If you’re winding along Route 250 west of Charlottesville, past rolling horse farms, big oak trees, and winding country roads, you’re slowly entering a corner of Virginia that still feels undiscovered. And if you ask me—someone who’s lived in Albemarle County for years—where to go for top-notch wine, family vibes, and stunning mountain views (without the crowds), my answer is clear: King Family Vineyards.

I’ve been a regular here since they opened in 1998, back when the tasting room was just a humble barn tucked into the vineyard hillside. I still recall that first sip of their Crosé—a crisp rosé made from 100% Merlot—that felt like sunshine in a glass. It was the kind of wine you want to tell everybody about.

This place isn’t just about wine; it’s about community, history, and a genuine connection to the land. Whether it’s watching a polo match under the Blue Ridge, sharing a picnic on the lawn, or chatting with the family behind the scenes, King Family makes you feel like you’ve found a special kind of home away from home. It’s exactly the kind of spot I come back to again and again, no matter the season.

The Story of King Family Vineyards

So, who owns King Family Vineyards? It’s a true family affair. The vineyard was founded by David and Ellen King in the late 1990s, and since then, ownership and operations have stayed proudly in the family’s hands. David and Ellen still play active roles, joined by their sons Carrington and Stuart, who bring fresh energy and ideas while honoring their parents’ vision.

The Kings transformed what was once a horse farm into a thriving vineyard, planting their first vines around 1999 and opening the tasting room in 2003. Their goal was simple: craft wines that express the unique character of this beautiful Blue Ridge foothills land, using time-tested, hands-on winemaking techniques.

Today, King Family Vineyards remains independently family-owned and operated, with a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and the warm hospitality that has made them a beloved part of Virginia’s wine country. When you visit, you’re not just tasting wine—you’re experiencing a family’s passion poured into every bottle.

The Setting & Atmosphere

Pull in through the pine-lined driveway, and you’ll immediately sense the calm here. A big wrap-around deck, picnic lawn overlooking the vineyard and the southern Blue Ridge mountains, and polo fields in the distance add to the charm.

They welcome you like a neighbor. Lots of folks bring blankets or folding chairs, kids play on the lawn, and dogs are happily leashed at the ready. My Labrador and I have had plenty of afternoons lying in the grass, while a gentle breeze brings the scent of grass and fermenting grapes.

In winter, they light fire pits and string lights across the back deck. One chilly December, I remember sipping a glass of their rich Petit Verdot by a crackling fire—no one else in sight, just the hum of the heater and a view of bare vines under a silver sky.

The Crowd

Don’t let the peaceful vibe fool you—King Family Vineyards is actually one of the most popular and beloved spots around here. On any given weekend, especially during polo season, you’ll find a lively mix of locals, tourists, UVA alumni, families, and groups of friends all soaking up the atmosphere. The place buzzes with energy, but it never feels overwhelming or crowded thanks to their spacious grounds and thoughtful layout.

Weekdays tend to be quieter, perfect if you want a more intimate tasting experience or some solo vineyard meditation. But come Saturday or Sunday, especially when there’s a polo match going on, expect a full house. The crowd is friendly and diverse, with plenty of folks who return regularly and new visitors eager to experience the vineyard’s unique charm.

What I love most is that no matter how busy it gets, everyone still feels like they’re part of the King Family community. You’ll strike up conversations easily, share a table, and maybe even get invited to join a group cheering on the horses. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends over a shared glass of Crosé.

The Wine: What to Try

Here’s a peek at the King lineup that always gets me:

• Crosé Rosé (100 % Merlot): Crisp, bright, and endlessly drinkable—my go-to summer sipper.

• Roseland White Blend: A lovely mix of Chardonnay and Viognier—fresh, floral, and balanced.

• Petit Verdot: Deep, structured, with violet and spice notes—excellent with grilled steak.

• Meritage: Their Bordeaux-style blend that regularly wins awards—it’s full-bodied and elegant.

• “Seven” Port-Style Wine: A dessert wine aged in bourbon barrels—sweet, warming, and just a little dangerous.

Tasting flights are set at $20–$25, and they give you a Riedel glass to keep. Guided tastings cost a bit more but include stories about each wine—like how their Meritage was a surprise hit at a gala last year.

Food & Gifts: What You’ll Find in the Tasting Room Shop

One of my favorite things about visiting King Family—besides the wine and the view—is browsing their little shop inside the tasting room. It's got just the right mix of tasty snacks, useful gear, and locally made treats. Whether you're building a picnic on the fly or looking for a great gift, they’ve got you covered.

