By Doug Fabbioli

When I arrived in Loudoun County in 1997, there were four wineries, Swedenburg, Willowcroft, Loudoun Valley and Tarara. Breaux was making wine but not quite open yet. I was hired at Tarara as the winemaker and vineyard manager.  Even though I had ten years’ experience at a winery Sonoma, CA, I did not have the job of lead winemaker or vineyard manager. But I learned quickly and Tarara grew in quality and recognition as a winery along with the wine industry in Loudoun County.

Willowcroft was the leader that gives us the forty-year stake in the ground. Owner Lew Parker is still going strong in energy and quality. Now there are about 60 wineries in Loudoun County. Visit Loudoun, our tourism bureau, branded us DC’s Wine Country about two decades ago and the name has stuck!

Many of us in the industry have been involved in nurturing our young industry. Collaborative efforts in marketing, agriculture, quality and legislative concerns have helped us grow in a sustainable manner.

About fifteen years ago, a number of leaders in the Loudoun rural economy took a road trip to the Finger Lakes wine region in order to learn what they have done. Our intention was to learn from them so we can put our best step forward in the years to come. Tonight, I was reminded of an epiphany I had on that trip regarding the growth and future of our industry. I realized that if we, Loudoun County or Northern Virginia, were to be considered as a serious wine region, we needed more grapes in the ground.

Well, here we are! We have significantly more vines and wines, more recognition in the media for our quality and tasting experiences as well as the offerings aside from wine for our visitors. Vineyards are agriculture and have become a part of our local culture. We still need to educate the next generation more, as well as many consumers who have yet to try our products.

As we honor and celebrate our forty years of wine here in Loudoun County, twelve wineries have brought their winemakers together to create a special collaborative blend. This red wine has just been released at the participating wineries and is a tribute to our founders and farmers who make this industry possible. We used wine from 2022 and 2023 and includes Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tannat, Petit Verdot, Norton and Chambourcin. Blended together to make a stylistic and drinkable blend. Each participating winery, including ours, will have some of this wine to taste and purchase. About 285 cases were made, so I would imagine it will go quick.

October is Virginia Wine Month, so make a trip to the wineries, share that special Virginia wine in your cellar, consider joining a wine club, and be proud of this local, authentic agricultural industry! We are proud of our growth and our continued improvement to quality. We have received some strong accolades lately, and we are honored to receive them. A perfect wine is never achieved, but we continue to strive! Bring our efforts home to enjoy with your friends and family.

About the Author: Farmer, winemaker, entrepreneur, educator, and leader, Doug Fabbioli has been accelerating the growth and quality of Virginia’s wine industry since 1997. With his wife Colleen, Doug is the owner/operator of Fabbioli Cellars in Leesburg, VA. He is the founder and director of The New Ag School, which focuses on teaching the next generation of farmers and agriculture-related leaders. No wonder they call Doug Fabbioli the Godfather of DC’s Wine Country.