![]() ![]() Thanks to these producers who have put Virginia on the map!Įvery popular wine region in Virginia comes with deep history that is worth learning about along with tasting the wine. Barboursville, RdV, Linden, Boxwood and Veritas vineyards are highly awarded locally, nationally and internationally. These regions prove to have the best growing conditions. Many of those wineries are located in Loudoun and Charlottesville Counties. Quite a few of these are producing nationally and internationally awarded wines. The number of wineries is increasing, year after year. Other popular grapes include Norton and Petit Verdot which you will find in many blends. The most popular grapes grown in the state are Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Vidal blanc and Viognier. You will find that most of the wineries produce Bordeaux-style blends, both white and red. But this hurdle does not stop the best from making fantastic, taste-worthy wines. The vineyard managers and winemakers do have a tough job however, fighting the humidity and Mid-Atlantic weather we experience here in Virginia. As popularity rises, more vintners are moving to the area to get a piece of the pie. The total acreage under vine in Virginia is 3,000 acres, harvesting 7,500 tons. Virginia is holding steady at #5 in the United States for grape production and acreage. With more than 230 wineries currently operating in Virginia, there are 7 AVA’s in the state: By the 1950’s and into the 70’s, the industry was full steam ahead by recruiting European vintners to assist with the revitalization. The tide turned in 1873 during the Vienna World’s Fair when a Virginia Norton was named “best red wine of all nations”. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington even had vineyards on their historic properties in Virginia but were unable to produce wine. However, an unknown disease, phylloxera and pests made it impossible to sustain. Original settlers were mandated to grow at least 10 grape vines in an effort to be a main source of wine to the British Empire. Surprisingly, Virginians have been growing vinifera ever since then. Virginia is rich in history dating back to the original settlement in Jamestown in 1607.
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