By Matthew Fitzsimmons
I’ve written about the Virginia wine industry every month for the past five years. While I find great joy in nerding-out with winemakers about different aspects of viticulture, it’s important to occasionally go back to the basics and talk about what makes Virginia wine so special. So, in honor of Virginia Wine Month, here’s a quick (re)introduction to the world of Virginia wine.
Virginia has the distinction of being both one of America’s oldest wine regions and an emerging one. The first wines produced in the Thirteen Colonies were grown in the late 1750s at plantations near the Chesapeake Bay. Decades later, Thomas Jefferson established himself as America’s foremost oenophile due to his love of French wine and doomed attempts to grow vines at his estate in Monticello.
Today, Virginia has over 300 wine brands and over 4,300 acres of vines. While over half of these grape varieties are typically associated with either Bordeaux or Burgundy, local winemakers are quick to point out the state’s unique growing conditions makes copying either of these areas impractical.
These growers also agree Virginia should focus on grapes that are weather hardy as opposed to ones that are commercially famous. That’s led to a surge in varieties that are rarely seen elsewhere, such as Petit Manseng or Viognier. It’s ironic that Virginia’s two most planted red grapes, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, are ones Bordeaux considers minor grapes in their vineyards.
Virginia wine also consistently punches above its weight in terms of quality. In 2023, Wine Enthusiast selected the Monticello American Viticultural Area as its Wine Region of the Year. Since then, Virginia wine has received rave reviews from major publications such as Decanter, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, to name just a few.
Why You May Not Have Yet Heard About Virginia Wine
So, if Virginia wine is so great, why haven’t you seen it?
Probably the biggest issue facing Virginia wine is its limited availability, with the state only making 0.3% of total U.S. wine production. Most local wineries make under 3,500 cases a year; only a handful make more than 40,000 cases.
The boutique nature of this business model means Virginia wineries seldom achieve the economy of scale necessary to compete in the $25 and under market. While Virginia wine compares favorably against similarly-priced out of state bottles, their relatively higher prices make it more difficult to attract entry-level consumers.
Lastly, as most Virginia wine is sold directly to consumers in the tasting room, there is limited inventory to share with retailers and restaurants. This means potential buyers must visit local vineyards to sample the good stuff.
Fortunately, the industry’s proximity to some of the nation’s wealthiest counties makes wine tourism a viable way to generate sales. Over 100 wineries are just over an hour’s drive from D.C. or Northern Virginia. More are located in the scenic Shenandoah Valley, historic Charlottesville, and beyond.
How To Plan Your First Winery Day
For those who have never visited Virginia wine country, here are some suggestions for planning your trip:
- Decide what kind of experience you want to enjoy. Virginia wineries offer a diverse array of options. Many are child-friendly, while others are adults-only. Several venues offer beer and/or spirits in addition to wine. A number of locations allow large groups and picnicking, while others provide more intimate, wine-focused experiences.
Pro tip: Always check a winery’s operating hours, and make sure to use the official Virginia Wine marketing page (https://www.virginiawine.org) and Virginia Wine Love (https://www.virginiawinelove.com) for help in selecting wineries with the atmosphere you’re looking for. This research will ensure you don’t show up to a winery, only to learn too late they don’t allow kids/dogs/large groups.
- Visit no more than 3 wineries a day. With a driver you could visit more…but why would you want to? Winery associates work hard to teach you about their wine, a learning experience that becomes difficult the more you imbibe. Moreover, wineries make it easy for you to stay and enjoy yourself.
Pro tip: A visit shouldn’t be just about sampling wine; many are set in stunning rural areas that encourage even non-drinkers to stick around to enjoy the view while listening to live music. Anybody can enjoy a visit to wine country.
- Check out their wine club. Wine clubs are typically a winery’s bread & butter, so don’t be surprised if your hosts give you their best sales pitch on why their club is best. Clubs are also where you’ll find your best deals.
Nearly all wine clubs offer discounts on bottles and tastings. What’s not immediately obvious is many wineries host events or have special bottles that are exclusive to club members. If a particular winery strikes your fancy, ask for more details.
Pro tip: If you aren’t a fan of every single wine available, ask the club manager what their rules are for exchanging bottles. Some clubs have multiple options.
- Planning meals & overnight stays: Most wineries are located in relatively rural areas, so plan your meals out in advance. Many offer some kind of snacks, but these options vary greatly from place to place. It’s best to eat before you go out, and either bring your own food (assuming your destination allows picnicking), or look for local restaurants along the way.
Some wineries also offer overnight stays. Even those without on-site Airbnbs are typically close to a major town, such as Staunton or Charlottesville.
Pro tip: Several wineries have amazing in-house restaurants, especially larger venues such as Early Mountain, Pippin Hill, Barboursville, and Veritas. They are a great way to see how wine and food are a perfect pairing.
About the Author: Matthew Fitzsimmons is a blogger who has visited nearly every winery in Virginia – most of them twice. Track his progress at https://winetrailsandwanderlust.com/