Thistle Gate Vineyard, Scottsville, VA

"A person with increasing knowledge and sensory education 

may derive infinite enjoyment from wine." 

 --Ernest Hemingway

If you read our last blog about winter activities in and around Scottsville, Virginia, then you may have read a bit about Thistle Gate Vineyard.  Scottsville’s newest winery boasts award-winning libations, a stunning Virginia setting, a Scottish flair, and two knowledgeable, hospitable hosts, George and Leslie Cushnie.

So, what sort of wines can you expect to taste at Thistle Gate? Two highly recommended selections are their Governor’s Cup Medal winners—the Chardonnay 2011, “a crisp wine with scents of apple and melon,” and the St. George Red 2010, “a rich, bold wine with notes of black currant and plum.” Sip the Thistle Blush 2011, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Viognier with “flavors of strawberries and honey.” Sample the Batteau Red, a 15% Port-style wine made with Chambourcin grapes. Also highly recommended is Thistle Gate’s special Sangria, which one Yelp reviewer labels as “PHENOMENAL,” so if you have the opportunity to try it, sip away.

If you’d like dinner with your Thistle Gate Wine, then you’ll be happy to learn that you can find it at the following Scottsville restaurants:

Tavern on the James, Scottsville, VA.
The Smokehouse Grille, Scottsville, VA
Amici's Italian Bistro, Scottsville, VA

Winter Activities in and Around Scottsville, VA

During winter, it’s easy to desire nothing more than a warm fire a fuzzy blanket, and a cup of hot tea as you’re prepared to remain indoors and hibernate until springtime. But the brisk air and the threat of snow shouldn’t dissuade you from all of the seasonal adventures that lie in wait around the area. Scottsville, Virginia and its surrounding towns and cities are full of opportunities, whether it be restaurants, museums, breweries, or historical locations:

1. Explore the Scottsville Museum. This archive of city history began as a preservation program called Capturing Our Heritage, which strived to “to digitize and preserve old photos, historical documents, and oral histories of Scottsville life” (Scottsville Museum). Learn about historic figures, the effects of the Civil War and World War II, and various events that helped to shape our current town.
   
2. Indulge in libations at a winery, brewery or cidery. Whether you’re sipping Chardonnay at Thistle Gate Vineyard, Viognier at Blenheim Vineyards, or a Belgian-style beer at James Rivers Brewing’s tasting room, there’s a beverage to suit your tastes. Not a fan of beer and wine? How about a glass of hard cider at Albemarle CiderWorks in North Garden, VA.
3. Grab a meal at Michie Tavern Ca. 1784. With authentic 18^th century cuisine, self-guided tavern tours, and a General Store and gift shop, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
4. Walk through history at Monticello. The home of former U.S. president Thomas Jefferson, Monticello is a fantastic neoclassical structure, beautiful to admire and rich with the past.

Happy adventures, and don’t forget to book your room at High Meadows Vineyard Inn!

Scottsville, Virginia’s Smokehouse Grille

Are you in search of an evening of fine dining? A casual barbecue? Vegan cuisine prepared with local ingredients? There is a new restaurant in Scottsville, Virginia that just so happens to offer all of the above and more—The Smokehouse Grille.

Scottsville’s newest restaurant, which just opened its doors this month, is run by Ryan C. Bruce, brother of High Meadows innkeeper Cynthia, and the Grille is already establishing itself as a “Locally Sourced Southern Inspired BBQ & Farm to Table Eatery.” Start your meal with an appetizer of smoked oysters or fried green tomatoes. Indulge in an entrée of Farmhouse Raviolis, smoked trout, or beef brisket barbecue (slow smoked with pecan and cherry hardwood). Still have room left for dessert? Enjoy a mouth-watering slice of cheesecake, a key lime tart, or bread pudding with whisky sauce. (Is your stomach growling yet?)  

