frequently asked questions
where can you find us?
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What is your address?
Our Tasting Room is on a 3,000 acre Reserve, so there are quite a few entrances and addresses to access different locations on the property. Rather than typing “Mount Ida” into your GPS, use 5931 Blenheim Road, Charlottesville, and you will arrive at the correct gate.
Where are you located in relation to Charlottesville?
The Tasting Room + Taphouse is in Albemarle county, just south of downtown Charlottesville and the UVA campus, about 25 minutes away.
Are there any wineries close to you?
We are in the heart of Virginia wine country along the Monticello Wine Trail. We are within 12 miles of Blenheim Vineyards, Cunningham Creek, Eastwood, Gabriele Rausse, Hardware Hills, Jefferson Vineyards, Michael Shaps, Trump, and Wisdom Oak.
Are there any breweries close to you?
We are along the Charlottesville Ale Trail within close proximity to James River Brewery and Cunningham Creek.
Are there any hiking trails or outdoor activities in the area?
We offer horseback riding along our Reserve trails, and the town of Scottsville, just 10 minutes down the road, is a great spot for nature lovers whether it be hiking, fishing, kayaking, or tubing. Check out Totier Creek Reserve Park, the Levee Walk, Van Clief Nature Area, or the James River.
the grounds
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Is your winery, brewery, and kitchen located in the same area?
Yes, all three elements of The Tasting Room are within the same space. There are not separate buildings or restrictions on where you can enjoy wine and beer.
Is your property family-friendly?
Absolutely! Children are allowed in any of the spaces on the Tasting Room grounds under parent supervision. We also offer a kids menu.
Do you have mountain views or scenic overlooks?
The Tasting Room and Taphouse was designed with our sweeping Blue Ridge Mountain views in mind. There is a view from every dining, lounge, and bar area. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer on our viewing deck to take it all in.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes – we have seven outdoor seating areas to enjoy in both the shade and sun: The portico, covered outdoor bar, lawn seating, viewing deck, firepit terrace with rocking chairs, “compass” lounge terrace, and the fireplace and fountain terrace.
Can the outdoor seating be used year-round?
During the colder months, our portico and outdoor bar dining areas are fully enclosed with glass walls with overhead heaters. Or, gather around the cozy firepit or outdoor fireplace.
Are dogs allowed on-site or on patios?
You may enjoy any of our outdoor spaces with your dog. We do not permit dogs inside with the exception of service dogs.
Is there indoor seating?
Our dining room is operational year-round with ample tables, tasting bar, and fireplace lounge area.
dining
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Do you have food available?
The Tasting Room has a full kitchen run by our executive chef, Chris Humphrey. Each dish has pairing suggestions for a Mount Ida wine or beer. Enjoy light faire or more substantial offerings.
Do you have brunch?
We offer brunch every Sunday beginning at 10:00. Enjoy sweet and savory favorites to pair with a house mimosa or your favorite beer.
Can I make a reservation for dining?
Reservations can be made by calling 434-286-4282 or by clicking here.
Is your kitchen farm-to-table?
Mount Ida began as a cattle farm and it remains fully operational today. All of our beef is farm raised and we work with local farms like Bellair to provide seasonal vegetables.
Do you allow walk-ins?
Walk-ins are always welcome. We do our best to save space for those without reservations on our busiest days. If there is a wait, you may grab a beverage from the bar and enjoy our outdoor terraces until your table is ready.
Do you offer group reservations or large party accommodations?
Our reservations are for parties of up to 20 guests. For larger groups, we offer “large party reservations” in one of our private spaces. Inquire about large groups by calling 434-960-4655.
Do you outside food?
We do not allow outside food or beverages on the property with the exception of cake for birthday celebrations.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.)?
We have options on our menu or may make modifications for dietary restrictions.
our wine and beer
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Do you make your wine and beer on-site?
Mount Ida has vineyards throughout the reserve and our wine is produced and bottled at a nearby facility. We grow our own barley for our beer on our farm and brew everything right in the Tasting Room. Watch our brewmaster at work through the window looking into our brewery at our indoor and outdoor bars.
Are tastings or flights available?
We offer tastings at our bar by reservation, and both rotating wine and beer flights tableside or to enjoy outside.
Can I join a wine or beer club?
Our Vintner’s Reserve Society along with our Brewer’s Reserve Society give members special perks reserved just for them like discounted food and drink, special access to our on-site lake, and first access to special events.
Do you sell your wine and beer in stores?
You can find our wines at various shops throughout the Charlottesville and Albemarle area and can enjoy wine by the glass or bottle as well as our beer on tap at local restaurants.
Can you ship wine?
We can ship bottles of wine nation-wide.
Do you host happy hours?
Every Friday we offer beer flights for half-off all day, and on Fridays and Saturdays you can enjoy discounted beer paired with a half-off small plate. We also have special happy hours during football season.
events and parties
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Do you host public events?
Our event calendar is full of activities year-round. Enjoy music, classes, brunch bingo, family events, wine dinners, and more. You can find a list of all of our events here.
Do you have private spaces available for parties?
We have both indoor and outdoor private options for birthday parties, showers, graduation parties, rehearsal dinners, anniversary celebrations, and many more. You may also reserve the whole Tasting Room for parties of up to 150 guests. Find our special event lookbook here.
Can I host a wedding at your property?
Mount Ida specializes in weddings. We have four wedding venues throughout our 3,000 acre Reserve, each offering something special and unique. With its breathtaking mountain-view ceremony site on the lawn and versatile reception space, the Tasting Room is a wonderful venue to say “I do.” Find out more about our wedding offerings here.
more to discover
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Do you offer on-site accommodations?
Mount Ida offers 11 homes and three guest houses ranging from historic manor homes to quaint cottages to mountain view cabins. We offer rentals of the whole home rather than individual rooms. Guests enjoy discounted rates at the Tasting Room and access to our private grounds. Relax on the beach at our private 50 acre lake, play a round of pickleball, walk the banks of the Hardware river or go for a swim in the Mount Pleasant Manor pool. Take a look at our accommodation options here.
Do you have TVs to watch the game?
Our outdoor bar is the perfect spot to catch any game. The bar features three TVs to show something for everyone with both local stations and streaming services.
Do you allow tour buses in your parking lot?
Yes, there is ample space in our lot for busses to park and we do not impose size restrictions.
Is Mount Ida a good spot to get engaged?
We love seeing couples pop the question at the Tasting Room. Our lawn with the mountain view backdrop is the perfect spot for a proposal.
Is there wifi available?
The Tasting Room is equipped with high-speed fiber optic wifi to stay connected, or bring your laptop and stay a while to get some work done.
Is there a dress code?
No, keep it as casual or formal as you’d like (within reason, of course), but keep in mind, the Tasting Room is filled with fabulous photo-opps.
