Mount Fair Vineyard

Crozet, VA
4
Wedding
Weddings
Verified Venue

A Rich Sustainable Vineyard and Equestrian Utopia

Active in the equestrian community, John and Dudley Macfarlane set their intention on moving to the Charlottesville countryside once their three sons emptied the nest. For 35 years, they lived in New York, juggling successful careers in finance and never losing sight of their bucolic vision. Fond memories of their early life together, where she taught law school and pursued equestrian riding while he earned his graduate degree, drew them back to Charlottesville.

 

In 2003, the family purchased Mount Fair Farm and developed one of Albemarle County’s oldest and best-preserved historic homes, gradually adding an indoor arena, guest home, barn, farm manager’s home, state-of-the-art equestrian facilities, a glass greenhouse, apiary and an eight-acre family-owned and operated vineyard producing remarkable Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

 

The Macfarlane’s worked alongside renowned architect Mark Finlay to design the Arena, Paddock House, Vineyard House and support buildings. Landscape architect Thomas Woltz of Charlottesville’s Nelson Byrd Woltz firm planned the flowing property layout and Carmen Fischer designed the raised garden beds that house native plants and vegetables.

 

The farm’s gentle rolling hills, Blue Ridge Mountain views, sunlit horse paddocks and wildflower meadows call to couples seeking a natural romantic retreat. In 2022, Mount Fair Vineyard began hosting its first full season of weddings.

 

“The motivation is to share the beauty of the property with others beyond our family,” John says. The farm is hosting selective events, limiting weddings to fewer than 10 across a season that falls between early May and late October.

 

The venue is nontraditional in that the owners are hands-off and weddings unfold with a couple’s chosen planner and vendors. Mount Fair appeals to those with appreciation for sustainable farming, a connection to horses or just a desire to tie colorful threads of history into their wedding celebration.

 

“We provide a clean venue slate,” says John. “You have to have ingenuity, creativity and vision to put a wedding together here.”

 

Visionary couples have hosted al fresco cocktail hours with accompanying violinists on the lush greenhouse terrace and breathtaking receptions in the 15,000-square-foot indoor arena. Mount Fair’s event point person Elaine Ricca has welcomed elaborate and whimsical weddings where couples have brought in plush antique furnishings and a custom stage and dance floor. Others have arranged fountain-side living room lounge areas. Grand tents on the paddock lawn have hosted farm table dinner receptions under soft strung lighting and violet hour sunsets.

 

Mount Fair is a weekend wedding destination, with wedding parties arriving Friday morning and departing Sunday afternoon. Wedding party guests are invited to use the Paddock House, reconnecting on the wraparound porch and strolling the meticulously manicured gardens. The second floor bedrooms serve as bridal suite and groom party prep spaces and a game room entertains with a pool table, foosball and video room. The charming Via Cottage and winery are also available during the weekend.

 

“Couples are invited to shape their own experience built around the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” says John. “It’s a special place.”

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VENUE TYPE
Farms, Barns & Ranches
CEREMONY SETTING
Outdoor
GUEST CAPACITY
200
PRICE LEVEL
Luxury

The Location

Setting

Mount Fair Farm is a family-owned historic estate, just 20 miles north of Charlottesville at the entrance to Brown’s Cove which runs between the Blue Ridge and Pigeon Top Mountain to the north and east.

Things To Do

Charlottesville is home to thriving orchards, farms, and more than 40 wineries that inspire unforgettable restaurant experiences. Hiking in Shenandoah National Park, renowned river kayaking, and championship golf offer thrills while a celebrated theater and local live music scene entertain. Our stages are well stocked with highly coveted acts. In fact, Charlottesville is where Dave Matthews Band and Coran Capshaw's Red Light Management — the largest independent music management company in the world — got their start. For a taste of history, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Highland offer guided glimpses into the Founding Fathers’ legacies.

Proximity

18 mi to Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport

18 mi to Downtown Mall

23 mi to Monticello 

16 mi to UVA

20 mi to Shenandoah National Park

4575 Slam Gate Road, Crozet, VA 22932

The Details

Amenities & Services

  • Spacious event tents
  • Onsite winery
  • Cottage and Paddock House lodging

By the Numbers

  • 17,382 square feet of event space
  • 200 seated guest capacity for dinner
  • 200 seated guest capacity for the ceremony site

Make it Yours

  • Connect with your wedding party for an intimate gathering at the winery set on a hill above the 10-acre vineyard.
  • Utilize the Paddock House for family and friends to enjoy two bedrooms and a finished basement game room with a pool table, foosball, and video room, furnished with a sofa bed to accommodate additional guests.

Get Married at Mount Fair Vineyard

Every wedding starts with a beautiful venue. Let’s find yours.

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