In the rolling hills of Faber, Virginia, where the Blue Ridge Mountains create a stunning backdrop for Virginia wine country, Mountain & Vine Vineyards stands as a testament to excellence in winemaking. This remarkable winery, home to the 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup champion Screaming Hawk Meritage, offers visitors an unforgettable experience that perfectly captures the essence of the Nelson 29 Craft Beverage Trail.
A Governor’s Cup Legacy
Mountain & Vine Vineyards made Virginia wine history when Governor Glenn Youngkin awarded the 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup® to Delfosse Vineyards and Winery for the 2021 Screaming Hawk Meritage— a signature estate red blend of 50% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec. This prestigious recognition, earned among 614 entries from over 115 Virginia wineries, cideries and meaderies, established Mountain & Vine as one of Virginia’s premier wine destinations.
The Screaming Hawk Meritage isn’t just any wine—it’s named for a pair of red-tail hawks that live on the property, adding a touch of natural poetry to this award-winning blend. The 50% Petit Verdot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Malbec Screaming Hawk was the favorite of the lineup. For a PV-heavy wine it didn’t taste overly ‘big’, and neither did I feel it was overly youthful. It was totally drinkable now according to recent visitors.
The Mountain & Vine Experience
A Setting That Takes Your Breath Away
The location is exquisite, hugged between the hills, but with the elevation to guarantee not only flavorful wine but also breathtaking views. Just a brief thirty-minute drive from Charlottesville leads you to this scenic location where you can experience the solitude of the Virginia countryside.
The view from the top of the hill is absolutely killer. The panoramic vistas across the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for wine tasting that visitors consistently describe as unforgettable. This elevated position, ranging from 850 to 1,100 feet, creates the perfect terroir for exceptional wine production.
Virginia’s Only Terraced Vineyard
What makes Mountain & Vine truly unique is its distinction as one of the only terraced vineyards in the state. These terraced slopes, reminiscent of European wine regions, create a distinctive landscape that’s both beautiful and functional. The 17 acres of vines, planted with 11 varietals, thrive in this carefully designed environment.
Award-Winning Wines from Estate Fruit
Mountain & Vine’s commitment to quality shows in every bottle. Owners Michael and Adrienne Albers purchased the property in 2016 with the ambition to produce award winning wines using 100% estate grown fruit. This dedication to estate-grown grapes ensures that every wine truly reflects the unique character of this Blue Ridge location.
What You’ll Taste
The Governor’s Cup Winner
Screaming Hawk Meritage – The star of the show, this complex red blend showcases the perfect harmony of Petit Verdot’s boldness with the elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.
Exceptional White Wines
- Grand Cru Reserve – A rich white blend that recent visitors describe as “one of my favorite wines of the weekend”
- Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and refreshing with bright acidity
- Chardonnay – Beautifully balanced with just the right touch of oak
Distinctive Red Varietals
- “Grinning Fox” – A powerful 75% Petit Verdot and 25% Malbec blend
- 2020 Petit Verdot – Bold and structured, perfect for red wine enthusiasts
- “1970” Chambourcin – Showcasing fruity-strawberry notes that impress even skeptics
- Soft Cabernet Franc – Elegant and approachable
Value That Impresses
I really appreciated how the prices were easily a good 10-20%-ish cheaper than elsewhere in the Charlottesville area. Mountain & Vine offers exceptional quality at prices that make it accessible to explore their full range of wines.
A Complete Wine Country Experience
The Perfect Tasting Room
The tasting room is pretty and provides an intimate setting for discovering your new favorite Virginia wine. The knowledgeable staff guides you through tastings that often include a dozen or more wines, all estate-grown and crafted with care.
Family-Friendly Activities
Bring the family and enjoy a calm picnic by the lake. The property offers the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon with stunning mountain views, peaceful lake-side spots, and plenty of space for children to explore safely.
Special Events Throughout the Year
Attend one of the many events we host throught the year from professionally prepared food and wine pairings to delicious French crêpes. These carefully curated events add an extra dimension to the Mountain & Vine experience, combining exceptional wine with culinary excellence.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities
Relax and have a quiet picnic by the lake or take a hike or bike ride on the trails surrounding the winery. The property offers multiple ways to enjoy the natural beauty of Nelson County, making it perfect for active visitors who want to combine wine tasting with outdoor adventure.
Expert Winemaking
Mountain & Vine benefits from the expertise of winemaker Stephen Barnard (formerly of Keswick Vineyards), who brings years of Virginia winemaking experience to the property. This combination of exceptional terroir, estate-grown fruit, and skilled winemaking creates wines that consistently impress both critics and casual wine lovers.
Planning Your Visit
Location and Access
Located in Faber, Virginia, Mountain & Vine is 30 minutes south of Charlottesville and 40 minutes north of Lynchburg right off of Route 29, making it perfectly positioned as a key destination on the Nelson 29 Craft Beverage Trail.
What to Expect
- Extended tastings featuring estate wines from 11 different varietals
- Stunning mountain views from the hilltop tasting room
- Family-friendly atmosphere with lake-side picnic areas
- Educational vineyard tours of the terraced slopes
- Special events throughout the year
- Exceptional value on award-winning wines
The Complete Experience
The winery is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family outing, or a group celebration, Mountain & Vine offers the perfect combination of exceptional wine, beautiful setting, and warm hospitality.
Why Mountain & Vine Defines Excellence on Nelson 29
Mountain & Vine Vineyards represents everything that makes the Nelson 29 Craft Beverage Trail special:
Award-Winning Quality: Home to Virginia’s Governor’s Cup champion, proving that exceptional wines can emerge from Virginia’s unique terroir.
Unique Setting: The only terraced vineyard in Virginia, offering both visual beauty and optimal growing conditions.
Complete Experience: From wine tasting to hiking trails, from lake-side picnics to special events, there’s something for everyone.
Exceptional Value: Premium wines at accessible prices, allowing visitors to explore and discover without breaking the bank.
Family-Friendly: A welcoming atmosphere where wine lovers and families can enjoy the Virginia countryside together.
A New Chapter in Virginia Wine
Located in Faber Virginia, Delfosse will soon be undergoing a rebrand to Mountain and Vine Vineyards and Winery, a reflection of their appreciation for the beautiful features of the vineyard property. This rebranding represents not just a new name, but a renewed commitment to showcasing the natural beauty and exceptional wine-making potential of this special place.
“We’ve come a long way in just seven vintages,” Mike Albers said. “Winning the Governor’s Cup has been our goal since the beginning. It’s validation of the work our team does and for our mission to make great wine.”
Make Mountain & Vine Your Nelson 29 Destination
Whether you’re a serious wine enthusiast drawn by the Governor’s Cup pedigree, a family looking for a beautiful day out, or someone seeking to discover Virginia’s wine country, Mountain & Vine Vineyards offers an experience that satisfies on every level.
From the moment you arrive and see the terraced slopes rising toward the Blue Ridge Mountains, to your first sip of the award-winning Screaming Hawk Meritage, to the peaceful moments spent by the lake watching the sunset, Mountain & Vine creates memories that embody the very best of Virginia wine country.
Ready to experience Virginia’s Governor’s Cup champion winery? Visit Mountain & Vine Vineyards on your Nelson 29 adventure and discover why this terraced gem has captured the attention of wine lovers across Virginia and beyond.