Besides its numerous culinary delights, The Smokehouse Grille also presents a selection of local craft beers and Virginia wines. With so many award-winning vineyards and breweries nearby, you’ll always have an excellent assortment of libations to enjoy. 

Quick Facts:

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm

Phone:  (434) 286-4745

Email: reservations@thesmokehousegrille.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesmokehousegrille

Website (coming soon): http://www.thesmokehousegrille.com

Book your room at High Meadows Vineyard Inn, plan your meal at the Smokehouse Grille, and treat yourself to Cynthia’s baking at the restaurant. Also, stay tuned to our Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and website, as we’ll soon have a Smokehouse Grille Bed and Breakfast Package!

Why Buy Local for the Holidays?

By now you’ve probably started your holidays shopping, and maybe you’re at a complete loss as to what you should gift to certain friends and family members. Sure, it’s easy to pick up a gift at a big-box retail store, but it doesn’t say “personal,” and it doesn’t have that added flair that will make it stand out from the usual run-of-the-mill present. We have the answer to your shopping woes, and it’s whittled down into two simple words—buy local.

So, why exactly should you buy local for the holidays?

1. You’ll be supporting the local economy, which is an indirect (and possibly a direct) benefit to yourself because of the re-circulation of money, the job opportunities, and the community support.

2. Small, local businesses provide a wide range of unique gift ideas. From arts and crafts to carefully preserved antiques to gourmet food items, these downtown shops offer any type of item that you can think of.

3. Downtown shopping lets you avoid the crowded madness at retail stores. Really, who wants to battle crushed toes and packed lines?

4. For the most part, you’ll probably receive much better customer service at local shops. These shops operate on a much smaller scale, meaning that both owners and employees are better able to direct their attention to individual shoppers.

Perhaps you’re need of some suggestions for buying local around the Scottsville, Virginia area. Well, there are always High Meadows Vineyard Inn gift certificates! Browse the “antiques, curious goods, and collectables” at Scottsville’s River Town Antiques. Drive a short distance to Charlottesville, and explore the vast amount of downtown shops. If you’re looking for more crafty gifts, then don’t miss the Cville Holiday Craftacular this Friday and Saturday (find more information in our last blog here).

Cville Holiday Craftacular: 8th Annual Craft Show

With a name like “Cville Craft Attack,” you know that artisans are at the heart of the group, and indeed this organization is comprised of a number of Charlottesville’s independent designers, artists, and crafters. These men and women are passionate about their creations, and it shows in both the beauty and the quality of their work. As Craft Attack’s Facebook states, “We believe in art, design, creation and craft. We believe in exploration and the celebration of making a life out of the things we dream.”

For the 8^th year in a row, Cville Craft Attack will be presenting their Cville Holiday Craftacular, featuring a huge variety of arts and crafts for your perusal. Looking for a purse for your wife for Christmas? Browse Victoria Horner Creative Handbags at Craftacular. Trying to find a unique gift for that hard-to-buy-for individual? How about a chainmail bracelet by Chad VanPelt? Searching for unique home and kitchen accessories? Blanc Creatives may be your solution. Other featured artisans will include Silver Muse Studio, Two Owls Pottery, Te Adora Knits, Darkhollow Stained Glass, Joie de Vivre Calligraphy, ByCary,  and many more. Overall, you’ll find “More than 25 area artisans whose creative and giftable work includes gorgeous jewelry and glassware, paper goods, handbags, accessories, and toys will be featured.

By now, you’re probably planning your excursion to Craftacular (which is only a short drive away from High Meadows!), so now all you need are the details:

When: December 13, 2013, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

             December 14, 2013, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Where: CitySpace, Charlottesville, VA

Photo by Cville Craft Attack

What's the difference between a B&B and a hotel?

At High Meadows, we often get asked, "What is the difference between your B&B and a hotel?"

The answer is both easy and hard...of course, we know you'll love it here - no matter what the reason for your visit...first, let's do the similarities:

Both hotels and B&B's provide staff to help you, private rooms, private bathrooms, places to hang your clothes.  Pretty basic stuff.

