virginia wine regions

The location is a real find for wine lovers, as the region’s climate yields hardy native grapes, premium hybrids, and … 32 Cinnamon Spice Spirit, Virginia, USA, Tim Smith's Climax Moonshine Spirit, Virginia, USA, Tim Smith's Climax Wood Fired Bourbon Whiskey, Virginia, USA, A. Smith Bowman Distillery 'Isaac Bowman' Port Barrel Finished Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Virginia, USA, RdV Vineyards Friends and Family Virginia, USA, War and Rust Quinquina Aperitif, Virginia, USA, Barboursville Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc, Virginia, USA, A. Smith Bowman Distillery 'Bowman Brothers' Pioneer Spirit Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Virginia, USA, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Gingerbread Stout Beer, Virginia, USA, Trump Winery Cru Aperitif Wine, Virginia, USA, Barboursville Vineyards Reserve Nebbiolo, Monticello, USA, Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Chardonnay, Monticello, USA, Jefferson Vineyards Meritage, Monticello, USA. Damiani’s vines grow in a mosaic of soil types, slopes and aspects along the shores of Seneca Lake. About Today, an array of bucolic hamlets dot this fertile region, offering an abundance of dining opportunities, relaxing getaways, and some of the best wine … The Susquehanna Heartland Wine Trail is home to 16 wineries scattered throughout central Pennsylvania, just north of the state’s capital. Discover Virginia wines the wine-lover's way. Bowman' Pioneer Spirit Single Barrel Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Virginia, USA, RdV Vineyards Lost Mountain, Virginia, USA, Tim Smith's Climax Moonshine Fire No. The state’s 4,000 acres of vines are primarily located in Northern Virginia and Central Virginia regions, but quality wine is made throughout. As of 2019 there are over 250 registered vineyards and wineries in the state. ” “ Enjoyed sampling all of the very unique varieties of mead but found the honey tasting to be very interesting and fascinating. Visit Virginia wineries in the Charlottesville area, from Barboursville to King Family Vineyards and Jefferson, our guide tells you the best places for wine … Virginia is an east-coast state of the USA, located immediately south of Maryland and north of the Carolinas. It runs for 150 miles (240km) along the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the natural boundary which separates Virginia from West Virginia. These include efficient canopy management and the use of fungicides, as well as an increasing emphasis on judicious site selection. [2], As of 2016, the commonwealth has approximately 2,600 acres (11 km2) under cultivation, with a total harvest of over 6500 tons. There are about 3,000 acres of wine cultivation areas in the Virginia region. The Monticello AVA is the oldest, formed in February 1984 and located around Charlottesville in central Virginia. As of 2012, the top 5 varietals produced are Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Vidal blanc and Viognier. Privacy Policy Today there are approximately 4,000 acres of vineyards and 300 wineries in nine wine regions extending from northern Virginia, through central Virginia and the Charlottesville area, and as far west as the Kentucky line in [5][6], In the early 1900s, Charlottesville's Monticello Wine Company and its Virginia Claret Wine were so well-regarded that the city declared itself to be "the Capital of the Wine Belt in Virginia. Directory with Wineries listed by country and regions, maps showing the various Wine producing regions and Wine related news. A Guide to Virginia Wine and Wine Region Although Napa Valley is often the region most associated with the wines of the USA, Virginia is producing some truly remarkable wines. Virginia wine trails are becoming increasingly popular with more than 200 wineries and dozens of wine trails to choose from. Explore its unique characteristics through reviews, discussions, and one of the largest inventories of wine from Virginia. By 2012 there were over 230 wineries operating in Virginia. His goal to make wine from his Virginia Monticello estate was met with the unsuccessful cultivation of the classic European grape varieties due to the inability to control black rot and the destructive aphid-like root louse called phylloxera. Central Virginia (31) Northern Virginia (3) Shenandoah Valley (8) Wine Tasting select all clear all Now Open (0) Walk-ins Welcome (0) Reservations Recommended (0) Reservations Required (1) Tours select all clear all (1) Offerings Virginia ABC is proud to feature many Virginia wines on its shelves, providing a great way for consumers to explore these world-class products. [3] The central and northern Virginia counties, in particular those located just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, account for the significant majority of the commonwealth's production. V