From Vine to Vintage: Cabernet Franc Experience
Program Details & Spotlights
Dive deep into the artistry of winemaking with Fifty-Third Winery's exclusive Cabernet Franc experience. Winemaker Chelsey Blevins and owner Dave Drillock will guide guests through an intimate, seated exploration of several exceptional Cabernet Franc vintages and a unique Cabernet Franc-based blend. Hosted directly on the crush pad (or inside the production barn in case of weather), your ticket includes a guided tasting, light charcuterie pairings, a keepsake Riedel Cabernet Franc glass to take home, and access to extremely limited older vintages available for purchase.
For Lake Anna locals and weekend lake-goers looking to venture slightly south of the water, Louisa County offers some of the most exciting terroir in the Middle Atlantic. Virginia has long claimed Cabernet Franc as its signature red grape, and there is no better place to understand its depth than at the gorgeous, eco-friendly Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard. This intimate event is a rare, behind-the-scenes passport into the craft, science, and heartbeat of local viticulture, led by the very people who nurture these vines from soil to bottle.
Stepping onto the active crush pad—or inside the rustic warmth of the production barn if the autumn air gets too crisp—you’ll feel immediately connected to the winemaking process. Winemaker Chelsey Blevins and owner Dave Drillock are opening up their private workspace for this exclusive afternoon. Instead of a standard tasting room pour, you will be seated right where the harvest magic happens, listening to first-hand stories of past seasons, weather challenges, and the triumphs that shaped each bottled vintage.
The star of the show, of course, is the Cabernet Franc. Known for its alluring notes of dark cherry, savory herbs, and signature white pepper, this grape thrives beautifully in our local clay-heavy soils. During this guided exploration, you will sip your way through several exceptional, highly-curated vintages, including a unique Cabernet Franc-based blend. Each pour is masterfully paired with light charcuterie designed to highlight the grape's natural acidity and complex tannins, all while you swirl from a premium, keepsake Riedel Cabernet Franc glass.
Why You Should Attend
- Exclusive Library Access: This event unlocks the vault to extremely limited older vintages that are otherwise unavailable to the public, offering a rare chance to purchase and add cellar-worthy Virginia classics to your personal collection.
- Behind-the-Scenes Venue: Ditch the traditional tasting bar and experience the winery's inner sanctum on the crush pad and inside the production barn.
- Learn from the Pros: Get your winemaking questions answered directly by winemaker Chelsey Blevins and owner Dave Drillock in an intimate, small-group setting.
- Take-Home Riedel Glassware: Your ticket includes a professional-grade Riedel Cabernet Franc glass, specifically shaped to enhance the aromatics of this beloved varietal.
Insider Tips
- Make it a Scenic Day Trip: Fifty-Third Winery is an easy, scenic 25-minute drive south of Lake Anna's south glen. Take the winding country backroads through Louisa to enjoy the stunning Piedmont autumn foliage along the way.
- Dress in Cozy Layers: Since the tasting takes place in working production areas like the crush pad or the production barn, temperatures can fluctuate. We highly recommend bringing a light jacket or your favorite flannel to stay comfortable.
- Plan Dinner in Historic Louisa: After the tasting concludes at 3:30 PM, take the short 10-minute drive into the historic Town of Louisa for an early dinner. The local spots along Main Street offer fantastic small-town charm to cap off your day.
- Reserve Early: Seated, production-area events at Fifty-Third have incredibly limited capacity and tend to sell out quickly among wine club members and locals. Grab your tickets well in advance.
⚓ Local Visitor Navigation Tips & Parking
Tickets are required and cost $42 plus tax per person. They can be purchased in advance via the winery's Tock booking site. This event is limited to adult guests and has highly restricted seating, so booking early is strongly advised.