They named the property “Rassawek,” in honor of the namesake village of the Monacan Indians, believed to be a series of camps that stretched out along the James River from the main hub at Point of Fork where the Rivanna and James Rivers converged nearby, and set to work planting a vineyard and reclaiming structures for the enjoyment of future generations.
The vineyard was planted in contour rows following the lay of the land. Ponds and roads were added to the property. It’s hard to say what came first- the serendipitous acquisition of materials or a master plan.
The property bears the signatures of the craftsmen, who contributed their skills to various projects, in the details. An arched stone bridge, crafted by a master mason, flanked by redbuds and dogwoods, invites visitors to follow the road which winds through rows of grapevines.
Perched on the top of the hill, a white gazebo, Rassawek’s most visible landmark, offers panoramic views of the river low grounds and three counties- Goochland, Fluvanna and Cumberland.
In 2003, the first building to find new life at Rassawek was the “Saylor” cabin, circa 1844. The two-story structure was moved one floor at a time and reconstructed with an eye for authenticity.
The “Cherokee” cabin, built in 1910, followed in 2008 and was reconstructed overlooking a pond at the north end of the property. Grapevines were then planted in a radial pattern with the Cherokee cabin as the hub.
Salvaged antique items fill the interior. The fireplace, built from native rocks and those original to the cabin, sports massive lintels that were hand-split on site. The floors and wavy pane glass are original to the cabin. A skylight and cupola provide ventilation and natural light.
Adjacent to the Cherokee Cabin is the greenhouse, originally from James Madison’s home, Montpelier. The spacious room, with its brick floor, fireplace and stunning glass, is not only an architectural gem but a perfect spot for gathering.
Rassawek continues to evolve, fueled by the family’s imagination, creativity, respect for the past and by the desire to teach future generations about an earlier time.
Share this with someone you’d want by your side while exploring Rassawek and nearby spots! ❄️
From slow mornings with coffee at @SippingSunshineCafe to breakfast at @CourthouseMarket, a cozy wine pairing at @ElkIslandWine, and Christmas shopping at @Simply_FetchingBoutique_, this little getaway has everything you need for a perfect seasonal escape.
And the best part? Ending the day by the fire in the Cherokee Cabin, complete with a screened-in porch, rustic charm, and room to sleep up to 11 guests. It’s the dream spot for a girls’ trip, a family weekend, or anyone wanting a quiet winter retreat surrounded by history and nature.
✨ Ready to plan your winter getaway? Book the Cherokee Cabin at Rassawek and enjoy it all.
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Did you know Rassawek is home to more than 30 restored properties?
Founded in 2000 by a family passionate about preserving the past, Rassawek was created as a retreat unlike any other. Over the years, historic buildings and materials from across the region, many once headed for demolition, have been carefully salvaged, relocated, repurposed, and rebuilt throughout the property.
Today, Rassawek is a place where natural beauty and local history come together, and where the stories of the past are thoughtfully preserved and shared with the community.
📸 @FaithPhotography @DaryllMorgan
[ rassawek, historic restoration, reclaimed structures, virginia history, goochland va, rassawek winery, heritage preservation ]
🎄🍷 New dates added for Wine & Wreath! Cozy up in our indoor Pavilion for a guided wreath-making workshop, wine tasting, and light fare all included with your ticket. Don’t miss out!
Link:
https://www.ticketsignup.io/Race/VA/Columbia/RassawekWinterWineWreath
Spending a weekend away, surrounded by quiet nature at Rasswek sounds pretty perfect right about now. 🌲
Here at Rassawek, we have a variety of unique and charming Airbnb stays waiting for you! So tell us… which one would you choose for your getaway?
(P.S. We are proud to be Airbnb Superhosts! ✨ )
[ rassawek, airbnb stay, cabin getaway, virginia airbnb, rassawek va, weekend escape ]
A little wine, a little wreath-making, and a whole lot of holiday spirit. ❄️🌲
Hoping to join in on the festive fun? There’s still a chance to join us for one of our favorite holiday traditions. Enjoy wine tastings, light bites, and creating long-lasting wreaths inside our beautifully decorated Pavilion, a space that feels like home for the holidays.
We can’t wait to welcome you in for these final sessions. Save your spot through the link in bio!
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We can’t wait to share our upcoming vintages with you. 🍷✨
We’ve partnered with Ben Jordan and Zach Clancy at @commonwealthcrush, who will be taking over winemaking from our friends at Elk Island Winery. Our team visited their facility to see the new setup, and it was great to walk through the space where our grapes will be crafted moving forward.
You’ll still enjoy the wines you know and love, like the Pullman White, River Road White, Rosé, Caboose, and Tannat, now produced with the talent and care of the Commonwealth Crush team. Their first batches for us will be ready in March 2026!
We’re looking forward to raising a glass with you at the Tasting Room next season at Rassawek!
[ Virginia Wine, Commonwealth Crush, Winemaking, New Vintages ]
Send this to your girls, this is your sign to finally book that long-overdue getaway. 🍷✨
The Cherokee Cabin is calling with its warm fireplace, homey atmosphere, and all the cozy winter feels. And yes… you can even pre-order your favorite Rassawek wine to have waiting for you when you arrive.
Perfect for a girls’ trip, a friends’ weekend, or a family retreat, the Cherokee cabin is our largest Airbnb with room for everyone. It sleeps up to 11 guests with:
• Bedroom 1: one full bed
• Bedroom 2: three bunk beds, each with a double bed on the bottom and a twin on top
Ready for your winter escape?
Reserve the Cherokee Cabin using the link in our bio.
[ Girls Trip, Weekend Getaway, Cozy Cabin, Rustic Stay, Virginia Airbnb ]
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Rassawek. 🍂
Today, we’re grateful for the beauty of this land, the changing seasons, and most of all, the incredible community that supports us year after year. Thank you for being a part of Rassawek, for showing up to our events, and for celebrating life’s moments here.
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful, joy-filled holiday.
Thank you to our wonderful photographers:
Annette Schoen
@danielroberts
@beccazinnphotography
#VirginiaEvents #CentralVirginia #VirginiaWineCountry #FallInVirginia #DiscoverVA #SupportLocalVA #RassawekFamily
There’s nothing like a fresh and festive wreath to kick off the holiday season, and this year’s Wine & Wreath event at Rassawek is the perfect place to create your very own! 🌿✨
Join us in the Pavilion for a guided wreath-making workshop, wine tasting, and light fare, all included in your Wine & Wreath ticket. Tickets are available using the link in bio, and you can book until the day before the event!
Have a group of 15 or more? Book your private Wine & Wreath experience today! Email jenny@rassawek.com to secure your spot.
Want the full Rassawek experience? Book an Airbnb stay during the event and make it a festive weekend getaway. 🍷🌲
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Rassawek is Central Virginia’s hidden gem, and it’s closer than you think. 🌿
A quiet vineyard. Historic cabins. Nature everywhere you look. Come experience the magic of Rassawek for yourself!
📸 @FaithPhotography @CrispPics
#Rassawek #VisitVirginia #ThingsToDoInVA #VirginiaWine #RichmondVA #ColombiaVA #GoochlandVA #VisitVA #FamilyFunVA