Val & Allison
Things To Do
Brent Manor Vineyards
We love Brent Manor! We joined the wine club here at the end of the summer in 2024, and have loved getting to know the couple who own and operate the winery together. We even stopped by here for a celebratory glass of rosé on our way home after Allison proposed! Their Portuguese style wines are perfect for sipping out on the beautiful patio with a charcuterie picnic, looking over the mountain valley views. (Tell the winery cat Moby that we said hi!) About a 35 minute drive north of the wedding location at Sweet Briar, 20 minutes south of Charlottesville. Open Friday 12-5:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday, 11 AM-5:30 PM
Dr. Ho's Humble Pie
Dr. Ho's has the BEST pizza in the area, and the perfect ranch for dipping those delicious slices. We usually order their signature Humble Pie, or the Don Ho. Bonus tip: if you're driving from Charlottesville to have some wine at Brent Manor Vineyards, Dr. Ho's is on your way. Pick up a pizza to eat on the patio and let the folks at Brent Manor suggest a wine pairing with it!
Blue Mountain Brewery
Fantastic food and wonderful beers, with lots of outdoor seating. If you want to check out the Nelson 151 Trail, this is a great stop on the north end, and the views of the mountains are unmatched. We both like their brunch menu on Sunday mornings, especially the breakfast pizza. Allison likes their Key Lime on Acid sour beer and Val loves the mushroom & swiss burger. 45 minute drive from Sweet Briar; 30 minute drive from Charlottesville.
Bryant's Dry Ciders
The ciders here are awesome, with lots of unique variety! Try the Unicorn Fuel while you explore the wide spaces available around the farm, play some lawn games, or have a full blown NES battle on the console in the tasting room. We recommend their grilled cheese sandwiches too! 30 minute drive from Sweet Briar, 52 minute drive from Charlottesville.
Blue Toad Hard Cider - Cidery & Event Barn
One of our favorite fall spots - Blue Toad has great ciders, and they host the Blue Ridge Mountain Maze corn maze and fall festival throughout the season! Head out here to fill your heart with sunshine, fall foliage, and snag those perfect pumpkin Instagram photos. We like getting their tasting room flight to share - it comes with 12 small pours in a cupcake tin, so you can try everything! 38 minute drive from Sweet Briar, 45 minute drive from Charlottesville.
Rebec Vineyards
We went here on our first weekend getaway together in the fall of 2023. The Sweet Briar Rosé is our pick for best wine on their menu. Just a 12 minute drive from Sweet Briar, and 45 minutes from Charlottesville.