hybrid grapes at this time. Now, the winery is working toward becoming carbon sync, with high sustainability and biodynamic farming practices. The Bella comes in a split 375mL bottle, but still packs a punch. Made from 100 percent estate chambourcin, the color is a stunning ruby with a few orange tones. This particu-
lar wine was made with forced carbonation to allow the fruit quality and uniqueness to shine through the finished product. It is quite bracing with high acidity and large bubbles, but on the palate you’ll find a pleasant combination of cherries and tangy strawberries. The tasting room is only six miles west of Barracks Road, which makes it one of the closest wineries to town.
Ox-Eye Vineyards:
NV Blanc de Noir, $35
Located in downtown Staunton, Ox-Eye Vineyards’ tasting room is cozy and convenient for a quick day trip. Owner John Kiers oversees the vineyard and makes the still base wine, while his daughter Harriet handles the secondary fermentation for the sparkling wines. An up-and-coming local winemaker, Harriet has had apprenticeships in France and Oregon. The Blanc de Noir features 100 percent of its estate pinot noir with a full two years of aging in the bottle. Fine and soft bubbles bring wonderful effervescence to the palate of marzipan, nougat, and crisp yellow apples. Be on the lookout for Ox-Eye’s upcoming holiday events, a perfect time to pick up a bottle of the Blanc de Noir.
Thibaut-Janisson:
Xtra Brut, $29-35
It’s almost impossible to mention sparkling wine in Virginia without mentioning Thibaut-Janisson. Claude Thibaut is one of the most experienced sparkling winemakers in Virginia, not only producing his wine, but sparkling wines for many other local wineries. The Xtra Brut is a personal favorite, and it’s made from Tête de Cuvée, meaning first pressing of the grapes. Typically, the first press is considered superior in quality for sparkling wines. Additionally, the Xtra Brut has a very low added “dosage” (the sugar and wine combination added for secondary fermentation), which preserves the brightness and freshness of the fruit. With very fine bubbles, you’ll find a light aroma of white flowers and almonds, and on the palate you’ll notice subtle minerality with white peach and Asian pears. While Thibaut-Janisson does not have an official tasting room, you can purchase its wine online or in many grocery stores and bottle shops.
Keep these wines and all other local wineries in mind as you stock your wine shelf for the holiday season. Whether you’re enjoying brunch in the morning, or a toast at dinner, sparkling wine is the perfect addition to a holiday menu. Cheers!
Claudius Crozet Park
Claudius Crozet Park - 1075 Claudius Crozet Pk, Crozet, VA 22932
Happy Holidays!
The Albemarle Angler wants to invite you to celebrate with us and enjoy great fishing, clothing and travel products at the best prices. We are recently reopened and carry brands like Orvis, Sage, Scott, G. Loomis, Simms, Fishpond, Filson and many more!
guaranteed low prices, and ask about our gift cards! Come by our shop at Barracks Road and our expert staff will help you with gift ideas and products for your next adventure!
Holiday Hours
Sunday & Monday, 12-15
Tuesday-Saturday 11-6
In joyful chorus
In the 10 years since it began, Charlottesville’s annual Wassail has become a seasonal mustdo. Held at Potter’s Craft Cider on December 14, 2024, the event features a family-friendly day of live music, mulled cider, fire pits, and, of course, a fireside sing-along following the crowning of the new Wassail Royals.
