This is easily one of my favorite family-friendly activities to do in the Charlottesville area: King Family Vineyard Polo. Nestled against the mountains in Crozet, this is one of the most unique things our area has to offer. I have so many positive things to say.
The only thing hard about writing this article today? To get through without a Pretty Woman reference. Because, after all, we’re a family site.
Polo matches usually run Memorial Day through mid-November and are weather dependent (updates are easily found on Facebook). Held on Sundays starting at noon, this is a near-perfect way to gather with friends. These are completely free to attend and open to the public. The key is to arrive early (gates open at 10:00 am) to get a spot you like. This is a popular event, especially if the weather is good, and can get crowded fast.
But once you park, open the trunk, maybe pop up a tent if you feel it’s worth the effort, stake out some folding chairs, and ENJOY YOUR DAY.
This is like tailgating, but really kind of better because you aren’t in a parking lot and because you don’t have to walk with loads of people to a football game, where you sit on a really hard, cold metal bleacher for hours (love you, football!).
Interestingly, while Roseland Polo, held at the King Family Vineyards, is celebrated and often shared as a thing to do (even as a recommended Washington Post road trip) there doesn’t seem to be much on how this came to be. Which is kind of strange considering how wildly different it is from anything else around town, and how it took a bit of a risk to start offering polo. It’s a sport that isn’t exactly on ESPN.
But apparently when David and Ellen King relocated to Virginia from Texas, they knew they were going to start a winery AND that said winery would include 12 acres that were relatively flat so they could create a polo field. So really it’s a question of which came first, the polo or the winery?
David King, who passed away in 2019, was a monumental influence to the area, yet seemed to fly under the radar a bit considering. But he had a passion for polo; it was his hobby. He started playing in 1980, and I would really love to know why. I am fascinated with how his hobby came to inform so much of his life and, ultimately, give Charlottesville and area residents such a special legacy.
He built it and they came (is it okay if I reference different movies?). Turns out, polo players drive from all over the area to play regularly, and some end up going down the road to play for UVA.
King Family Vineyards officially opened in 1998 and today is 327-acres, with horses, grapes, a gorgeous tasting room, many family-friendly activities…and the polo field.
With all the big, open air King Family Vineyards has available, our kids are always running around feeling free, mingling with other kids they either already know or just met. Polo visits are no different. Sure, they watch the match and are intrigued with the entire idea, and they really love seeing the horses, but they also will quickly turn and find a soccer game to engage in.
Although, of course, we watch our kids to ensure that they are courteous of other polo-goers’ space but, more importantly, of the horses. These animals are beautiful and it is tempting to be cooing in their faces all the time. But the jockeys ask for a little bit of space and respect, especially during the match while the horses prance and sometimes sprint right by within arm’s reach.
Many attending polo matches will bring food and a picnic spread, and maybe some yard games (we just rolled through the drive-through at Bodo’s on the way to the winery because Bodo’s always).
Also, many attending polo matches have NO IDEA what the rules are. That’s okay, too! It is simply a delight to watch (although we did include a link below to help learn the game before you go).
And, of course, wine is for sale all day! A golf cart drives throughout the tents and picnic baskets, selling wine from the estate.
This really is a causal event, no need for seersucker, brown dresses with white polka dots (ALMOST MADE IT THROUGH), white tweed or anything fancy. Come as you are, enjoy with respect, and soak in the unique experience that is Roseland Polo at King Family Vineyards.
More on Roseland Polo at King Family Vineyards:
Raising Charlottesville is a website dedicated to highlighting fun & local activities for families living in the Charlottesville, VA area.