irginia is a wine destination unlike any other, with nearly 300 wineries and dozens of wine trails surrounded by lavish scenery, breathtaking views, quaint small towns and monumental historic sites. Virginia has hot humid summers that can be challenging to viticulture, and only within the last twenty years has the industry developed beyond novelty status. Loudoun Wine Trail Conveniently located just 25 miles from Washington, DC, the Loudoun Wine Trail boasts 35 high quality, artisanal vineyards, more than any county in Virginia. Lining the western border of Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley has inspired generations of travelers who have been drawn to its natural beauty. Discover the perfect vacation spot: The blue-hued morning mist hugs the Blue Ridge and Allegheny mountains. “The staff were friendly and accommodating and the tasting was something unique for us - it included both an array of honeys with clearly unique flavors and a variety of meads made from them - along with explanations. It is followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and the Rhone Valley variety Viognier, which is now making some of Virginia's most famous wines. In the 1970s, the state had just a small handful of wineries; now there are more than 100, and the number is increasing each year. With seven distinct grape-growing regions and over 200 wineries, fine wines now come from all over the state. The Shenandoah Valley is the largest AVA here. © 2021 Wine-Searcher™ All rights reserved. Technology, growing techniques, and the use of hybrid grape varietals finally made it Wine has been produced in the area since the early days of European colonization in the 17th century. Barboursville Vineyards served as a catalyst in the 1970s, alongside the now defunct Oakencroft Vineyards. To encourage visitors, they often play host to special events with music, food, and other activities. [4], Around 1807, Thomas Jefferson, considered one of the greatest patrons of wine in the United States, had established two vineyards in his south orchard. Rent a car to really experience the state—there’s a lot of magic in the rural countryside. Virginia Wine did not reach a turning point until the mid-1970s when Virginia was finally able to start competing on the national wine market. One presidential connection is not sufficient for the state dubbed "The Mother of Presidents" (eight US presidents were born here): Virginia is also home to the snappily-named Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA on the western shores of Chesapeake Bay. [2], Virginia has a history of wine that dates back to the colonial era. 350,000+ expert wine ratings, with full reviews, including tasting notes, score, price and when to drink. Check out the best places to drink wine. The Shenandoah Valley is the largest AVA here. Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA, "Governor McDonnell Announces Sales of Virginia Wine Reach New All-Time High", "At Historic Vineyard, A Historic Harvest", "Virginia Wine: Nearly Four Centuries and Counting", "Historical Highway Markers: Monticello Wine Company", "Jefferson's Virginia: America's hottest new wine country", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Virginia_wine&oldid=1000267821, Wine regions of the United States by state, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Humid subtropical with maritime and continental in highland areas, This page was last edited on 14 January 2021, at 11:41. A growing number of for-profit and non-profit organizations have been established since the 1980s to help promote Virginia Wine. From the Cumberland and Blue Ridge mountains in the west to the creeks and coastal estuaries of the east, Virginia's topography and geology are varied to say the least. It runs for 150 miles (240km) along the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the natural boundary which separates Virginia from West Virginia. Food and Wine's travel to the best wineries in Virginia including Trump Winery. This is a seemingly small and undiscovered region, but there are actually over 300 wineries, which is significantly more than in the reputable Paso Robles region. It has the faint aromas of lemons, with a waft of creamy mint. [9] The Monticello AVA is the oldest, formed in February 1984 and located around Charlottesville in … Trade These areas are responsible for producing more than 7,500 tons of grapes. The Charlottesville area (in Monticello AVA) is home to many of the best Virginia wineries, and benefits--both in tourism and cutting-edge research--from its proximity to the University of Virginia. Two of the more well known organizations are the Virginia Vineyards Association (VVA) and the Virginia Wineries Association (VWA). please see. In terms of grape production, that makes Virginia the fifth largest wine producing state by volume. Nowadays, however, vinifera varieties dominate Virginia's vineyards – a change made possible through the use of modern technology and viticultural techniques. It has the honor of having been home to Thomas Jefferson, his extensive collection of French wines, and the state's earliest vinifera vineyard. The quality of Virginia’s wines is clearly on the ascent as … Virginia wine refers to wine made primarily from grapes grown in the commonwealth of Virginia. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, many other vineyards and wineries joined the mix and by 2009, over 163 wineries were operating in Virginia. The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia is the most prominent of all the vineyard locations. As Virginia wines sold in Virginia have the requirement that the majority of the grapes used must be grown in Virginia, and since Virginia is not growing enough grapes to support the number of wineries, one Floyd County winery has expanded its operation in a five-year contract to export its wines to China. A new day begins in Virginia, a day promising all the fun and excitement of hiking the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Traverse a two-hour radius and you'll encounter worlds within worlds—from Civil War sites to cutting-edge art; quaint towns, urban excitement and remote mountain escapes. Sign Up, Based on search frequency, updated monthly, To see how Wine-Searcher uses average pricing and professional wine critic scores on this page, Virginia Wine Marketing Office 600 E. Main Street, Suite 308 Richmond, Virginia 23219 Phone (804) 344-8200 Social Get in Touch Login Interact News Contact Us Media Find Wine Annual Events Governor's Cup | … Wine tourism is of increasing importance here, which, along with the increase in wine quality and quantity, suggests a bright future for the state's wine industry. Grape varieties like Viognier, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot —relative obscurities and bit-players in Old World … Almost all of these are small, family-owned vineyards and wineries, and only the very largest have developed distribution networks. Pick a region, and fly in: there are four international airports in VA, and multiple regionals. Virginia wine refers to wine made primarily from grapes grown in the commonwealth of Virginia. Central Virginia's thriving wine scene only heightens the area's allure as a destination for history, culture and great food. In order for a wine from Virginia to have an AVA on the label, 85 percent of the grapes must come from that AVA. Virginia has a climate and growing conditions that have been compared to what is found in France’s Burgundy, and with most wineries situated among picturesque landscapes it’s easy to see what locals and visitors love about our wine country. Wine trails allow aficionados to sip their way across the Commonwealth and experience everything from Albarino to Viognier. Due east, however, lies the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, a worthy destination comprised of the seven core cities of … Virginia wine-growers, already suffering Covid-related tourism and restaurant losses in April 2020, were dealt a further blow when frost hit in May. The state covers 42,750 square miles (110, 750 square km) of mountains, valleys, and the complex Atlantic coastline which forms its eastern boundary. Site Map Contact The landscape around Chesapeake Bay – a vast coastal inlet which separates the main state from its Eastern Shore – could hardly be more different from that below the 5730ft (1750m) Mt Rogers, 300 miles (480km) to the west. Chateau Morrisette, with the help of Governor Bob McDonnell's office, will be exporting its Merlot to China, and plans to add other wines later.[10]. The quantity of wine produced in Virginia has risen dramatically in recent decades. The wine trail is renowned throughout Virginia and the entire East Coast for producing wine that truly reflects the regions distinctive terroir. The Valley Wine Cellar The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek The Virginia Tasting Cellar The Winery at Bull Run The Winery at Kindred Pointe The Winery at La Grange Thibaut - … Winegrowing here dates back to the early 1600s, when the Virginia Company of London determined that settlers at Jamestown were obliged to cultivate European vines – an experiment that was unsuccessful due to the fungal diseases that thrived in the humid climate (although the use of native varieties rendered better results). Wine has been produced in the area since the early days of European colonization in the 17th century. In 1619, at the meeting of the first representative assembly in English America, the burgesses sitting in the Jamestown church passed “Acte 12” which required Virginia colonists to plant vineyards. The number of vineyards and wineries in Virginia grow each year. 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