A Perfect Summer Picnic in Virginia Wine Country
Written By: Michele Armentrout
Wine Experience Curator and Wine Educator at Eastwood Farm and Winery
Published By: Southside Neighbors & Forest Lakes Neighbors
Right outside your door, here in the Charlottesville area, over 40 winery experiences await you. One of my favorite things about my job at Eastwood Farm and Winery is curating these experiences for guests, whether it be a guided wine tasting or the perfect picnic. And depending upon what kind of experience you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered at Eastwood for a summer picnic: the Barn is great for indoor relaxation while the adjoining Veranda provides a covered lounge area with fans. The outdoor Terrace Bar is ideal for al fresco picnics because its backdrop is a breathtaking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Both locations are open until 8PM Wednesday through Saturday (until 6PM on Sunday), and both offer their own menu, and even live music, so it doesn’t take a lot of planning or preparation to create an inspired picnic for friends and family.
The weather is never a factor at Eastwood – with so many options to choose from – so what are you waiting for? Find your favorite, including wine, beer, and cider-pairing recommendations, for your next outing. You can also choose from five self-guided flights: Red, White, Virginia Classic, Gold Medal (2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup Gold Medal Winners), and Sparkling.
Al Fresco Picnic
Bring your own picnic to our terraced lawn and outdoor tasting bar or sample our Eastwood Grill food truck. Picnic tables and a covered tent lead to a terraced lawn and Adirondack chairs. Guests are welcome to bring additional chairs and blankets and pets are welcome. Try the Fried Chicken Sandwich with butter pickles and pimento cheese paired with a glass of Chardonnay or Merlot. Hot outside? Try the apple-pear wine slushy made from estate-grown fruit. For a lighter option, try the chickpea and grilled veggie salad with a skewer of grilled shrimp or chicken. The Viognier or Chardonnay Reserve complement the salads and the beautiful Virginia sunsets.
Indoor Picnic
The Barn and Veranda Picnic is a sure bet for any weather: Leather couches, a welcoming copper bar, ample table seating with a stage for live music, and a covered veranda with comfy chairs and tables! Try the Viognier or Merlot with the Eastwood Salad or the Flatbread (peaches, ricotta, balsamic drizzle and fresh basil) with the Cabernet Franc or White Blend. A draught IPA or Pilsner with Bavarian Pretzel Bites is a winner, too.
Family, Kid and Pet-Friendly Picnic
Terrace Bar and Eastwood Grill food truck, with a big lawn for the kids and a pet-friendly loop hike. The vibe here is wine slushy in the Blue Ridge sunshine chilling in an Adirondack. Kid’s fruit and cheese Snack Boxes and Juice Flights. Shirley Temples paired with French Fries and Garlic Aioli from Eastwood Grill make the whole family smile. Ciders and fries for mom and dad, maybe?
BYOPicnic
Set up camp at the Terrace Bar or Veranda, with your own curated collection of goodies. Pair the Meritage Reserve with a house made cheese board or charcuterie. The Raspberry Rosé with a fruit platter or a house-crafted Pilsner or IPA. Apple Pear and Raspberry Apple Ciders with homemade cold subs or Eastwood’s Chicken Salad Sandwich pair perfectly.
Celebration Picnic
Anniversary, engagement, birthday, or girls’ weekend? Reserve a private guided wine tasting at Eastwood, add a chocolate or cheese pairing, Pair the Rosé or the Blanc de Blancs with fondue (four-cheese and chocolate). Add a slice of house-made Champagne Ckae or Chocolate Raspberry Rosé Cake for birthdays.
Eastwood Farm and Winery is located at 2531 Scottsville Road, just 5 miles from Downtown Charlottesville. The (indoor) Barn and (covered) Veranda are open Wednesday-Saturday 12-8pm, Sunday noon-6pm. The (outdoor) Terrace Bar is open 4pm-8pm Wednesday-Friday, noon-8pm on Saturday, Sunday noon-6pm. Visit our website for more information about our wine club, live music, special events, and weddings.