Let’s start with the food. They don’t have a full kitchen or café (and they’re cool with you bringing your own picnic), but their fridge is stocked with a surprisingly great selection of gourmet goodies. You’ll usually find:

• Artisan cheeses from creameries in Virginia and North Carolina

• Cured meats like soppressata and prosciutto

• Rustic crackers and baguettes—perfect for building a DIY charcuterie board

• Virginia peanuts, olives, fig jam, and other tasty little extras

• Chilled Crosé cans (yes, the rosé comes in cans—perfect for polo Sundays!)

My personal favorite move? Grab a block of gouda, a sleeve of rosemary crackers, a jar of pepper jelly, and a bottle of Meritage. Spread out on the lawn and you've got yourself the ideal vineyard lunch.

And the shop itself? It’s one of those places where you start out “just looking” and somehow walk out with a wine tumbler, a new hat, and a bag of salted caramels. Some favorites I always recommend:

• King Family gear: Branded hats, soft t-shirts, sweatshirts, and insulated tumblers. I swear by their wine tote—it’s become my go-to for picnics across Virginia wine country.

• Local goods: Handmade soaps, Virginia-made candles, olive oil, jams, and even small-batch chocolates and caramels.

• Wine accessories: Think clever corkscrews, sleek bottle stoppers, decanters, and beautiful wood-handled wine keys—perfect gifts for the wine nerd in your life.

• Books & guides: They usually stock a few cookbooks, vineyard-themed coffee table books, and local guides to the Monticello wine region.

• Pre-made gift baskets: Especially around holidays, they offer ready-to-go baskets packed with wine, snacks, and treats. Easy to grab and guaranteed to impress.

If you’re planning ahead, they also offer pre-packed picnic boxes and gift baskets (you can even order online during holidays). I usually grab a couple as last-minute gifts—they’re wrapped beautifully and always a hit.

Pro tip: If you're visiting for polo or one of the evening events, swing by the shop first. Snacks and wine go fast, and you’ll want to claim your Crosé bottles before the crowd rolls in.

Events & Tours

King Family’s events are low-key but so well done:

• Self‑guided tastings: Book anytime and explore at your own pace.

• Guided wine flights: Led by staff and include background on the grapes and winemaking.

• Winery + Polo Combo: From Memorial Day to October, every Sunday they host polo matches. Bring a picnic or grab food from their kitchen, stake out a lawn chair, and enjoy horses, wine, and mountain views.

• First Wednesdays (April–October): Music on the deck, fire pits, extended hours till around 8 PM.

• Barrel Room Tours: Monthly small-group tours that dive into fermentation, barrel aging, and winemaking tech.

• Harvest Day Experience: In late September, you can stomp grapes, visit the crush pad, and chat with the winemaking team. I’ll never forget stomping grapes in my boots and then warming up with a glass of Crosé by the fire.

Don’t Miss Polo Sundays

If you’re here on a Sunday between Memorial Day and early October, you have to stay for polo. The matches at King Family are part of the Roseland Polo Club, and they’re one of the most iconic (and fun!) traditions in Virginia wine country.

It’s completely free to attend, and the energy is unbeatable—families on picnic blankets, friends toasting Crosé in camping chairs, kids chasing bubbles, and horses thundering across the field in the background. Bring your own spread or build a feast from the shop, grab your spot near the polo field, and settle in for one of the most laid-back, only-in-Virginia afternoons you’ll ever have.

My Personal Tips

• Arrive early for polo Sundays—parking fills fast, but they’ve got shuttle service from a nearby lot.

• Pack a picnic—outside food is fine, outside alcohol is not. I bring charcuterie boards, baguettes, and olives from nearby Greenwood Gourmet Grocery.

• Bring lawn chairs or blankets—their lawn fills up fast, and you’ll want a good spot.

• Wear comfy layers—the barrel room is chilly, spring days can flip from sun to breeze quickly.

• Bring leashed pups and kids—they’re both totally welcome.

• Ask for the special pours—sometimes they’ll let you try barrel samples or Library Vintage Meritage if it’s available.

Where to Stay Nearby

If you want to make a weekend of it, here are some of my favorite spots:

Afton Mountain Inn: Cozy rooms, hot tubs, and a porch lined with rocking chairs.

Afton Clubhouse: Great for groups—fully stocked kitchen, games, outdoor fire pit.

