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.
Come see us today at Powhatan Festival of the Grape!
You can find us right beside the LOVE sign!
#powhatanfestivalofthegrape
#powgrape
#rassawek
Hold on tight! Ride the Hide is bringing the mechanical bull to the 2025 Rassawek Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo on October 18th and 19th!
Head to the Music/Equipment Field to come find us and take your turn in the ring! It’s just $5 per ride, for ages 3 and up, with tickets available at the Mechanical Bull station. 🎟️
Don’t miss your chance to test your skills and join the fun! Buy your tickets for the Rassawek Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo today at www.Rassawek.com or click the link in our bio. Don’t wait, they’re going fast! ⏳🍂
#RideTheHide #RassawekAutumnFestival #RassawekVineyard #ProRodeo #MechanicalBull #FallFestival2025 #FamilyFun #VirginiaEvents #CountryFun #RodeoTime #AutumnVibes #LiveYourLegend #SouthernRodeo #HandsOnFun #FallThingsToDo #FamilyWeekend #SupportLocalEvents
🎄✨ Tickets for Wine and Wreath are on sale now! ✨🎄
Join us for a festive Holiday Wreath Workshop set in the Pavilion at Rassawek, where you’ll create your own fresh wreath using locally sourced greens, decorations, and your personal touches. Whether it’s for your home, office, or a heartfelt gift, this is your chance to craft something truly special.
🗓️ Dates & Times:
Nov 28–30 | 10AM, 1PM & 4PM
Dec 4 | 6PM
Dec 5 | 12PM, 3PM & 6PM
Dec 6–7 | 10AM, 1PM & 4PM
📍 Location: 6276 River Rd W, Columbia, VA 23038-2408
Let’s make something beautiful together this holiday season. Get your tickets through the link in bio. 💚
#Rassawek #HolidayActivities2025 #FamilyFun #WreathMaking2025 #RassawekWreathWorkshop #HolidayCrafting #WreathMaking #MadeWithLove #HolidayAtRassawek
Can’t out cowboy the mutton busters 🐑
The toughest little cowboys and cowgirls are chasing big rodeo dreams at this year’s Rassawek Professional Rodeo, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it! You can sign up for Mutton Busting the day of the event.
Catch Mutton Busting and a full lineup of pro rodeo events during our 5th Annual Autumn Festival, presented by The Rex Sullivan Hometown Realty Team and produced by Rafter K Rodeo.
🎟️ Rodeo admission is included with your festival ticket!
📍 Where: 6276 River Rd W, Columbia, VA 23038-2408
🗓️ When: October 18 & 19, 2025
🕐 Rodeo starts at 1 PM (both days)
💥 Featuring special entertainment by rodeo legend Keith Isley
📌 Events include:
Bareback Riding | Saddle Bronc | Steer Wrestling | Breakaway Roping | Tie Down Roping | Mutton Busting | Barrel Racing | Team Roping | Bull Riding
#Rassawek #RassawekRodeo #MuttonBusting #AutumnFestivalVA #FamilyFun #VirginiaEvents #RassawekAutumnFestival #RodeoTime #SouthernRodeoAssociation #RassawekEvents
Come hungry to the 2025 Autumn Festival!
Our food and drink vendors are organized by location so you can snack, sip, and stroll with ease! Whether you’re near the Kid’s Corral, Music Field, Train Station, or browsing the Market Vendors, there’s something delicious waiting for you at every turn.
🎉 Mark your calendars for October 18th & 19th, 2025 for the Fifth Annual Rassawek Autumn Festival!
This beloved fall tradition is a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and community, featuring a professional rodeo, live music, antique machinery displays, local food & drink, and handcrafted artisan goods all set against the stunning backdrop of autumn in Virginia. 🍁
Tip: Rassawek Wine Slushies are only available inside the Pavilion!
📸 Annette Schoen
A huge thank you to our amazing vendors:
@macdaddyevents
@eloteriava
@pippysdoghouse
@cattlerunfarmllc
@archers_bbq
@popitospizza
@myempanada1
@cameo_cakery_cafe
@hellenickouzinapa
@doubledsbbqshack
@elguaporva
@blueridgekettlekorn
@westraysfinest
@chocotberry
@cocinacalle
@sherriscrabcakes
@totallynutz_cho
@amishtraditions
@thesisterlysippers
@terradisienausa
@tidewateroysterfarms
@batteaux_co
@hilltopdistillery
@elkislandwine
#Rassawek #AutumnFestival #FallInVirginia #RassawekEvents #SupportLocalVA #FoodieFestival #FallFun #Craftsmanship #RassawekAutumnFestival2025 #VirginiaEvents #FamilyFriendlyFun #HeritageFestival
🔨🍂 The Rassawek Autumn Festival & Pro Rodeo is more than a locally loved fall event, it’s a celebration of heritage, hands-on skills, and the trades that built our communities.
