I visited on a quiet Saturday in August for the first time and fell in love with this winery -- loved the wines that I tried, the grounds were beautiful (as was the main house), and had some fun with their potato chip pairing that they were offering. I am excited to take my husband back here later this year when we're in the area.
I think the winery's decision to go 21+ is admirable and appropriate. Keep up the great work Chiswell, and don't let those 1-star reviews get you down!
Amy Melle
Chiswell is one of our favorite wineries to visit when in the area. The house and grounds are beautiful. But, more importantly, the wines and staff are AMAZING! We always feel so welcome and will continue to keep coming back.
Lauren Hunt
I have been to Chiswell in the past, but after my most recent experience I will not be going back. After a “greeting” that already left us feeling rather unwelcome (if you still want to visit after this review, make sure you make a reservation, by god), we were very rudely told that children were not allowed on the premises. I ~now~ understand that it’s posted on the website and signage outside, but as someone who had been to the winery before without issue, I didn’t check the website or pay much attention to the signs and feel that there was probably a better way to alert us of that policy rather than wagging a finger in our face (literally wagging a finger). The staff is incredibly rude and condescending, so after all that, myself and my guests left for another spot. I would recommend that if you would like to visit a winery with staff that are welcoming, or at least neutral and not openly rude, that you visit any of the other wineries in the Afton/Route 151 area.
Kristen Roland
This winery is one of my absolute favorites on the Monticello Wine Trail! It is a lovely hidden gem - the views are to die for, the wine is amazing, the staff are lovely, and the building is adorable (it reminds me of my grandmother’s house - so every visit is like a warm hug)! It is hard to find a winery where the wine and views compete! Chiswell is one of them! Come visit - snag one of the relaxing lawn chairs and enjoy the view or wander the house and find a cozy corner to chat the day away. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Each month the tasting room manager makes a special drink - often featuring locally grown produce! Every one of them have been amazing - and you can tell how much time and effort Kephany puts into every concoction! I have never had a bad visit.
Visitors do need to be aware that there are several wineries in the area that are 21+ and are not dog friendly - Chiswell is one. In my opinion, this just makes the visit at Chiswell that much more enjoyable. There are certainly many lovely wineries where I bring my pup and bring my friends with children. But, for those that are looking to get away - look no further than Chiswell!
Kristina Gill
This is a jewel of a winery and find for adults looking for an intimate setting with beautiful vistas, and delicious wine - the meritage is particularly worth trying! Please note that this is a 21+ winery with an elegant and at the same time relaxed vibe. They have several award winning Virginia Wines and are the PERFECT place to gather for a chill and special afternoon with friends.
Mark Anthony Robertson
If I could give zero stars, I would. This winery’s policy of banning children is not only outdated but completely out of touch with reality. Families enjoy wine too, and to be turned away because we have kids with us is beyond frustrating. Not only did they refuse entry to us, but their staff was rude and condescending about it. A winery that can’t accommodate families isn’t somewhere I want to spend my money. They missed out on a loyal customer because they’re so set on being “adults only.” If you want to alienate a whole group of customers, you’ve succeeded.
There are plenty of other wineries that are more inclusive, welcoming, and far more deserving of our business. I’ll be taking my family (and my wallet) somewhere else.
Shelby Jefferies
This winery is by far one of the most beautiful properties in the area! Staff is very friendly and the wines are amazing!
Michael Spears
Amazing place with great wine and tremendous views. Leave the kiddos at home, it is 21 and up. If you want a nice quiet relaxing spot, this is the vineyard for you.
Josette Sthole-Hayes
I would not have even give even 1-star, but to do the review a star is required. My family and I visit wineries all over when traveling, and never have we been told that our 18 year old daughters are not allowed on the property. I might have understood this policy if the employee at the tasting counter on Sat Sept 21 had not waved her finger in my face telling me they were not allowed there. She could have simply explained the policy and been polite about this. This is not a law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We were in the area visiting a family fall event, so of course our daughter's were with us. You can guarantee we will not be returning to this winery, children or no children with us.
Arnissa “Purple Lady” Burnett
This place is AMAZING!!!!! It's quiet and hidden. The wines are great but the view is super amazing. The customer service is stellar. This place could definitely be on the Hallmark Channel.
DO NOT VISIT THIS WINERY!!! I understand that there is a 21 and older policy for guests to visit this winery. The lady behind the counter was very rude when she asked the age of our two daughters, my wife responded that they were 18 and the RUDE lady wiggled her finger at her and said they were not allowed on property. There is no law in Virginia to support this ridiculous rule. It was sad for her to treat a United States Navy Veteran and his family the way she did. It was my wife's birthday and this visit ruined it all. We travel to wineries all over the place and I can say for a fact we will NOT ever visit this one again. They are ADA compliant either, I had to walk from a gravel parking lot up a steep hill using a cane, that was difficult.
Sandra Wood
Nice cute place. Good wine, good view.
Christopher Hunt
Cool old house where the rooms can be used to enjoy their wine.
