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.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our first ever Sourdough Workshop and to @rvabakehouse for leading such a fun and informative class! 🥖🧑🍳
It was a hands-on, flour-dusted success! We loved seeing everyone mix, shape, and bake their own loaves. Whether it was your first time kneading or you were fine-tuning your technique, the day was filled with learning, laughter, and of course, delicious results!
Missed this one? No worries! Our Baking Series is just getting started, and more workshops are on the way. Don’t miss your chance to join in on the fun!
📅 Upcoming Baking Workshops with RVA Bakehouse:
🍪 Cookie Decorating | February 15 | 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Sign up using the link in bio.
🍀 Irish Soda Bread | March 22 | Details coming soon!
#RassawekEvents #BakingAtRassawek #SourdoughWorkshop #RVAWorkshops
🌧️ Don`t let a little rain stop you—Sip & Shop is all indoors! 🌟
All of our amazing vendors are set up inside our beautiful glass pavilion, with plenty of cozy seating to enjoy the day. ☕🛍️
🕛 12 PM – 5 PM
🎨 Shop local artisan vendors
🌮 Grab delicious bites from El Guapo
🍷 Sip on Rassawek wine, plus River Road White & Pullman are back!
🍓 Blushing Berry Sangria available
Come join us and shop local for the Valentine’s season! ❤️✨
We’re excited to announce our Second Annual Sip & Shop on Saturday, February 8th, from 12 PM to 5 PM! Grab your friends and family, and join us inside our cozy, heated Pavilion to sip your favorite Rassawek wines while shopping local vendors—just in time for Valentine’s Day! 💝
Here’s what you can look forward to:
🍷 Enjoy Rassawek wines by the glass, bottle, or tasting flight.
🛍 Browse a curated selection of vendors featuring handmade goods, unique finds, and perfect gifts.
🚚 Treat yourself to tasty bites from El Guapo while you shop!
🎟 Admission is free!
We can`t wait to have so many local vendors present, including:
✨ @campsitecandlesllc
✨ @chloesjewelrycollection
✨ Croft Cakes
✨ @karen_jbloom
✨ @bristlesanddesign
✨ @permalinxbyjbloom
✨ @virginiabellekids
✨ @misswigglebeescraftshoppe
✨ Wheatland Wares
✨ Flora’s Finest
✨ @paisleykatesboutique
✨ It’s the Little Things
✨ Becky Boo-tique
✨ Sing-Along Soap
✨ @thefinegrainery
Tag who you’re bringing with you in the comments! We can’t wait to see you there! 🍷
#RassawekEvents #SipAndShop #ShopLocalVA
Warm up your February weekends with a visit to our Tasting Room at the Pavilion, open every Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM! Relax in our cozy heated space while sipping on Rassawek wines, including our newest releases: Tannat and Petit Manseng. 🍷🍇
Pair your flight with delicious items from our new curated menu options:
✨ Hummus Platter
✨ Charcuterie Plate
✨ Pizza Bites
✨ Pretzel with Cheese and/or Spicy Mustard
✨ Soup of the Day
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join us for our Second Annual Sip & Shop on February 8th, from 12 PM to 5 PM, inside our cozy, fully indoor pavilion! Admission is free for all guests!
To learn more about our upcoming tasting room events, visit our website.
Enjoy a perfect winter outing with friends or family at Rassawek! We can`t wait to see you!
#VirginiaWine #VirginiaWineries #WinterWineTasting
Did you know the Saylor Cabin is the oldest structure at Rassawek? 🏠✨
The Saylor Cabin was built circa 1844 and relocated to Rassawek in 2003. During its restoration, a piece of wood with the name “Saylor” and the year 1844, along with a cuff of a dress shirt, was found above the door jam—likely from the original builder!
This rustic, two-story cabin is a preserved glimpse into the 19th century, complete with a stone hearth and cozy upstairs bedroom.