Afton Farmhouse: Historic meets homey—plenty of space, rustic charm, and quiet woods.

All are 15 minutes from King Family, making them ideal home bases for exploring wine country.

20 Little-Known Facts About King Family Vineyards

1. They play polo here—seriously. King Family is one of the only vineyards in the country with a full regulation-size polo field on-site. Visit our Roseland Polo page for more details.

2. Crosé was almost an accident. Their now-famous dry rosé was first created for fun, then quickly became their best-selling wine.

3. The property was a horse farm before it was a vineyard. Horses are still a huge part of the family’s life—just with a little more wine involved now.

4. The tasting room was once a stall barn. What used to house horses now serves up Meritage and Petit Verdot.

5. They use only Monticello AVA fruit. All their wines are made from grapes grown in the Monticello American Viticultural Area, which includes their estate vines and a few neighboring vineyards.

6. The founder, David King, was originally from Texas. He brought a little Lone Star grit with him to the Blue Ridge.

7. There’s a secret picnic spot near the vines. Ask a staff member and they might let you in on where to find the tucked-away picnic table with the best mountain view.

8. Sunday polo matches are totally free. You can show up with a blanket and a bottle and watch the action without paying a dime.

9. They offer Crosé wine slushies during summer events. Yes, they’re as dangerously refreshing as they sound.

10. The family lives right next to the vineyard. This isn’t just a business—it’s home.

11. Their Meritage blend has won multiple Governor’s Cup medals. It’s a standout Bordeaux-style blend with real Virginia roots.

12. They once hosted a surprise engagement on the polo field mid-match. The crowd went wild.

13. The polo team is called Roseland Polo. You can follow their season every Sunday from Memorial Day through early October.

14. Every bottle of “Seven” (their port-style wine) is aged in old bourbon barrels. It smells like dessert and campfires.

15. The winemaker used to work in Napa. He brought that California know-how back home to the Virginia hills.

16. Their oak barrels are mostly neutral. This lets the grapes—not the wood—do the talking.

17. They do spontaneous library wine pours at the bar. Ask nicely and they may let you taste something rare.

18. The tasting bar is built from reclaimed wood. It's a nod to the original barns and buildings on the property.

19. They’ve hosted weddings with mini horse ring bearers. Just when you thought it couldn’t get more Virginia-charming.

20. They still have one of their very first barrels on display. It’s signed by the original winemaking crew and hidden in plain sight in the tasting room.

Final Take

King Family Vineyards is the kind of place you return to again and again because it feels like home. There’s something magical about sipping a crisp Crosé while horses gallop in the distance or tasting a barrel sample fresh from oak. Family, friends, and neighbors all gather here under the Blue Ridge sky. Whether you're hunting for a peaceful escape or a fun Sunday afternoon with polo and wine, this is my favorite spot in the area.

You'll find me there often—glass in hand, lawn chair set, smiling at the mountains. I hope to see you there, too!

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About King Family Vineyards

Where is King Family Vineyards located?
You’ll find King Family Vineyards in Crozet, Virginia, just west of Charlottesville and tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The address is 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932, about 25 minutes from downtown Charlottesville and just a short detour from the Route 151 Wine and Brewery Trail. It’s also a perfect midpoint stop if you’re exploring wineries, cideries, or breweries throughout the Monticello Wine Trail.

Do I need a reservation?
Nope! Tastings and lawn visits are first-come, first-served. That said, if you're coming with a larger group (especially 8+ people), they appreciate a heads-up. They also offer private tastings by reservation, which are a fun upgrade if you're looking for a more in-depth experience or celebrating something special.

What are the hours?
King Family Vineyards is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, year-round. On Wednesday they stay open until 8:30 PM. The last tastings start 30 minutes before close, and they recommend arriving at least 45 minutes before close if you want to linger with a glass and enjoy the views.

Is the winery open year-round?
Yes! King Family is open all four seasons, and the experience shifts beautifully with the weather. Spring and fall are especially scenic, but don’t overlook winter—it's cozy, quiet, and the bold reds are even better by the fireplace. And summer? That's prime time for Crosé on the lawn and watching a polo match with a mountain breeze.

How much are flights?
Flights are $20–$25, depending on the lineup. Glasses and bottles range from $10 to $50.

