THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Skip the logistics and let Explore Tour drive you to Carter Mountain Orchard and Blenheim Vineyards for a social, five-hour tasting loop. Expect orchard treats, bus pours, games and photo-ready views of Albemarle County.
Skip the logistics and let Explore Tour drive you to Carter Mountain Orchard and Blenheim Vineyards for a social, five-hour tasting loop. Expect orchard treats, bus pours, games and photo-ready views of Albemarle County.
Book with RVA Explore Tour
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by RVA Explore Tour · Charlottesville, VA
Leave the planning and the driving to someone else and spend an easy, sunlit afternoon tasting Virginia wine and apple orchard treats on the Public Charlottesville Winery Tour. This five-hour outing runs from a Richmond pickup in the Libbie Mill area to the rolling vineyards and orchard views around Charlottesville, Virginia, taking in Carter Mountain Orchard and Blenheim Vineyards with guided pours, games, and photo stops.
The route travels west from Richmond into Albemarle County where vine rows and orchard terraces climb the lower slopes of the Southwest Mountains. Carter Mountain Orchard is a highlight: perched on a gentle summit, its terraced trees, panoramic overlooks and seasonal apple stands offer wide views over the Blue Ridge foothills. Expect apple cider donuts, slushies, and the option to pick fruit; the tour includes a $10 Carter Mountain entry fee. Blenheim Vineyards, known for its approachable Cabernet Franc and scenic lawn, provides a contrasting tasting room experience set among limestone-rich soils and open meadows ideal for photos.
This trip is built for easygoing discovery. The ticket includes round-trip transportation, an energetic Explore Tour host, two winery stops, wine pours on the bus and in-depth time to explore without juggling logistics. Onboard games and music keep the mood light between tastings; the host coordinates timing so you have unhurried tasting window at each stop. Bring cash or card for additional purchases—wine flights, bottles to go, orchard treats, and optional activities such as apple picking are available at extra cost.
Practical details: meet at 5001 LIBBIE MILL E BOULEVARD (Libbie Mill Area) at noon; the tour returns by early evening. Minimum age is 21. Dress in layers—vineyard weather can shift from warm midday sun to cool, breezy overlooks. Footwear should be comfortable for uneven orchard paths. If you want photos without crowds, request an early-season or weekday tour.
Why book this rather than piecing visits together? This service stitches transit, timing and local commentary into one smooth day so you can sip, snack and snapshot the Charlottesville wine country without renting a car or watching the clock. For travelers based in Richmond or Charlottesville who want a curated taste of Albemarle’s vineyards and orchards, this tour is an efficient, social and scenic way to sample Virginia’s wine scene while soaking up open-sky views and orchard character.
Book ten days in advance to secure your seat, especially on harvest weekends; the operator recommends early booking. The tour is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and small friend groups who prefer a social, low-effort way to sample multiple producers. Accessibility information is limited; contact the operator for mobility needs. Bring a reusable water bottle and a light jacket—the region’s weather is changeable and responsible tourism keeps vineyards healthy.
Round-trip transportation, an Explore Tour host, entry to Carter Mountain (the $10 fee), two winery stops, and wine pours on the bus are included.
Meet at the Libbie Mill pickup area (5001 LIBBIE MILL E BOULEVARD) at the time listed on your booking confirmation—typically noon for public tours.
Yes. All guests must be 21 or older and carry a valid government ID for alcohol service.
Yes. Wineries sell bottles and other items on-site; payment methods vary by venue—bring card or cash.
Stops are usually Carter Mountain Orchard and Blenheim Vineyards but can change based on availability or weather; the operator will confirm details before departure.
Accessibility information is limited; contact the operator directly to discuss mobility needs and accommodations.
RVA Explore Tour is a Richmond, Virginia-based tour operator offering a range of guided experiences across the city and nearby wineries. The company presents private and public options including wine tours, margarita crawls, rooftop brunches, customizable day-of options, and historical walking tours. Signature offerings include the Private Wine Tour and Public Wine Tour visiting three local wineries just outside Richmond; the Private Wine and Dine Tour combining tastings with a restaurant meal; the Private Margarita Tour and Public Margarita Tour visiting top Mexican spots; the Private Rooftop Tour with brunch and city views; and the RVA Black History Tour guided by a local historian. The Build Your Own Tour lets groups customize brunches, workshops, and tastings to fit birthdays, gatherings, and special occasions. Tours are hosted with on-board transport for certain experiences, such as the Margarita Tour that operates from the Explore Bus. Tours emphasize local venues, guided tastings, curated food stops, and a mix of lively public events and private celebrations. RVA Explore Tour focuses on delivering memorable, curated days out by connecting guests with Richmond restaurants, wineries, and cultural sites. The business serves residents and visitors seeking organized group outings, date activities, and educational tours. Booking options include private chartered experiences and scheduled public departures. RVA Explore Tour provides clear tour descriptions, destination details, and guided programming so guests can choose the right experience for wine tasting, food tours, rooftop parties, or history-focused visits. Reservations are available online for single-ticket public events and private group bookings easily year-round.
Book with RVA Explore Tour