Preparing for a Visit to Southwest Mountain Vineyards

I stopped in at Southwest Mountain Vineyards because I am planning my first coordinated visit for Out And About, a Charlottesville-area LGBTQ+ social group. I have to say that the team at SMV make it easy to plan for these things, and have a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is a pleasing juxtaposition with the high-end appearance and luxury approach they have to their visits.

The two don’t have to be at odds – SMV is clearly set for a higher-end experience. The facility is beautiful, their menus are set for good small-bites to share and the wine is lovely. In terms of decoration, this place is simply charming. But the team that works here makes it feel comfortable and pleasant. Everyone is friendly (and I ran into a staff member that I know from mutual friends, which was so amazing!) and it’s just easy to be there. Jason and I sat on a lovely sofa upstairs in the 21+ section (children are allowed with guests remaining downstairs or outside on the patio on the main level). The table service is excellent – the servers were very attentive. Jason enjoyed a medal winners flight while I alternated a Sangria made from Petit Verdot with muddled mandarins, a Rosé and a 2020 Petit Verdot Reserve (yum!). It wasn’t over crowded, but the live music and the hum of the other guests made a nice buzz of activity around us. Ryan has been helping us plan the afternoon, Out and About’s first SMV visit. We’re really excited about this opportunity to share a great, new vineyard in the area and provide an opportunity to gather together and enjoy community. If there is interest, we’ll get a group together to tour the production facility and learn more about the “behind the scenes” happening at SMV.

Allies are always welcome, will we see you at Out and About’s Southwest Mountain Vineyards visit on March 24, 1-4 p.m.? Look for us upstairs with the rainbow flag. Can’t wait to see you there and launch the 2024 Out and About Winery series.