Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyard

Fifty-Third Winery is tucked away in Louisa County, less than an hour drive from both Richmond and Charlottesville. Whether you’re planning a picnic, sampling wines on the covered patio, or strolling through the vineyard with a glass in hand, this little winery is a must-visit destination.

Initially established as Cooper Vineyards, Fifty-Third was Virginia’s 53rd licensed farm winery. Today, it offers over 20 acres of vineyard space and a modern, eco-friendly tasting room that earned LEED Platinum certification, making it as sustainable and stunning.

I’ve been to this spot in the summer and the winter, and it’s lovely any time of the year! The winery features indoor seating, a large covered patio, and picnic tables spread out across the lawn with plenty of space to unwind, chat with friends, or just enjoy a glass while the sun dips below the trees. On our most recent visit, it was a hot day in July, but we stayed nice and cool in the tasting room.

Here’s what we tried:

Wine Flight

We each did a tasting flight, which lets you choose any four wines from their full menu—a great way to explore both whites and reds, depending on your mood. Our flights were $22.74 each (with tax and tip), and the pour sizes were generous enough to really savor and compare.

Favorites? The 2022 Arrowhead, a smooth red blend with earthy, dark fruit notes, and the 2024 Chardonel, a crisp white with subtle citrus and mineral vibes, both stood out.

Snacks + Picnic Setup

One thing we love about 53rd is that they allow guests to bring their own food—and the setup couldn’t be better for it. We brought along some focaccia and a flatbread from Petit Four. They do have a solid snack menu, so we grabbed some Manchego cheese, which paired perfectly with our carbs and wine flights.

Know Before You Go

Location: 13372 Shannon Hill Rd, Louisa, VA 23093
Hours: Check their website or socials for current tasting room hours
Flights: $22.74 each (tax & tip included), choose any 4 wines
BYO Food: Yes! Or grab snacks like cheese from their tasting room
Seating: Indoor, covered patio, and picnic tables on the lawn

If you’re looking for a lovely place to spend an afternoon, Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyard is a great spot! I love that it’s a short drive from Richmond, but you still get to enjoy scenic views and delicious wine.