Afton has wine country charm and Blue Ridge views near Charlottesville
Afton is a quiet community in the heart of the Monticello American Viticultural Area, an award-winning wine region rich in history and flavor. It was here at his Monticello estate that Thomas Jefferson first planted grapevines in the late 18th century, envisioning Virginia as the center of American wine. Today, Afton carries that legacy forward with sun-dappled vineyards set against the Blue Ridge Mountains. “Afton just has amazing views. Most of it’s going to have some degree of views, so you feel like you’re in the mountains, but it’s also easy to get on an Interstate like 64,” says Marlo Allen, a Realtor and associate broker with Nest Realty who specializes in selling homes throughout Nelson County.
Though winding roads and mountainside retreats give Afton a rural feel, it’s located along Interstate 64 and roughly 25 miles from the academic hub of Charlottesville . “You’re closer to Charlottesville, some of that’s 20 minutes away, and you’re also close to another hospital in Fishersville…so for people commuting and things like that, I think they like that location,” Allen says. Afton’s central location puts residents within reach of major employers like the University of Virginia, UVA Health’s University Medical Center and Augusta Health.
Explore the Monticello Wine Trail and Nelson 151 Craft Beverage Trail
Residents are near several stops on the Monticello Wine Trail and the Nelson 151 Craft Beverage Trail. “Afton has a number of wineries and breweries, so that’s a big area even for some wedding destinations,” Allen says. While wine lovers frequent spots like Afton Mountain Vineyards and Veritas Vineyard & Winery, beer enthusiasts can head to Blue Mountain Brewery for homegrown hops. The Nelson 151 trail also features cideries and distilleries a few miles farther down state Route 151. In July, Wintergreen Music partners with wineries to pair live music with local tastings.
Ranch-style and custom-built homes offer privacy and mountain vistas
Homes sit back from quiet roads in a peaceful mountainside setting. Tree-lined lots stretch wide, giving residents a sense of privacy and space. Most properties are found along Afton Mountain Road, where the streetscape opens to scenic views of the sun rising over the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ranch-style homes and custom-built retreats are common, and some feature wraparound porches that blend indoor and outdoor living. The median sale price for single-family homes is around $520,000. Properties sell after an average of less than two months on the market, and Afton’s overall CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10 is well below the national average of 4.
Trails near Shenandoah National Park and Wintergreen Resort
Biking is a popular pastime throughout Nelson County. While bike lanes are limited, cyclists often ride scenic routes along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Afton Mountain Road. The TransAmerica Bicycle Trail runs through Afton, where longtime resident June Curry became known as “The Cookie Lady” for offering food and housing to thousands of bikers. She passed away in 2012, but the Bike House remains a hostel for cyclists passing through the community.
Bikers and hikers can explore the Blue Ridge Tunnel, a 4,273-foot-long tunnel leading through Afton Mountain. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs nearby, passing through Shenandoah National Park as it follows the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wintergreen Resort is about 22 miles away, and the four-season retreat is best known as Virginia’s biggest ski area.
Most shopping and dining take place in Waynesboro or Charlottesville
Outside Afton’s wineries and breweries, shopping and dining are limited. Dickie Brothers Orchard runs the 151 Farm Market, a roadside country store with fresh produce and baked goods. The closest major grocery store is Kroger, about 6 miles away in Waynesboro . For more errands, the Waynesboro Town Center features Aldi, Target and Kohl’s. Dining options include fast-food chains and favorites like The Fishin’ Pig, known for southern-style barbecue and seafood. Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall showcases more small businesses.
Nelson County Public Schools includes career and technical education
Most residents live in Nelson County and can send their kids to Nelson County Public Schools. The school district earns an overall grade of B-minus from Niche and has an average student-to-teacher ratio of 12-to-1. Rockfish River Elementary School scores a C, Nelson Middle School gets a C-plus and Nelson County High School receives a B. High school students can enroll in a variety of career and technical education programs, including automotive technology, health sciences, and cosmetology programs, which offer hands-on experience and help prepare them for vocational success after graduation. North Branch School is a private option for prekindergarten through eighth grade that does not yet have a Niche rating.
I-64 leads to Charlottesville, while the Blue Ridge Parkway slows down
Afton is a heavily car-dependent area without sidewalks or public transportation. U.S. Route 250 and Interstate 64 trace its northern edge, connecting residents to bigger cities like Charlottesville, Waynesboro and Staunton . The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through Nelson County with a slower rhythm, offering a scenic byway known as “America’s Favorite Drive.” Spots like the Afton Overlook provide panoramic views across the Rockfish Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. For flights, Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport is less than 30 miles away.
![Sally Stimpson]()
Written By
Sally Stimpson
