From Vine to Vintage: A Cabernet Franc Experience at Fifty-Third Winery
Program Details & Spotlights
Join Winemaker Chelsey Blevins and owner Dave Drillock inside Fifty-Third Winery's production facility for an exclusive, guided exploration of Cabernet Franc. Learn how this premier varietal evolves from vine to bottle while sampling multiple vintages and Cabernet Franc-based blends. The ticket price includes a crystal Riedel Cabernet Franc glass to take home and light charcuterie pairings. Guests will also have rare access to purchase limited older vintages from the cellar.
Just a short, scenic drive south of Lake Anna's sparkling waters lies Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard, a peaceful Louisa County sanctuary where historic rolling hills meet world-class viticulture. While many visitors are familiar with the winery's inviting tasting room and breezy outdoor patios, this exclusive event offers a rare ticket past the velvet ropes. You will step directly inside Fifty-Third’s active production facility—a sensory haven filled with the rich aromas of aging oak barrels, fermenting grapes, and the exciting hum of craft winemaking in action.
Cabernet Franc has long been hailed as Virginia’s signature red grape, thriving beautifully in the clay-loam soils of our local Piedmont region. This event is a deep dive into what makes this varietal so extraordinarily suited to our local terroir. Led by the brilliant Winemaker Chelsey Blevins and passionate owner Dave Drillock, you will embark on a sensory journey exploring how the grape transitions from the sun-drenched vines right outside the door to the complex, age-worthy vintages resting in the cellar.
What sets this experience apart is the opportunity to taste history. This is a vertical tasting, meaning you won’t just sip a current release; you will taste multiple vintages and unique Cabernet Franc-based blends side-by-side to understand how weather, time, and oak aging transform the wine. To elevate each sip, you will be using a premium, crystal Riedel Cabernet Franc glass—specifically engineered to showcase the grape's signature aromas of dark cherry, herbaceous spice, and earthy undertones—which is yours to keep. The tasting is beautifully complemented by light, hand-selected charcuterie pairings designed to make the fruit and spice notes pop.
For local wine collectors and casual lake-life enthusiasts alike, the grand finale of this experience is a truly rare privilege. Fifty-Third is opening up their private library, granting attendees exclusive access to purchase limited, older vintages that are typically locked away from the public eye. Whether you are looking to impress guests at your next Lake Anna dock party or restock your personal cellar with local treasures, this is a golden opportunity to take home a piece of Virginia wine history.
Why You Should Attend
- ✔ Behind-the-Scenes Access: Go inside the production facility, an area normally closed to the general public.
- ✔ Learn from the Pros: Get direct, intimate access to Winemaker Chelsey Blevins and owner Dave Drillock to ask all your burning viticulture questions.
- ✔ Premium Take-Home Glassware: Take home a beautiful Riedel Cabernet Franc glass, designed specifically to optimize this stellar varietal.
- ✔ Exclusive Library Access: Buy rare, cellared vintages of Cab Franc that are completely unavailable on the standard tasting menu.
Insider Tips
- 💡 Dress in Layers: Production facilities are kept cool to preserve the wine. Even if it is a warm Virginia afternoon, you will want a light jacket or sweater inside.
- 💡 Arrive Early for the Views: Give yourself an extra 20 minutes to stroll through the gorgeous vineyard rows and snap some photos before the 1:30 PM start time.
- 💡 Plan a Safe Ride: Since you will be tasting multiple vintages and rich blends, make sure to arrange a designated driver or local ride service so you can fully enjoy the generous pours.
- 💡 Make a Day of It: Fifty-Third is located right in the heart of Louisa's historic countryside. Plan a late dinner at one of the local spots near the lake or downtown Louisa to complete your perfect day trip.
⚓ Local Visitor Navigation Tips & Parking
Pre-registration is required as tickets are strictly limited and sell out quickly. The winery is about a 20-minute drive from the south side of Lake Anna. Ample vehicle parking is available in the vineyard's main lot.