Nelson 151 Valley Road Vineyards: Award-Winning Virginia Wine Excellence in Nelson County

Valley Road Vineyards stands as the gateway to Nelson 151 and Virginia’s craft beverage trail, bringing award-winning Virginia wine excellence to Nelson County since 2015. Located at the northern entrance of the Virginia craft beverage trail in Afton, this Nelson County destination represents authentic Virginia wine craftsmanship with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views that define the Nelson 151 experience.

Virginia Wine Gateway to Nelson 151

Valley Road Vineyards holds a unique position in Nelson County and Virginia craft beverage trail history as the first stop for visitors exploring Nelson 151. Founded in 2015 by a group of friends who brought talents from successful careers in law, advertising, insurance, real estate development, and writing, Valley Road was conceived with a mutual love of Virginia wine and a shared desire to support the emerging Virginia wine industry.

Located at the gateway to the popular Nelson 151 trail in the heart of the Monticello American Viticulture Area (AVA), Valley Road Vineyards found the ideal site for both vineyard and tasting room operations. Since bottling their first Virginia wines in April 2016 and opening their tasting room “SIP” to the public in August of that year, they have established themselves as a premier Nelson County destination on the Virginia craft beverage trail.

Award-Winning Virginia Wine from Nelson County’s Premier Estate

What sets Valley Road apart on Nelson 151 and the Virginia craft beverage trail is their commitment to producing outstanding estate Virginia wines that showcase the terroir of Nelson County. With 17 acres of thriving vines across three vineyard sites in the Monticello AVA, Valley Road creates award-winning Virginia wines that represent the excellence the Virginia craft beverage trail is known for.

Their award-winning portfolio includes standout Virginia wines like the Mountain Glen Rose ($23), perfect for sipping on hot summer days while taking in striking Blue Ridge vistas. For celebrations, their Sparkling Viognier ($40) offers a brilliant take on Virginia’s state grape, while the popular Torn Curtain 2021 blend ($28) represents a sumptuous amalgam of the area’s most velvety reds that has become a Nelson 151 favorite.

Estate Virginia Wine Excellence Across Multiple Vineyards

Valley Road’s commitment to Virginia wine quality extends across their three carefully managed vineyard sites in Nelson County. Under the oversight of General Manager Grayson Poats, their original 2016 planting comprises just under 4 acres on the south end of their Afton campus with four roughly equally sized blocks of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

A second vineyard planted in 2021 on the north end of the Afton campus comprises 6 acres of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Albariño, while their third site—a 6-acre vineyard near Lovingston in Nelson County known as “Mountain Glen”—cultivates Chambourcin, Merlot, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Petit Manseng. This multi-site approach allows Valley Road to create Virginia wines that truly express the diversity of Nelson County terroir on the Virginia craft beverage trail.

Award-Winning Virginia Wine Craftsmanship and Aging

Valley Road’s dedication to Virginia wine excellence shows in their meticulous approach to wine making in Nelson County. Though they offer off-dry options for clients who desire something sweeter, Valley Road Vineyard Virginia wines are primarily dry in character, allowing the true expression of Nelson County fruit to shine through on the Virginia craft beverage trail.

They strive not to release their red Virginia wines earlier than 18 months post-crush, with most receiving even more aging than that. This commitment to proper aging ensures that every bottle of Valley Road Virginia wine represents the quality and patience that defines excellence on the Nelson 151 trail. Valley Road believes that good Virginia wine begins in the vineyard with great fruit, and their award-winning results prove this philosophy works in Nelson County.

The Complete Nelson 151 Virginia Wine Experience

Open seven days a week (Monday-Thursday 12noon-5:30pm, Friday 12noon-7pm with Happy Hour 3:30-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 10:30am-5:30pm), Valley Road offers more than exceptional Virginia wine—they provide the complete Virginia craft beverage trail experience. Their farm-chic SIP Tasting Room, outdoor Patio, Pavilion overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, and shady Grove create multiple settings for enjoying award-winning Virginia wines in Nelson County.

