South Paddock Winery

October 25, 2025.  South Paddock Winery sits within the 300 acres of Whitehall Farm in southern Albermarle County about four miles from Scottsville.  While Whitehall Farm was established around 1780, this winery appears to have been established in 2023 by DC-based architect Carmel Greer.  

The full name for the place - as reflected on their bottles - is "South Paddock Winery at Whitehall Farm and Winery."  Despite the mouthful of a name, I don’t see two wineries in this one location – just South Paddock.  

To get to the winery, you drive by stables that I presume to be “North Paddock,” and indeed Whitehall Farm advertises equestrian experiences for their guests.  The South Paddock Winery building is just down the road across the open fields.  

When we visited on a fall crisp Saturday afternoon, we met our server Kaitlyn, and just one other guest.  Kaitlyn was a tall willowy young lady busying herself around the winery.  With just the four of us, the large banquet room seemed as cavernous as a echo, with its large chandeliers, two storey windows, and rafters.  They can host up to 200 people for weddings in that space.  (Kaitlyn put the figure at 160.)  They also host corporate events and collaborate for events with community associations, equestrian clubs, and other groups.  However, with the more well-known Mount Ida Reserve just minutes away, South Paddock may be challenged to attract more events to this venue.  

According to Kaitlyn, tastings are often done in the large banquet space and some photos on their website show that configuration.  But with the banquet hall still arranged for a wedding, our tasting took place in a smaller indifferently decorated space behind the banquet hall.  Ms. Greer did all of the paintings in thw winery.  We were able to spend some time with Kaitlyn who gave us some details on the winery.  

                                                                                         Kaitlyn at the bar 

The owners came into the farm without realizing it came with a stand of grapes.  Rather than dig-out the vines, they decided to try their hand in the wine sector.  Their five acres reportedly grow Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Chardonnay.  Their winemaker is Michael Shaps.  Bottling takes place at Cunningham Creek Winery.  Thus, Ms. Greer has outsourced most of the work except for the tastings and the weddings and special events. 

Outside food is welcome as there is no food available in-house.  Children and pets are welcome as well. Not much in the way of outdoor amenities like firepits for the cooler months.  No indoor fireplace either.

South Paddock only offers three wines, all from the Monticello AVA.  Here are our views about them:

2023 Chardonnay.  Here’s a weird story.  Kim’s first reaction to this wine was to rate it a D.  But wine, being a social lubricant, helped Kim and Kaitlyn continue their conversation long enough for Kim to grow into the wine.  Her advice was not to give up on it as it gets better the longer you drink.  By the end of her sample, her rating rose to B+, and we bought a bottle.  12.5% ABV. Too bad for sales that Kaitlyn is not a full-time employee.

2023 Rosé.  The rosé is from Cabernet Franc.  Very light floral.  I give it a B.

2023 Cabernet Franc.  The Cab Franc has substantial tannins with a hint of red fruit.  Some bell pepper.  Longer than expected finish.  Another B rating from me.

It is hard for us to imagine South Paddock filled with people, although I suppose that is the way they are much of the time.  You should call to make sure the winery is open before you drive there.