Rachel B
Amazing views, cute cottage, and delicious wine. It's almost the summer and I am still dreaming of the cider-mosas from the fall with the sparkling chardonnay. Can't wait to go back
james preston
Great place! Check out the house then enjoy the great wines
I visited on a quiet Saturday in August for the first time and fell in love with this winery -- loved the wines that I tried, the grounds were beautiful (as was the main house), and had some fun with their potato chip pairing that they were offering. I am excited to take my husband back here later this year when we're in the area.
I think the winery's decision to go 21+ is admirable and appropriate. Keep up the great work Chiswell, and don't let those 1-star reviews get you down!
Chiswell is one of our favorite wineries to visit when in the area. The house and grounds are beautiful. But, more importantly, the wines and staff are AMAZING! We always feel so welcome and will continue to keep coming back.
I have been to Chiswell in the past, but after my most recent experience I will not be going back. After a “greeting” that already left us feeling rather unwelcome (if you still want to visit after this review, make sure you make a reservation, by god), we were very rudely told that children were not allowed on the premises. I ~now~ understand that it’s posted on the website and signage outside, but as someone who had been to the winery before without issue, I didn’t check the website or pay much attention to the signs and feel that there was probably a better way to alert us of that policy rather than wagging a finger in our face (literally wagging a finger). The staff is incredibly rude and condescending, so after all that, myself and my guests left for another spot. I would recommend that if you would like to visit a winery with staff that are welcoming, or at least neutral and not openly rude, that you visit any of the other wineries in the Afton/Route 151 area.
This winery is one of my absolute favorites on the Monticello Wine Trail! It is a lovely hidden gem - the views are to die for, the wine is amazing, the staff are lovely, and the building is adorable (it reminds me of my grandmother’s house - so every visit is like a warm hug)! It is hard to find a winery where the wine and views compete! Chiswell is one of them! Come visit - snag one of the relaxing lawn chairs and enjoy the view or wander the house and find a cozy corner to chat the day away. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Each month the tasting room manager makes a special drink - often featuring locally grown produce! Every one of them have been amazing - and you can tell how much time and effort Kephany puts into every concoction! I have never had a bad visit.
Visitors do need to be aware that there are several wineries in the area that are 21+ and are not dog friendly - Chiswell is one. In my opinion, this just makes the visit at Chiswell that much more enjoyable. There are certainly many lovely wineries where I bring my pup and bring my friends with children. But, for those that are looking to get away - look no further than Chiswell!
This is a jewel of a winery and find for adults looking for an intimate setting with beautiful vistas, and delicious wine - the meritage is particularly worth trying! Please note that this is a 21+ winery with an elegant and at the same time relaxed vibe. They have several award winning Virginia Wines and are the PERFECT place to gather for a chill and special afternoon with friends.
If I could give zero stars, I would. This winery’s policy of banning children is not only outdated but completely out of touch with reality. Families enjoy wine too, and to be turned away because we have kids with us is beyond frustrating. Not only did they refuse entry to us, but their staff was rude and condescending about it. A winery that can’t accommodate families isn’t somewhere I want to spend my money. They missed out on a loyal customer because they’re so set on being “adults only.” If you want to alienate a whole group of customers, you’ve succeeded.
There are plenty of other wineries that are more inclusive, welcoming, and far more deserving of our business. I’ll be taking my family (and my wallet) somewhere else.
This winery is by far one of the most beautiful properties in the area! Staff is very friendly and the wines are amazing!
Amazing place with great wine and tremendous views. Leave the kiddos at home, it is 21 and up. If you want a nice quiet relaxing spot, this is the vineyard for you.
I would not have even give even 1-star, but to do the review a star is required. My family and I visit wineries all over when traveling, and never have we been told that our 18 year old daughters are not allowed on the property. I might have understood this policy if the employee at the tasting counter on Sat Sept 21 had not waved her finger in my face telling me they were not allowed there. She could have simply explained the policy and been polite about this. This is not a law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We were in the area visiting a family fall event, so of course our daughter's were with us. You can guarantee we will not be returning to this winery, children or no children with us.
This place is AMAZING!!!!! It's quiet and hidden. The wines are great but the view is super amazing. The customer service is stellar. This place could definitely be on the Hallmark Channel.
Restaurantji Recommends
DO NOT VISIT THIS WINERY!!!
I understand that there is a 21 and older policy for guests to visit this winery. The lady behind the counter was very rude when she asked the age of our two daughters, my wife responded that they were 18 and the RUDE lady wiggled her finger at her and said they were not allowed on property. There is no law in Virginia to support this ridiculous rule. It was sad for her to treat a United States Navy Veteran and his family the way she did. It was my wife's birthday and this visit ruined it all. We travel to wineries all over the place and I can say for a fact we will NOT ever visit this one again. They are ADA compliant either, I had to walk from a gravel parking lot up a steep hill using a cane, that was difficult.
Nice cute place.
Good wine, good view.
Cool old house where the rooms can be used to enjoy their wine.
Amazing views, cute cottage, and delicious wine. It's almost the summer and I am still dreaming of the cider-mosas from the fall with the sparkling chardonnay. Can't wait to go back
Great place! Check out the house then enjoy the great wines
Loading...