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.
We can’t wait to enjoy live music with you at the 2025 Rassawek Autumn Festival. 🎶
Kick off fall with the perfect blend of country, southern rock, and high-energy DJs and MCs that’ll keep the vibes going all weekend long.
It’s more than just great music. With a professional rodeo, family-friendly activities, local vendors, and great food, this event offers something for everyone.
Mark your calendars and join us October 18–19 to experience it all in one place. Tickets are available now, use the link in our bio to get yours.
#Rassawek #SouthernRoots #RassawekAutumnFestival #FallFestival #LiveMusicVA #RodeoWeekend #VirginiaEvents #FamilyFun #Rassawek2025 #SouthernFallMagic
🌿Now Hiring: Accountant (Part Time, 3 Days/24 hours Week) 🌿
Rassawek Vineyard isn’t just a vineyard, it’s home to festivals, weddings, and community events that bring people together all year long. We’re looking for a detail oriented and experienced Financial Accountant to join our team.
This isn’t your typical office job. You’ll play a key role behind the scenes in keeping our operations running smoothly, supporting both our non-profit and for-profit entities. From managing financial records to helping us plan for the future, your work will directly support the energy and excitement of everything happening at Rassawek.
🗓️ Part time: 3 days or 24 hours a week (in office)
💼 Work closely with a small, collaborative team in a unique, event focused environment
Key Responsibilities:
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, reports, and records for both businesses
• Manage accounts payable and receivable functions across both entities
• Oversee the general ledger and ensure accuracy of financial transactions
• Assist in budget preparation and financial forecasting for both the non profit and for profit business
• Manage and file all monthly and yearly taxes for the Alcohol and Beverage Control Authority and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau
• Manage and file all monthly sales tax reports and payments
• Manage and file all quarterly Transient Occupancy Tax reports and payments
• Process and manage weekly payroll for employees
• Reconcile bank statements and resolve financial discrepancies
• Oversee and reconcile cash handling and deposits from high-volume festival and event weekends
Requirements:
• Proficiency in QuickBooks (required)
• Understanding of the payment software Square
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (preferred)
• 5+ years of accounting or bookkeeping experience
• Experience preparing tax filings and regulatory reports
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small, collaborative team
If you’re an organized, numbers loving professional who enjoys variety and wants to be part of something special, we’d love to hear from you
Please email your resume to jenny@rassawek.com
Join us October 18 & 19, 2025 for the Rassawek Professional Rodeo during our 4th Annual Autumn Festival!
🕐 Rodeo at 1 PM - 3 PM both days
🎟️ Admission to the festival includes rodeo entry
Saturday & Sunday experience 8 thrilling events like Bareback & Saddle Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Cowgirls Breakaway Roping, Tie Down Roping, Cowgirls Barrel Racing, Team Roping, Bull Riding, plus Mutton Busting and entertainment by rodeo star Keith Isley!
Thanks to our presenting sponsor, The Rex Sullivan Hometown Realty Team.
Taking place during our Autumn Festival this year, guests can expect to be wowed by our third professional rodeo put on by Rafter K Rodeo. These performances are sanctioned by the Southern Rodeo Association and the International Professional Rodeo Association.
📍 6276 River Road West Columbia, VA 23038
Rain or shine, see you there!
#RassawekRodeo #AutumnFestival #FamilyFun #VirginiaEvents #ProRodeo #BlueCollar #RassawekTradition #RassawekEvents #VirginiaEvents #RodeoWeekend #KeithIsley #RafterKRodeo #SouthernRodeoAssociation
For those who believe in keeping history alive... Step back in time at the 2025 Rassawek Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo, where antique machinery and heavy equipment come to life with live demonstrations!
Join us in celebrating the craftsmanship of the past and those who work to keep it alive. We hope to see you there!
Grab your tickets using the link in bio.
#Rassawek #RassawekEvents #VintageMachinery #PreservedEquipment #VisitRassawek #GoochlandVA #BetterDirtWorld #HeavyEquipment #HeavyEquipmentoperator #BlueCollar #EarthMoving
Rassawek invites you and your loved ones to join us at this year’s Autumn Festival, and we mean the whole family.
From pumpkin painting to pony rides, there’s wonder around every corner for the little ones. We’ve created a space where families can slow down, laugh together, and make lasting memories. Come spend the day with us, we can’t wait to share it with you.
