Chiles Family Orchard, dating back to 1912, is a family owned business that has been growing fresh fruit and creating memorable farm experiences for generations. Beginning with a card table, cigar box, and roadside stand, the first generation of the Chiles Family farmers sold the fruit of their labors to neighbors and folks passing through. Since then, the orchard has grown to become a community favorite and destination for visitors from far and wide.
Running from late June through August is when peaches are at their maximum ripeness. At Chiles Family Orchard, visitors can stroll through rows of peach trees heavy with fruit, picking their own basketfuls of yellow and white peaches. Each variety ripens at different points in the season, starting with early-season classics like Sentry and Red Haven, and moving into flavorful mid- and late-season options like Contender and Bounty. The orchard staff help guests identify the ripest fruit and guide first-timers through the experience with warmth and patience.
The experience doesn’t stop at the trees. After picking, visitors can cool off with a refreshing peach slush, homemade peach ice cream, or take home fresh-baked peach pies and cobblers, all made with fruit grown just steps away.
Chiles Family Orchard is part of a broader farming tradition that spans over a century. Now run by the fourth generation of the Chiles family, the orchard was originally known for its peaches but has grown to include strawberries, blueberries, apples, and pumpkins. Despite its growth, it remains committed to its small-town roots and hands-on values. “We always say we’re not just growing fruit—we’re growing memories,” says Cynthia Chiles, one of the family members actively managing the orchard. “There’s something special about watching generations of families return year after year. That’s what keeps us going.”
Throughout the summer, Chiles Family Orchard hosts educational tours, storytime on the farm, and seasonal festivals that bring the community together. The orchard team also shares tips on how to store, freeze, and cook with fresh peaches so families can enjoy their harvest long after the picking is done. Sustainability is at the heart of the orchard’s mission. From using integrated pest management to reduce chemical use to composting fruit waste and conserving water, the Chiles family is committed to leaving the land better than they found it. It’s farming with future generations in mind.
Located just 20 minutes west of Charlottesville, Chiles Family Orchard is open daily during peach season. The team recommends checking their website or social media for current picking conditions, crop updates, and special event announcements. Peach season is fleeting, usually wrapping up by late August, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead.
