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.
Thank you to our incredible sponsors for helping make the 2025 Rassawek Autumn Festival such a success! 🍂
Your support allows us to continue celebrating community, craftsmanship, and tradition year after year.
We’re so grateful to every partner who played a part in bringing this special weekend to life, from the live music and trade demos to the rodeo and family fun. We couldn’t have done it without you! 🤎
@rexsullivan2018
@hometownrealtyva
@excel_truckgroup
@myinsurancedoctor
@atlanticunionbank
@jamesriverair
@luck_stone_
@castleequip
@olddominionmechanical
@jrtharpetrucking
@davis_offroad
@power.mechanical.inc
@auto_glass_plus
@massmutual
@rps_ins
@rcibuildersrva
@ctpurcellva
@worldkinect
#RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekVA #RassawekVentures #CommunitySupport #ThankYouSponsors
Fall Sawmill Music Concert at Rassawek! 🍂
Join us Saturday, November 8th for our first fall concert featuring The Drew Pace Band, plus performances by Landyn Llewellyn! Enjoy an afternoon of live music, local eats, and great vibes set against Rassawek’s scenic outdoors. 🎶
Bring your lawn chairs, grab a cold drink, play a round of cornhole, or relax by the bonfire, it’s the perfect way to spend a fall day with friends and family. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.
Guests can pre-order a hearty bowl of chili or a charcuterie board (limited quantities available, order by November 4th!).
🕐 Schedule:
12 PM – Gates open
12–2 PM – Landyn Llewellyn
2–4 PM – The Drew Pace Band
5 PM – Gates close
Don’t wait, buy your tickets today through the link in our bio!
#Rassawek #SawmillMusicSeries #DrewPaceBand #LiveMusic #VirginiaEvents #FamilyFun #FallFestivalVibes #BonfireNights
The 2025 Rassawek Autumn Festival was a wonderful success, a true celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and community. 🍂
From the energy of the rodeo to the artistry of local makers and trade demonstrations, every part of the weekend reflected our mission: to honor tradition, support vocational education, and bring people together.
Thank you to our sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and guests who made this year’s event unforgettable. Your support helps preserve the trades and skills that keep Virginia’s spirit alive.
#RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekVentures #VocationalEducation #SupportLocal #CommunityEvent #VirginiaFallFestival #FallEvents #SupportTrades #ColombiaVA #GoochlandVA
The Autumn Festival is here! 🍁
This weekend’s map and itinerary make it easy to find all your favorites, from the Train Station and Helicopter Rides to the Kids Corral, Music Stage, Antique Equipment, and beyond.
There’s so much to see and do across the grounds, make sure to plan your route and take it all in!
#RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekVA #FamilyWeekend #FallEventsVA #ProRodeoVirginia #VirginiaEvents #FamilyEventsVA
🍂🤠 The Rassawek Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo is this weekend!
Before you head out, check out our helpful hints to make your visit seamless, from shuttle service to ATM location, and everything in between. 🎟️
It’s shaping up to be a beautiful weekend in Goochland, and we can’t wait to see everyone at Rassawek for two days of fall fun and rodeo excitement! 🌤️🐎
#RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekProRodeo #GoochlandVA #VirginiaEvents #FallFestival #FamilyFun #SupportLocal #RodeoWeekend
Grab your tokens, find your favorite sip, and enjoy the weekend! 🌿
🎟 Drink tokens are $8 each or 4 for $30.
🍺 1 Token = any 8 oz glass of Rassawek Wine, 12 oz Wine Slushie, 12 oz Sangria, or any Beer or Cider.
🍾 3 Tokens = 1 Bottle of Rassawek Wine.
Who else is counting down the days until the Rassawek Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo this weekend?! 🍂
#RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekProRodeo #GoochlandVA #VirginiaEvents #LocalWine #LocalBeer #FestivalFun #SupportLocal
We would like to take a moment to thank The Rex Sullivan Hometown Realty Team for being our presenting sponsor for the 2025 Rassawek Pro Rodeo, happening October 18th & 19th during our Autumn Festival!
Rex isn’t just a realtor, he’s a real cowboy at heart. Before leading one of the top real estate teams in the Richmond area, Rex spent years competing in rodeos himself. So if you see him at the event, be sure to say hello and ask him about his days in the arena!
Huge thanks to Rex and his team for helping us bring another unforgettable weekend of bull riding, barrel racing, and family fun to Rassawek.
🎟 Rodeo admission is included with your Autumn Festival ticket.
📍 6276 River Road West, Columbia, VA
🗓 October 18th & 19th | 1 PM each day
#RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekProRodeo #RafterKRodeo #RexSullivanHometownRealty #RichmondRealEstate #ColumbiaVA #SupportLocal #FamilyFunVA #RodeoLife
A heartfelt thank you to our Gold Sponsors, NewMarket Corporation, James River Air Conditioning, Atlantic Union Bank, and the Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum, for their generous support of this year’s Rassawek Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo!
✨ NewMarket Corporation — A Richmond-rooted company recognized worldwide for its innovation and integrity in the petroleum additives industry.
❄️ James River Air Conditioning — Providing trusted, community-driven service built on 57 years of expertise and innovation.
💳 Atlantic Union Bank — Helping individuals and businesses across Virginia and beyond reach their financial goals with honesty and care.
🚜 Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum — Showcasing over a century of American agricultural and automotive history through 125,000 square feet of beautifully restored exhibits.
We’re so grateful for their partnership in making this event possible. Join us October 18th & 19th for a weekend full of community, craftsmanship, and rodeo excitement! 🤠🎟️
#RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekProRodeo #VirginiaEvents #CommunityPartners #SupportLocal #GoldSponsors #NewMarketCorporation #JamesRiverAirConditioning #AtlanticUnionBank #KeystoneTruckAndTractorMuseum #GoochlandVA
Give it up for Atlantic Union Bank and Insurance Doctor for supporting this year’s Rassawek Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo, happening next weekend on October 18th & 19th!
💳 Atlantic Union Bank serves communities across Virginia and beyond, helping individuals and businesses with trusted financial solutions, from checking and savings to business loans and more.
🚗 Insurance Doctor helps drivers across Richmond, Charlottesville, and Northern Virginia find flexible insurance at great rates, backed by friendly service and 24-hour claims support.
Their partnership helps make this event possible, and we can’t wait to see everyone at the rodeo next weekend! 🐎🎟️
#RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekProRodeo #VirginiaEvents #GoochlandVA #SupportLocal #CommunityPartners #AtlanticUnionBank #InsuranceDoctor
A huge thank you to our Rodeo Sponsors for helping bring the thrill to this year’s Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo! 🐎
Get ready for two days of sanctioned professional rodeo performances by Rafter K Rodeo, featuring crowd favorites like:
🐎 Bareback & Saddle Bronc Riding
🤠 Steer Wrestling & Team Roping
🐑 Mutton Busting for the kids
🔥 And the legendary Keith Isley bringing the entertainment!
Whether you’re a lifelong rodeo fan or just love a good adrenaline rush, this is one show you don’t want to miss. And the best part? It’s included with your festival ticket!
📍 October 18–19, 2025 | Rodeo starts at 1 PM daily
🎟️ Tickets available now!
#RassawekRodeo #AutumnFestival #RodeoSponsors #RafterKRodeo #KeithIsley #FamilyFun #ProRodeo #BullRiding #BarrelRacing #VAEvents #FallFestivalFun