Valley Road’s campus on Nelson 151 provides a mix of sitting areas and event venues that capture the essence of Virginia wine country hospitality. From tasting flights starting at $15.95 to full bottle and glass sales, visitors can experience the full range of Valley Road’s award-winning Virginia wines while taking in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views that make the Virginia craft beverage trail special.

Family-Friendly Virginia Wine Destination

Valley Road exemplifies what makes Nelson 151 and the Virginia craft beverage trail special—welcoming, inclusive experiences for all visitors. Children of all ages are welcome in this Nelson County destination, though they ask that children remain with parents and are supervised to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment of the Virginia wine experience.

Dogs are welcome on leash in the outdoor areas, and outside food is permitted on patio tables, making Valley Road an ideal Nelson 151 stop for families exploring the Virginia craft beverage trail together. Their relaxed, family-friendly environment at the gateway to Nelson County’s wine region sets the tone for memorable Virginia craft beverage trail adventures.

Virginia Wine Events and Community Connection

Valley Road understands that great Virginia craft beverage trail experiences extend beyond exceptional Virginia wine to creating community connections in Nelson County. Their annual events include Rosépalooza each March (a festive weekend dedicated to all things Rosé), Anniversary Weekend in August, and Late Fridays from April through October with Happy Hour specials.

Popular food trucks on Fridays and Saturdays complement the Virginia wine experience, while live music events featuring award-winning artists create the kind of memorable Nelson 151 experiences that bring visitors back to the Virginia craft beverage trail. These events capture the community-driven spirit that makes Valley Road and Nelson County destinations special for Virginia wine enthusiasts.

Virginia Wine Recognition and Industry Excellence

Valley Road’s commitment to Virginia wine excellence has earned recognition within the industry, with their award-winning wines representing the quality that has made Nelson 151 synonymous with exceptional Virginia craft beverage experiences. As part of Wine Enthusiast’s International Wine Region of the Year—Charlottesville, Virginia/the Monticello American Viticulture Area—Valley Road showcases why Nelson County has become a premier Virginia wine destination.

Their informative tastings led by knowledgeable “Vinistas” provide educational Virginia wine experiences that help visitors understand what makes Nelson County and the Virginia craft beverage trail special. From private tastings ($28 per person) to walk-up bar experiences, Valley Road offers multiple ways to discover their award-winning Virginia wines.

Gateway to Virginia Wine Excellence

What makes Valley Road truly special on Nelson 151 and the Virginia craft beverage scene is their role as the gateway that introduces visitors to the excellence of Nelson County’s Virginia wine region. Located just one mile south of the Route 250/151 interchange, Valley Road serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the Virginia craft beverage trail.

Their motto “Great Wine. Great Views. Great People.” captures the essence of what makes the Nelson 151 experience special—award-winning Virginia wines paired with stunning Blue Ridge Mountain scenery and genuine hospitality that defines Nelson County’s approach to the Virginia craft beverage trail.

Part of Nelson County’s Virginia Wine Legacy

As the gateway to Nelson 151 and a cornerstone of Virginia’s craft beverage trail, Valley Road Vineyards represents the innovative spirit and unwavering quality focus that has made Nelson County synonymous with exceptional Virginia wine experiences. Their award-winning Virginia wines and farm-chic hospitality showcase how traditional wine making methods and commitment to terroir create outstanding results while honoring the Nelson County landscape.

When you visit Valley Road in Nelson County, you’re not just enjoying award-winning Virginia wines in a stunning setting—you’re beginning a journey through the Virginia craft beverage trail that starts with the excellence and hospitality that defines the Nelson 151 experience.

Ready for Your Own Award-Winning Virginia Wine Adventure?

Valley Road Vineyards awaits at the gateway to Nelson 151 with their award-winning Virginia wine portfolio, stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views, and that farm-chic hospitality that has established Nelson County as a premier Virginia craft beverage trail destination. Come curious about Virginia wine excellence, leave connected to the authentic craft that makes the Virginia craft beverage trail unforgettable.

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Ready to discover award-winning Virginia wine at the gateway to Nelson 151? Visit Valley Road Vineyards daily in Nelson County and experience the Virginia wine excellence that begins every memorable journey along the Virginia craft beverage trail.