A full-day trip from Boar's Head: Monticello and the Monticello Wine Trail
Yes — you can do a full-day trip from Boar's Head Resort that combines a morning visit to Monticello and an afternoon on the Monticello Wine Trail. Start at the resort, drive to Monticello for a guided house or grounds visit, then spend the afternoon tasting at nearby wineries before returning to relax at Boar's Head Resort (consider a Deluxe Room if you plan to overnight).
In this guide
Getting started at Boar's Head Resort
Begin your day at Boar's Head Resort, 200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville. The front desk and concierge can help with directions, reservations, and timing for Monticello and winery visits.
If you’re staying overnight, your stay includes access to the Sports Club and pools; rooms at the property are listed under the single room type Deluxe Room (available with 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds). For reservations or questions, BookResorts agents are available at +1 (888) 605-1350.
- Check-out time is 11:00 a.m.; check-in starts at 4:00 p.m.
- Complimentary self-parking is available on site; the resort also offers an airport shuttle to Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport.
- Bring layers: Charlottesville’s weather can change through the day, especially in spring and fall.
| Resort contact | Address / Phone |
|---|---|
| Boar's Head Resort front desk | 200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903 / +1 (888) 605-1350 |
Morning: Monticello — what to expect
Monticello is Thomas Jefferson’s mountaintop home with guided house tours, grounds, and a museum. Driving time from Boar’s Head Resort is roughly 15–16 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tours and programs are run by the Monticello organization; check Monticello’s website for current tour types and start times. Guided house tours typically require timed reservations, so plan ahead.
- Expect a mix of indoor house tours and outdoor grounds access (weather permitting).
- Reserve timed tickets in advance via Monticello’s official site to secure your preferred tour.
- Allow 1.5–3 hours for house plus grounds and museum, depending on the tour and how much you explore.
| Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Book timed tours in advance | Monticello schedules guided house tours with limited capacity |
| Wear comfortable shoes | The grounds include slopes and paths around the mountaintop |
| Check opening hours | Schedules and programs can change seasonally |
Afternoon: Monticello Wine Trail overview
The Monticello Wine Trail includes dozens of wineries within a short drive of Charlottesville. Boar's Head Resort sits in the area commonly used as a base for visiting the trail.
Wineries vary in scale and focus — some offer tastings, vineyard walks, or food service. Many wineries are open for afternoon tastings but hours and reservation policies differ by estate.
- The region includes more than 45 wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail (check winery websites for exact locations and hours).
- Some wineries require reservations for tastings or tours; call ahead or book online.
- If you plan multiple tastings, consider a designated driver, local car service, or a guided wine tour.
| What to check | Examples |
|---|---|
| Tasting reservation policy | Some wineries accept walk-ins; others require bookings |
| Food availability | Some estates offer food or picnic options; others do not |
| Accessibility and walk routes | Vineyard terrain varies — ask if you need step-free access |
Sample full-day itinerary
This sample keeps travel times reasonable and leaves you back at the resort for an evening meal or spa visit. Adjust start times to match Monticello tour availability and winery hours.
Times below are illustrative; check Monticello and individual winery hours and reservation rules before you go.
- 8:30–9:00 a.m. — Depart Boar's Head Resort (or have breakfast on property).
- 9:30–11:30 a.m. — Monticello house tour and museum visit (timed ticket).
- 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Lunch in Charlottesville or at a winery that serves food.
- 1:30–4:30 p.m. — Visit two to three Monticello Wine Trail wineries for tastings.
- 5:00–6:00 p.m. — Return to Boar's Head Resort; shower or change.
- 6:30 p.m. onward — Dinner at The Mill Room or Racquets Fresh Market (reservations recommended for The Mill Room).
| Part of day | Suggested duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monticello visit | 1.5–3 hours | Timed tours recommended |
| Wineries | 2–3 hours | Plan 30–60 minutes per tasting stop |
| Return to resort | 30–45 minutes drive | Traffic and winery locations affect timing |
Transportation and practical tips
A car is the most flexible way to reach Monticello and wineries from Boar's Head Resort; the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport is roughly 10 miles away and the resort offers an airport shuttle. The Downtown Mall and University of Virginia are short drives from the resort as well.
If you prefer not to drive after tastings, book a local car service, rideshare, or a guided winery shuttle. The resort concierge can often assist with transportation options and local recommendations.
- Driving times: Monticello is roughly a 15–16 minute drive from the resort; individual wineries vary.
- Consider spacing winery visits to avoid back-to-back tastings and allow time for a relaxed lunch.
- Carry water and a light snack if you’ll be walking vineyards; some wineries have limited shade.
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Airport shuttle | Boar's Head Resort provides shuttle service to Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport |
| Concierge help | Ask the front desk to call ahead to wineries or arrange drivers |
| Designated driver | Recommended if you plan several tastings |
Evening back at the resort
After a full day, return to Boar's Head Resort for dinner at The Mill Room (reservations recommended) or a more casual meal at Racquets Fresh Market. If you’re staying overnight, relax in your Deluxe Room or use resort facilities like the spa and adult pool (seasonal).
The resort offers on-site dining hours and pool access details on its website; check opening hours and dress guidance for The Mill Room before you go.
- The Mill Room serves breakfast, lunch, Sunday brunch, and dinner — reservations available and recommended for dinner.
- The resort has an adults-only Resort Pool at The Spa and a family Aquatics Center; hours and seasonal service vary.
- If you want a quieter evening, consider a spa appointment at The Spa at Boar's Head Resort (arrive 30 minutes before your appointment).
| Dining option | Typical hours |
|---|---|
| The Mill Room | Breakfast, lunch, Sunday brunch, dinner (see resort for exact times) |
| Racquets Fresh Market | Open for casual meals; no reservation required |
