Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Charlottesville

Where are you located?

Mount Ida is a 3,000 acre property located just south of downtown Charlottesville along the Monticello Wine Trail. We are central to Richmond and the DC area.

Are you a vineyard? 

Yes, we are a fully operational farm, winery and brewery  in the heart of Virginia wine country.

How far are you from the airport?

Opt for either Richmond International Airport, an hour and a half away, or Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, 45 minutes away.

Are you close to UVA?

We are located 20 minutes from the  University of Virginia main campus.

Your Reception

How many reception venues do you have?

Mount Ida Farm is home to four distinct venues – The Event Barn, The Lodge, The Tasting Room, and The Arcadian Tent Site. Each of these venues have their own outdoor ceremony site.

Do you provide tables, chairs, and linens?

We have ceremony and reception chairs, tables, lounge furniture, and bars available as part of your wedding package. We do not have linens available for use – these can be easily rented through a local vendor.

Is lighting included?

Dimmable track lights, chandeliers, and outdoor lighting are included in your wedding package.

Is the space heated and air conditioned?

Yes, each indoor venue is equipped with heating and AC throughout the whole building.

If the power goes out, what is the backup plan?

Mount Ida offers guests the comfort and security of large commercial generators to run the entire event building and the ceremony site.

Are there getting-ready suites for the wedding party?

We have both private bridal and groom suites in our venues. The bridal suite can be accessed two hours prior to your ceremony and the groom’s suite is available one hour prior.

Can we decorate the space ourselves?

Your team of vendors will handle the decor that you have chosen, creating a completely turnkey wedding day.

What is your maximum guest capacity?

We can host up to 300 guests.

Is there parking available?

There is ample parking at each venue.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, each venue has an entryway with no stairs and your reception space is one level.

Can you fit a band?

All of our venues were designed with space for a band in mind. The Lodge and Barn have built-in stages with plenty of space and ample power  for a large band.

What time does the event need to end?

Because of our county’s noise ordnance, events must end by 11:00pm.

Vendors

Do you have a preferred vendor list?

We have over 100 vendors to choose from on our preferred vendor list. We require you to use a caterer and coordinator from the list, but all other vendors are just suggestions.

Can we use vendors who are not on the preferred vendor list for the wedding?

Yes, you can choose vendors that are not on our preferred vendor list as long as they will provide us with the required paperwork. Caterers & wedding planners are the only vendors that we need to approve of.

Do you require a wedding planner or coordinator?

Yes, we require you to use a planner from our vendor list. However, they do not need to be full-service planners, day-of planners are acceptable.

Do you provide bartenders?

Your bartenders will be members of your catering team.

Who handles setup and breakdown?

We and your vendors handle all set up and breakdown so there is no need to worry about cleaning up at the end of your reception.

When can vendors arrive for setup?

Vendors may arrive at noon. If your ceremony is earlier than 4:00 then your vendors may arrive four hours prior.  Our earliest set up time is 8:00am for morning events. If you are decorating with drapery, we will coordinate a setup time with that vendor.

Food and Drink

Do you provide in-house catering or allow outside caterers?

Mount Ida does not offer catering services, so you will choose a catering company from our preferred vendor list.

Is there a beer & wine minimum we need to hit?

Because we are both a winery and a brewery, there is a minimum of three cases of Mount Ida wine and the choice of either one half keg or two sixtels of Mount Ida beer.

Can we bring our own alcohol?

Yes, it is simple to obtain a day-of alcohol license which will allow you to purchase and bring in your own wine, beer, spirits, etc. You may also opt for a beverage package through your catering team.

Is there a catering kitchen or prep space available onsite?

The Event Barn and The Lodge have spacious caterer kitchens and The Tasting Room and Arcadian Tent Site have designated areas for catering tents.

Are food trucks allowed?

You may book food trucks in addition to your caterer. There are lots of fun options to choose from in the Charlottesville area.

Booking

How can we schedule a tour?

Email info@mountidafarm.com or call 434-960-4655 to arrange your town.

Do you tour on weekends?

We offer tours by appointment seven days a week.

How far in advance should we book?

We do not have a policy limiting booking windows, so you may plan for a wedding in the immediate future and even years out. We suggest planning at least a year out for our busiest seasons, April-June and September-November.

Do you offer weekday or off-season discounts?

Yes, our off-season is from December – March.

What does the rental fee include?

A Mount Ida Farm wedding package includes all of the furniture that you will need for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception along with our team who will work directly with your planner.

How do we reserve a date?

Placing your deposit takes your date off of the market.

What is the deposit?

Our deposit fee is $500. Though it is non-refundable, it goes toward your final balance.

Accommodations and Lodging

How many homes do you have and how many can you sleep?

We have eleven  homes and three guest houses  on the Reserve and can accommodate a total of 120 guests.

 Do you have any wedding packages that include housing?

Our Destination Package includes a Friday – Sunday stay in one of our houses and a rehearsal dinner either at your venue or at our Tasting Room and Taphouse. You may also opt for a First Look Package which gives your wedding party access to the home of your choice beginning at 9:00 am  to get ready in and earlier access to the property for photos.

 Are your accommodations family friendly?

Yes, children are more than welcome to stay with us.

Are there any activities on the property?

There is plenty to do during your stay. Swim, fish, kyak or relax beachside on our private  lake  or try your hand at pickleball in our indoor court. Some of our houses have their own volleyball, tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts, or an  inground swimming pool. Head to our Tasting Room for some estate grown wine and beer with your lunch or dinner, or opt for a horseback trail ride.

 Where are the closest hotels?

The closest hotels are 25 minutes away in downtown Charlottesville and by the UVA campus.

Miscellaneous

Do you host multiple weddings on the same day?

We will only host one wedding a day, per venue, though we may  have multiple weddings on a given weekend a day spread out between each of the four  venues. We also offer an exclusive package for couples wishing to reserve the entire property for their special  occasion.

 Can you see other venues from your wedding?

No, because we are a 3,000 acre property, our four venues are a driving distance from one another.

 Do you offer elopement packages?

Yes, for those looking to host a smaller, more intimate wedding, our elopement package includes a ceremony, wine pairing dinner at our Tasting Room, and a weekend stay.

 Are you LGBTQ+ friendly?

Absolutely!

 Do you offer a military discount?

 Yes, and thank you for your service!