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Savor the Flavors of France in Charlottesville & Albemarle County

By: TLP's Partners

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This year (2024–2025) marks the 200^th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s return tour of America. This tour famously included a stop at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in November 1824. In honor of Lafayette’s return to Virginia, visitors are invited to come celebrate French culture and cuisine in Charlottesville and Albemarle County this winter. Whether you are a Francophile at heart or just love a flaky French pastry, the Charlottesville area is a great place to embrace deep connections with French wine, food, and more.

Wine Region of the Year, Monticello Vineyard in Charlottesville, Virgina.

Considered the birthplace of American wine and recognized as Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Region of the Year, the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) encompasses more than 50 wineries. Notable varietals from central Virginia include cabernet franc, petit verdot, viognier, and petit manseng, as well as meritage and rosé blends. Vineyards are incredibly scenic and often host live music, food trucks, and special activities suitable for the entire family.

A French influence can be felt at several of the Charlottesville area’s wineries. Matthieu Finot at King Family Vineyards, Benoit Pineau at Pollak Vineyards, and Damien Blanchon at Afton Mountain Vineyards were born and trained in France. Today, they are leaders of Virginia’s wine industry, each producing award-winning vintages and collaborating and sharing knowledge with other winemakers. Michael Shaps is also a leader in Virginia viticulture through his own wine label and the custom-crush services he offers.

Bon Appétit

A nice dinner featured at one of the many delicious restaurants in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Bring your appetite because Charlottesville’s diverse neighborhoods feature dozens of restaurants with both upscale and everyday dining options. Great food can be found in unexpected places like former industrial spaces, country markets, and local shopping centers.

Start your day off right with the buttery, flaky creations found at French-inspired bakeries like Cou Cou Rachou or MarieBette Café & Bakery. By evening, Charlottesville’s historic pedestrian Downtown Mall is brimming with restaurant options sure to please any palate. The Alley Light, Fleurie, and Petit Pois serve innovative and memorable French cuisine in the coziest of settings. Café Frank is a Franco-Italian restaurant with a fun selection of spirits, while West Main Street’s Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar highlights dishes from around the Mediterranean. Bizou, C & O Restaurant, and Hamilton’s at First & Main combine French techniques with local ingredients.

Recently named one of the top wine shops in the nation by USA Today, Crush Pad Wines is a combination of shop, wine bar, and restaurant. In the evenings, pasta can be ordered from Luce for delivery to your table!

Reserve a chef’s tasting menu at Broadcloth, located in a renovated textile factory in the historic Woolen Mills neighborhood, or embrace romance at The Clifton’s 1799 Restaurant featuring Michelin-starred head chef Matthew Bousquet. Marigold by Jean-Georges, located at Keswick Hall, is world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s only restaurant in Virginia, with views overlooking the resort’s famed golf course.

When it’s time to turn in for the night, you can immerse yourself in history by staying at accommodations built during the early 19^th century including The Clifton, Crossroads Inn, and Hollymead House in Albemarle County. Or stay in the heart of the city at the Dinsmore House or Inn at Court Square, which are both located within walking distance of the University of Virginia and downtown Charlottesville.

Plan your stay today at visitcharlottesville.org.