Virginia Wineries

The virginia wine industry went from just 15 wineries in 1979 to over 75 wineries in 2001. Almost 300,000 cases of wine are produced by virginia wineries today.

Virginia wines can be found throughout the state in retail outlets, restaurants and at festivals and special events. Wines can also be purchased directly at the wineries.

Virginians have been making wine for 4 centuries, but winemaking as an agricultural industry is a new development. After a disappointing first vintage from the native grapes in 1608, Virginians spent 250 years failing to cultivate french grapes. Growers had finally enjoyed success after the civil war, making wine from native grapes only to have prohibition bring everything to a standstill. In the 1060's commercial wine-making finally took off. Virginia has since grown to become the 5th top wine-producing state in the country with over 90 wineries and more than 250 vineyards producing almost 300,000 cases per year.

10th in commercial grape production
9th in bearing acreage
5th among vinifera grape-growing states

Virginia Viticultural Regions
Monticello
Northern Neck
Rocky Knob
Shenandoah Valley
Eastern Shore
North Fork of Roanoke

Major Grape Varieties
Whites:
Chardonnay
Viognier
Vidal Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc
Riesling
Petit Manseng
Seyval Blanc

Reds:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Cabernet Franc
Norton
Petit Verdot
Chambourcin