📸 Crisp Pics, LLC
#Rassawek #VisitRassawek #GoochlandVA #VAEvents #VAProRodeo #FamilyFunVA #RassawekAutumnFestival
The Rassawek Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo is more than a celebration of fall, it’s a tribute to heritage, craftsmanship, and community! 🍂 From the excitement of the Pro Rodeo, live music, local eats, and artisan goods, to the hands-on trade demonstrations of timeless skills, this weekend brings our mission to life.
At the heart of the festival is Rassawek Ventures, our nonprofit dedicated to preserving traditional trades and promoting vocational education. A portion of proceeds supports scholarships & opportunities for students pursuing technical and trade careers.
By showcasing skills like welding, blacksmithing, lineman work, and more, we hope to preserve traditions and inspire the next generation to discover rewarding careers in the trades.
Join us October 18th and 19th for the unforgettable Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo right here at Rassawek! Tickets are now available through the link in bio.
#RassawekAutumnFestival #VAFallFestival #GoochlandVAEvents #RassawekVentures #SupportTrades #FallEventsVA #ProfessioanlRodeo #VAProRodeo
Did you know the Rassawek Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo is so much more than just the rodeo?
Alongside the excitement of the Pro Rodeo, the Autumn Festival brings a full weekend of fall fun:
🛍️ Shop local artisan vendors
🍔 Savor food + drinks from local favorites
🎶 Enjoy live music all day
🎨 Face painting, pony rides, pumpkin decorating & more for kids
⚙️ Antique machinery & live trade skill demos
🤠 Even a mechanical bull to test your skills
🍂 And so much more!
It’s a celebration of community, tradition, and all the best parts of fall, all in one unforgettable weekend. Mark your calendars for October 18th & 19th and come experience everything the Autumn Festival has to offer!
🎟️ Tickets available through the link in bio.
#RassawekAutumnFestival #ProRodeo #VAFallFestival #VARodeo #VAFallEvents #FamilyFriendlyEvents #Fall #GoochlandVAEvents #RVAEvents
It’s game time at Rassawek! 🎶🍷 Music Bingo is back at the Tasting Room this Saturday, August 23rd, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, and you don`t want to miss it.
Test your knowledge of music from the 90s as well as movies and tv while sipping your favorite Rassawek wine! Play for a chance to win our grand first-place prize of a pair of free Autumn Festival tickets or candy prizes for our second and third-place runner-ups!
No reservations needed. Grab your friends and family, and join us inside the tasting room by the train station for a little friendly competition and a whole lot of fun.
This event is free to attend with a two drink purchase minimum, and is rain or shine!
#Rassawek #RassawekVineyard #MusicBingo #VATastingRoomEvents #Bingo #VirginiaWineEvents #VirginiaVineyard #GoochlandVAEvents
That’s a wrap on our Sawmill Music Series, and what an incredible season it’s been! 🎶 This three-part summer series marked the first of its kind at Rassawek, and we’re filled with gratitude for everyone who helped bring it to life.
Thank you to the amazing bands opening performers who filled the air with music and to everyone who came out, danced, sipped, and made memories with us!
And of course, to the Rassawek team and vendors, thank you for bringing it all to life! From start to finish, this series was something special, and we’re already looking forward to what’s next. Until then, enjoy the highlights! 🎥🍷
#SawmillMusicSeries #RassawekEvents #SummerConcertSeries #LiveMusicVA #VirginiaEvents #Rassawek #WineAndMusic #VATastingRoomEvents
Meet your future farm best friend! 🐾 Life at Rassawek isn’t just about weddings, wine tastings, and cozy Airbnb stays, we also have a growing farm filled with sheep, loyal sheepdogs, and now… an adorable batch of farm-raised puppies looking for their forever homes!
Born June 11th, these 7 fluffy bundles (3 girls & 4 boys) will be ready to join new families starting August 7th. They’ve been raised right here on our farm, surrounded by fresh air, barnyard sounds, and lots of love. ✨
They’ve had the best start in life:
✔️ Dewormed 4 times
✔️ Vet-checked & healthy
✔️ First vaccines (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis)
✔️ Eating from a self-feeder & trained to a hot wire
Their mama is a Great Pyrenees–Maremma mix and a hard-working, gentle guardian of our sheep. These pups are already showing her smarts, sweet temperaments, and natural guardian instincts, perfect for farm life or as loyal family protectors.
💲 $500 each
📍 Columbia, Virginia
📞 Text 804-647-1946 to reserve your pup or ask questions.
Feel free to share with anyone who needs a fluffy new farmhand! 🐶
#Rassawek #SheepDogs #DogsOfInstagram #FarmDogs #VisitRassawek