#Rassawek #VisitRassawek #VirginiaHistory
This Valentine’s Day, give the gift of an unforgettable experience! 💝
A weekend getaway to Rassawek is the perfect way to slow down, relax, and reconnect. With breathtaking scenery and cozy accommodations, it’s the perfect place to spend quality time together.
Wander the scenic grounds, sip and savor at our Tasting Room, and enjoy the peaceful moments that make Rassawek so special! 🍷✨
Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember—book your stay today using the link in bio.
#ValentinesDayGetaway #ValentinesDayGifts #CouplesRetreat #StayAtRassawek
At Rassawek, every structure has a story waiting to be told. The Short Pump Garage, once a part of everyday life, has been thoughtfully reimagined and given a new purpose on our grounds! It’s more than preservation—it’s about breathing life into history and creating a one-of-a-kind experience for every guest at Rassawek!
#HistoricPreservation #RepurposedDesign #RestorationProject
Cheers to 2025! Sip, stay, and celebrate the new year with a visit to the Rassawek Tasting Room at our indoor, heated Pavilion. Our doors are open for the season starting this weekend, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you back! Be sure to try our newest wines, Tannat and Petit Manseng, two bold and flavorful additions we’re thrilled to share with you. 🎉
We’re also excited to introduce some delicious new menu options:
✨ Hummus Platter
✨ Charcuterie Plate
✨ Pizza Bites
✨ Pretzel with Cheese and/or Spicy Mustard
✨ Soup of the Day
Join us every Saturday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM to enjoy handcrafted wines paired with these tasty bites in the comfort of our refreshed tasting room. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite or savoring a classic, it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind.
Gather your friends and kick off the new year at Rassawek—we can’t wait to toast to 2025 with you! 🍷🧀
#VirginiaWinery #VisitRassawek #WineTasting #RassawekEats
We’re so excited to announce our new Baking Series with @rvabakehouse! 🧑🍳✨ Join us for an exciting lineup of baking workshops, starting with a Sourdough Workshop on Saturday, January 25th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Perfect for foodies, bakers, and anyone who loves a hands-on experience in the kitchen! Learn the art of sourdough from scratch and enjoy a cozy lunch featuring Chicken Tortilla or Tomato Soup with your freshly baked bread. Plus, you’ll leave with everything you need to keep baking at home:
✔️ Sourdough starter
✔️ Bannetons
✔️ Bread lame
✔️ Dough tools
✔️ Recipes & instructions!
Spots are limited. Tickets are $130 per person and include lunch and take-home goodies! Email April@rassawek.com to reserve your place. Payments are invoiced through QuickBooks. Tickets are transferable but non-refundable.
Mark your calendars for more baking events with RVA Bakehouse:
🍪 Cookie Decorating | February 15 | Details coming soon!
🍀 Irish Soda Bread | March 22 | Details coming soon!
Our Tasting Room will remain open from 12 PM to 5 PM, so you’re welcome to stop by for a glass of wine and enjoy your visit, even if you’re not attending the workshop! 🍷
#RassawekEvents #RVABakehouse #BakingSeries #SourdoughWorkshop
Calling all brides and grooms! Is 2025 the year you say "I do"? Make your special day one to remember with a wedding at Rassawek! Our three unique and versatile venues offer the perfect backdrop for your ceremony and reception, whether you’re dreaming of rustic charm, timeless elegance, or something in between.
Each space is thoughtfully designed to celebrate your love story, creating unforgettable moments with your partner, family, and friends. From picturesque outdoor settings to elegant indoor spaces, Rassawek has everything you need to start your new chapter with the one you love! 💍✨
Visit our website at to learn more about our wedding venues and packages, or email Jenny@Rassawek.com to schedule a personalized tour!
📸5th @arliquinnphotography
💐Event planner/florist @starrynighteventsrva
#RassawekWeddings #VirginiaWeddingVenues #ScenicWeddingVenues #UniqueWeddingVenuesVA