The differences are where the easy and hard parts of the answer come from:
Hotels often have -
* someone at the front desk 24/7
* Restaurants, bars, and room service
* phones and TVS in all the rooms
* rooms with 2 beds, often full or queen
* a bellhop to carry your bags

Our inn may not have the things listed above - but what we DO have might make more of a difference in your experience visiting our area:

* Staying with us feels more like you are staying at a friend's house...imagine your best friend telling you the things they like best about their hometown, and that's what you'll get here. Say you want to go out to eat - how about that local 'hole-in-the-wall' recommendation you might not see on Trip Advisor, but that is AMAZING.  Or local tips for sightseeing, or even avoiding traffic...we know -because we LIVE here.
*  Our beds are great.  Our sheets are great.  Our housekeeping staff LOVES what they do - they aren't cleaning a ton of rooms like a robot - so your room is ALWAYS spotless, most likely with fresh flowers by the bed, if not a germy hotel phone.
*  Our food is great.  No continental cheerio/waffle mix/toaster oven room here...freshly squeezed seasonal juices, coffee just ground this morning and locally roasted, eggs from hens in the backyard, herbs from the garden - seriously, breakfast is half of our name, of course we do it right.
* We know the local winemakers...you want to see what goes on behind the tasting room doors?  Chances are, we can make that happen.  Want to tour a working farm?  Just ask!  Best local markets?  Best local shops?  We have that covered too.

Those are the basics...but there is also the friendliness factor. 

You aren't required (or even expected!) to talk to other guests.  But it often happens...conversations here aren't forced, or phony...they just HAPPEN.  Maybe it's the casual charm of High Meadows, or just the relaxed feel of 'home'...who knows?  Whatever the reason, we have seen more than one couple strike up a casual conversation making tea in the morning, and then head off together to experience their wine tastings together.  Just know that here, and at most of the B&B's we have visited, we are here to help as much or as little as you wish!

Website woes..and a new one on the way!

I don't know sometimes how any business can survive without a website...this is certainly true of B&B's, where photos, reviews, and quick & easy reservations help guests to choose US from among so many other beautiful inns, hotels and B&B's!  So, a little over 6 weeks ago, when someone with waaay too much time on their hands decided to take our website out of commission just for kicks - we felt it!  I won't spend too much time here bemoaning the state of that hacker's mind or life...if only they spent their living hours doing something productive - imagine if EVERYONE did that - how much nicer the world would be...not too much to argue with there. 

Instead - I will give a sneak preview of the new photos, taken by C'ville's Andrea Hubbell that will be gracing our NEW website in a few weeks.  I am so pleased with how beautifully she captured High Meadows!  She is half of the team behind Beyond the Flavor, a local food blog, that has featured so many of our friends, neighbors and favorite farmers.

So...a few photos:

If you've stayed out in the Cottage Suite, you'll notice the new wood floors, and the sitting area...the kitchenette has been retired...the room still has a small fridge, and everything you need to enjoy a bottle of wine - including this comfy area looking out into the woodlands -

 

Some nice little shots that capture the essence of what we do...

 

While our lavendar this year is GORGEOUS, it's no camparison to the grosso in full bloom at Inglewood Lavendar.

 

 

 

Some new yard art graces our oldest chicken coop....

 

 

Front porch...

 

 

 

 

Our rooster.

 

 

 

One of my favorite Anichini pieces is this 'Suzeni' bolster in Rainforest Green!

 

 

 

The Dogwood...this room is getting the finishing touches on a gorgeous new custom shower!

 

 

I am LOVING the mural we commissioned for the inside of the gazebo!  Pairs of birds, including, of course...peacocks.  :)

 

 

and one more...just because it's pretty:

 

So - we'll keep you posted on the new website launch.  With it will be new packages, new specials (including fun stuff for returning guests!), and...well, just check back.  Let's just say that High Meadows is growing in a big way - we know you'll like it!