Nothing is super close, but things aren't too far, either. I wouldn't call this a destination that's really about shopping, though the Noon Whistle Pottery in Stanardsville really is amazing if you like artisanal crafts... More
Nothing is super close, but things aren't too far, either. I wouldn't call this a destination that's really about shopping, though the Noon Whistle Pottery in Stanardsville really is amazing if you like artisanal crafts — pottery, glass, jewelry, letterpress, iron and wood work, quilts, weavings, etc. All Virginia artists and sourced mostly from the Central Virginia to the Roanoke region I believe. It's only about 10 miles from the winery. Otherwise, unless you're going to trek another 40 miles to Charlottesville, it's more about the rural beauty and ease than about shopping. There's some Civil War shopping in Orange, and some antiques there too (heck, there are antiques everywhere).
About 20 miles or so to the South East is James Madison's Montpelier, which is SO worth the trip (give yourself a good 2+ hours to tour the house, see the film, visit the museum, etc.)
There are plenty of historic markers along the roads, and generally many sites further down in Charlottesville. But in one day you could see Montpelier and have a down home lunch there with the famous Exchange Barbecue out of Gorduonsville (served onsite at Montpelier), then head over to Noon Whistle and check out that amazing shop in Stanardsville, and then go to Early Mountain for a very light dinner (or heavy snacking) and wine and a sunset.