And we did just that during a recent summer getaway to the Charlottesville area. We rented a cottage on a vineyard site managed by Stay Charlottesville, and the cottage named Coop Billon was located on the property associated with Afton Mountain Vineyards. Of course, we visited several wineries during our stay!

For readers looking for a local weekend getaway or longer vacation in the historic Charlottesville area, consider booking accommodations through Stay Charlottesville. We booked a cottage located on a vineyard because we are wine geeks; however, other Stay sites include Charlottesville estates, rustic Virginia countryside, and University of Virginia. The Coop Billon is one of four cottages that offer guests views of Afton Mountain’s vineyards, a tasting in the tasting room, a gorgeous views of Virginia mountainsides. The cottage itself can be described as country quaint with a complete kitchen, spacious bathroom, and a back porch that included rocking chairs. Paul and I enjoyed simple meals each night paired with a favorite Virginia wine while dining al fresco on the porch. Each meal was partnered with lovely skies, and on one evening, music from the winery.

A stay at the cottages includes a free tasting at the winery; of course, we took advantage of the opportunity to sample the latest releases from Afton Mountain Vineyards. Owner Elizabeth Smith greeted us warmly, and it was she who conducted our tasting. I already had dinner on my mind even though it was 11 AM—-it’s never too early to think about dinner; anyway, I knew that we were going to enjoy crab cakes that evening. The first pour on the tasting list was also my choice to pair with dinner, and it was the 2018 Albarino. It presented floral notes with peach aromas and a crisp, refreshing feel in the mouth. Be on the look out for lots of rose from the 2018 vintage due to the heavy rainfall during that growing season, and the 2018 Rose from Afton Mountain Vineyards offered bright red berry notes and fruity palate that demanded to be enjoyed on a hot summer day.

Speaking of the 2018 vintage, readers may know that some winemakers have opted not to produce red wines from that growing season; however, remember that microclimates matter. While some vineyard sites got soaked, others were more fortunate to receive a break from the constant rainfall and were able to produce red wines. The 2018 Cabernet Franc from Afton Mountain Vineyards was quite enjoyable. It was lighter bodied with lots of red raspberry and cherry notes; it also presented a fruity palate that makes it an easy pairing with lighter fare now or in the fall. If in doubt about which winemaker is doing what with the 2018 vintage, ask the particular winemaker at a specific winery——don’t assume everyone has decided not to produce red wines.

Of course, summer will not last forever and fall/winter fare will grace the dinner tables. Consider Afton Mountain’s Bacco 2016 which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot and Tannat. This one featured a profile of ripe dark berries and currants with a chewy/tannic presence that plays well with heavier beef dishes and game meats. Look out for a white port-style wine crafted from the floral muscat grape; we were treated to a sneak preview; however, we are not sure when it will be released.

And so our day ended just as we had planned—-crab cakes with the 2018 Albarino from Afton Mountains. We dined outdoors and were entertained by the band playing at the winery; a cool breeze greeted a colorful sky made brighter by fire flies flitting above the meadow. Consider a Stay at the vineyard cottages while visiting the Charlottesville area, and enjoy the lovely wines at Afton Mountain Vineyards. Please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!