Proudly supported by Rassawek Ventures, our nonprofit is dedicated to preserving traditional trades and expanding opportunities in vocational education.
A portion of every ticket supports scholarships for students chasing careers in the trades!
🎟️ Join us Saturday and Sunday, October 18th and 19th! Grab your tickets through the link in bio.
Thank you to our amazing demonstrators:
@bob.cronk.art
@peacemealfarmva
creakandwhittle
@zapantis_designs
@wolfcreek.workshop
#Rassawek #AutumnFestival #LiveDemonstrations #MeetTheMakers #CraftInAction #WatchItMade #FestivalMakers #HandsOnHeritage #AutumnFestival2025 #FallTraditionsLive #ArtisanShowcase
Get ready to shop small and support local at our Autumn Festival this year! From handcrafted home décor to locally made art, our vendor market is full of unique finds made with purpose and passion.
🎪 But that’s just the beginning...
Mark your calendars for October 18th & 19th, 2025 for a full weekend of celebration including:
🐎 A professional rodeo
🎶 Live music
🎨 Kids activities
🛠️ Hands-on experiences
… and so much more.
📸 Annette Schoen
Join us for a weekend built to inspire every generation. Don’t miss it! Grab your tickets using the link in bio.
A huge thank you to our vendors:
@florasfinest_at_boltonfarm
@racheldunnjewelry
@rvabakehouse
@wheatlandwares
@meadowgatealpacas
@handmadegcfactory
@cvillecandy
@onpointcustomwoodwrk
@chloesjewelrycollection
@beads_by_becka
@ladyjamzllc
@savoryblendsteaco
@campsitecandlesllc
@theburrow_flowerandgarden
@rusticpeachad
@poshfairyfloss
@sharon_torzala_ceramics
@ohhowsweetfreezedrytreats
@ripassobarrelco
@goochlandpowhatan.casa
@paisleykatesboutique
@hartwoodliveedge
@misswigglebeescraftshoppe
@daylilyacres_va
@bestoftimesstore
@appalachianprintstudio
@whitleyspeanuts
@kaptainksbaits
@craevita.jewelry
@rocksmobilecigars
@perfectlysoy
@windsorlavender
@tierrapysoaps
@eagleswayfarm
@blueridgeleatherva
@harrislaserengraving
@snjuicefountain
@elbinstone
@currierturned
@thebrandedbrim_
@huttwms
#Rassawek #RassawekEvent #AutumnFestival2025 #2025EventsVA #VirginiaFamilyEvents #VAEvents #ShopLocalVA
✈️ Take to the skies in an open-air biplane at this year’s Autumn Festival.
The biplane is back and you can experience the thrill for yourself with a ride high above the beauty of Rassawek. It’s not just a flight, it’s a joyride through the clouds, where the wind rushes past and the world gets quiet for a moment.
Purchase your Biplane tickets through the link in bio. See you there!
#Rassawek #BiPlaneRides #FallEvents #FallCelebration #AutumnFestival #RassawekEvents
Wreaths, Wine, and Holiday Cheer at Rassawek 🎄
Step into the season with a cozy, hands-on holiday workshop in the heart of Rassawek. Whether you’re looking to make your home feel festive or just want a creative way to kick off the holidays, this is your time to slow down, sip, and get inspired.
✨ Choose from multiple session times between November 28 and December 7
🍁 Held at the Pavilion at Rassawek
📍 6276 River Road West Columbia, Virginia 23038
Morning sessions include a brunch-style spread, while afternoon and evening guests will enjoy homemade soups, fresh bread, and sweet treats.
You’ll be provided with everything you need to build a fresh, festive wreath — plus the option to bring your own accents to make it even more personal.
There’s still time to book a private Wine & Wreath event during the week! Have a group of 15 or more? You can reserve your spot today. Just send us an email at jenny@rassawek.com
🗓️ For groups that are less than 15 people, tickets go live October 1st at 10 AM. Mark your calendar!
#RassawekEvents #HolidayWorkshop #WreathMaking #WinterGathering #HolidaySeason2025 #CentralVAEvents #WineandWreath #WinterEvents #FallFestivities #Rassawek #FallEvents
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