What kind of wine do they specialize in?
King Family focuses on estate-grown wines and classic Virginia varietals, with a few bold surprises. Their most iconic wine is Meritage, a Bordeaux-style red blend that’s won more than a few awards. Other standouts include:

• Crosé – Their dry rosé made from Merlot, famously served in cans and bottles

• Meritage – Rich, balanced, and smooth; a signature red blend

• Cabernet Franc – Earthy and spicy with a local cult following

• Viognier – Floral and citrusy, a great Virginia white

• Petit Verdot – Deep and intense; great with food or cool evenings

• Seven – A port-style dessert wine aged in bourbon barrels

They also release small-lot and seasonal wines throughout the year, so there’s always something new to try.

Are kids allowed?
Yes, absolutely! King Family is one of the most family-friendly wineries in the region. There’s a huge open lawn for kids to run around, play games, or just soak up the mountain air. On Sundays during polo season, it becomes a big family picnic scene—think bubbles, frisbees, and kids chasing each other around between matches.

Can I bring my dog?
Leashed dogs are welcome outside on the lawn and patio. It’s a great place to bring your pup for a relaxed afternoon—just be sure to keep them close, especially during busy events or polo days.

Do they serve food?
They don’t have a full kitchen, but the tasting room shop is well-stocked with local cheeses, charcuterie, baguettes, crackers, preserves, nuts, and more. You can build a seriously impressive DIY picnic on the spot.

Is outside food OK?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring your own picnic, so feel free to bring your own snacks, sandwiches, or even a pizza from downtown Crozet. Just no outside alcohol due to VA ABC rules.

Is King Family part of the Route 151 Wine Trail?
Not officially, but it’s close enough to include in your Route 151 adventure. In fact, it makes a great first or last stop on a Route 151 day trip. You can also combine it with nearby stops like Grace Estate, Stinson, or Veritas. It’s right on the Monticello Wine Trail and very easy to build into any Central Virginia wine itinerary.

Is it handicap accessible?
Yes—the deck and tasting room are wheelchair accessible, though some paths are gravel. Call ahead and they’ll help accommodate.

Can I buy their wines online?
Yes! Visit kingfamilyvineyards.com to order wines for shipping to most states. You can also order for local pickup if you’re planning to stop by. Seasonal specials, gift sets, and limited-release wines are often available online, too.

Can I host a private event or wedding at King Family Vineyards?
Yes, and they’re famous for it. King Family hosts everything from micro-weddings and bridal showers to full-scale vineyard weddings with a mountain backdrop and horse-and-carriage arrivals. They have dedicated event staff and one of the most picturesque venues in the region. It books out quickly, especially during peak seasons, so inquire early if you're interested.

Do they host events?
Definitely. In addition to their famous Sunday polo matches (free and open to the public), they host:

• Wine release parties

• Holiday shopping events

• Live music on the patio

• Winemaker Q&A tastings

• Food truck weekends

And more! Follow them on social media or join their email list to stay in the loop. Or check out the full polo schedule here: Roseland Polo Club on Visit151.com

Do I need tickets to attend the polo matches?
No, show up on Sundays beginning at noon. The season runs from Memorial Day to mid-October

Can I do a private tasting or tour?
Yes! King Family offers private tastings by appointment, which are ideal for birthdays, bachelorette weekends, or wine lovers who want a behind-the-scenes look. You’ll often get access to library wines or small-batch releases not on the regular menu.

Do they have overnight accommodations?
No overnight accommodations on-site, but there are plenty of great options nearby. From boutique inns like Afton Mountain Inn to rental homes like Afton Clubhouse or Afton Farmhouse, you’ll find beautiful, convenient places to stay within 15 minutes of the vineyard.

Do they have a wine club?

They sure do. The King Family Wine Club gives members perks like:

• Quarterly shipments of wines (customizable)

• Discounts on bottles and cases

• First access to new releases and special events

• Invitations to exclusive member parties

If you find yourself falling in love with Meritage, Crosé, or their port-style “Seven,” the club is a great way to keep the bottles coming.

Do they host any seasonal events?
Yes—polo, live music nights, barrel tastings, and harvest celebrations. Sign up for emails or follow them on Instagram to stay in the loop.

Is there cell service and Wi-Fi?
Cell service is solid for most major carriers, and there’s limited public Wi-Fi available near the tasting room. But honestly? It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to put your phone down and just enjoy the moment.

Can I bring a group or party bus?
Small groups are welcome and regularly visit. If you’re bringing a party bus or a big group, call ahead to coordinate and make sure the experience stays smooth for everyone. Sundays can get especially busy, so planning ahead is key.