Review: A Friday Night at Meriwether

Jamie Blake, staff writer

The end of week can mean many things for people. They either want to relax and stay home or enjoy a night out in one of the many places Charlottesville has to offer.

Most people will be looking to head to their favorite winery or brewery and Charlottesville has captivated the local scene over the last 20+ years that there are so many to choose from.

There is one place in particular that just opened a few months ago that offers you both wine and beer, plus a live show of local artists on the weekends.

A local married couple opened Meriwether Springs, named after the famous Meriwether Lewis, five years ago only making wine and hosting events.  The wine was such a huge success they were looking for other ventures.

Then earlier this year, they transformed the winery into a brewery with a tasting room and a beer garden. It is the perfect Friday night location for anyone who lives in Charlottesville or who is just passing through.

On Oct. 19, I visited the brewery and got to hear the Crozet Jam Band and their funky tunes. It was  the ideal fall night, only slightly chilly with the warmth of a fire just a few feet from me. The twinkly lights that hang down from the tent make the atmosphere more relaxed and inviting, with the tunes from the band in the background.

The Crozet Jam Band have been a local band playing all around Charlottesville and surrounding areas for two years. Their performance was one I will not forget because they encourage the audience to participate in their music and they have a binder with 170+ songs that you can choose from for them to play.

The atmosphere of the music and the location of Meriwether will make you want to come back. Meriwether Springs is located in Ivy, Virginia and is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 12-8 p.m.  and Friday and Saturday from 12-10 p.m.