First Taste: Unreleased Wines & Chef Pairings
Program Details & Spotlights
Treat your palate to an exclusive culinary experience at Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard with their premier 'First Taste' event! Sample several unreleased estate-grown Virginia wines led by an experienced tasting room host. Each unique wine pour is thoughtfully paired with exquisite, chef-crafted small plates featuring fresh, local ingredients from surrounding farms.
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Louisa County, just a short, scenic drive south from the shores of Lake Anna, Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard is hosting an afternoon that local wine lovers and foodies won't want to miss. "First Taste" isn't just a standard tasting; it’s an intimate peek behind the cellar curtain. If you’ve ever wanted to know what the future of Virginia wine tastes like before it hits the shelves, this is your golden ticket. The winery's peaceful, rustic-modern estate sets the perfect backdrop for a refined yet relaxed Sunday afternoon.
What makes this event truly special is the spotlight on estate-grown fruit. Fifty-Third Winery takes immense pride in their connection to the land, cultivating classic Virginia varietals that thrive in our local clay soils. During this exclusive ninety-minute session, an experienced tasting room host will guide you through a flight of unreleased vintages. You'll learn about the unique growing season, the winemaking process, and the creative vision behind each bottle, gaining a deep appreciation for the artistry that goes from the vine to the glass.
But the wine is only half of the story. To elevate the tasting, the culinary team has crafted bespoke small plates specifically designed to complement the unique flavor profiles of these sneak-peek pours. These aren't your average charcuterie bites—we're talking chef-crafted delicacies showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from neighboring farms in the Central Virginia agricultural belt. It’s a true celebration of local flavors, pairing the best of Virginia’s soil with the best of its kitchens.
Why You Should Attend
- Exclusive Access: Be among the very first to taste unreleased estate-grown wines before they are made available to the general public or wine club members.
- Farm-to-Table Pairings: Savor thoughtfully curated chef pairings featuring hyper-local ingredients sourced from surrounding Central Virginia farms.
- Guided Expertise: Learn directly from knowledgeable hosts who can share the stories, passion, and science behind the vine.
- The Perfect Sunday Escape: Enjoy a gorgeous drive through Louisa's scenic countryside, making it the perfect post-lake weekend wind-down.
Insider Tips
- Take the Scenic Route: If you're coming from Lake Anna's spots like the state park or the marinas, take the backcountry route down Route 208 and turn onto Shannon Hill Road for some of the most beautiful rolling pasture views in the region.
- Dress for the Vines: While the tasting is indoors, you’ll definitely want to stroll the beautiful grounds or relax on the deck afterward. Wear comfortable, smart-casual attire and shoes suitable for gravel and grass.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself an extra 15 minutes to check out their sustainable, eco-friendly tasting room—it is LEED-certified and a marvel of modern green architecture.
- Stock Up for the Cabin: If you fall in love with their current releases during your visit, grab a bottle of their popular Viognier or Chambourcin to take back to your lake house for sunset viewing on the dock.
⚓ Local Visitor Navigation Tips & Parking
Limited tickets are available for $55 per person and must be purchased in advance via Tock. The tasting is held indoors with beautiful vineyard views.