· The History of Rassawek

Rassawek is a property steeped in local lore where old buildings and materials from the region—otherwise slated for demolition—are salvaged from the wrecking ball and are relocated, repurposed and rebuilt.

In 2000, the land- a “blank slate” and stunning in its natural beauty–was acquired by a family passionate about preserving the past and motivated to create a retreat unlike any other.

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.

rassawek

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
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🌧️ 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! ❤️✨
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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
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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
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