Hill Top is a second-generation family farm in Nellysford, Nelson County, 30 miles southwest of Charlottesville. The farm, founded by Marlyn and Sue Allen and now managed by their three daughters, is perched in the rolling hills of the Rockfish Valley below Wintergreen Ski Resort. Hill Top also claims to be the oldest meadery in Virginia, recreating authentic and historical honey meads. Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery is the home of the Annual Blackberry Harvest and Music Festival which is always scheduled for the first Saturday in August.
Wine. Tier III. Note that Hill Top’s wines are non-grape wines. Hill Top specializes in award-winning “True to the Fruit” wines made from various fruits other than grapes. Tastings include both wines and meads.
Setting. One star. The winery has two large tasting rooms. There is a large covered patio to enjoy the scenery. The farm has goats and a small herd of registered Scottish Highland Cattle. You can seasonally pick your own blackberries.
Stories. Large-scale tourism in Virginia’s Mountains — Wintergreen Resort. Winter Sports are an important aspect of Virginia’s economy, as they are elsewhere. Located in Nellysford, Wintergreen Resort opened in 1975, and has become an institution in southern Virginia. It is one of the closest ski resorts to Washington DC and Richmond, and has over the years diversified into year-round activities. Wintergreen now has a large conference center, 45 holes of golf, and extensive tennis facilities. Nearby land has been developed into residential properties for sale. The setting offers full-time views of the Blue Ridge mountains and valleys.