Virginia Wine Country: A Blend of History and Flavor
Virginia’s wine country offers a unique blend of American history and world-class wines. With over 300 wineries spread across picturesque landscapes, it’s a destination that appeals to both oenophiles and casual sippers.
Towns and Villages
Several charming towns serve as gateways to Virginia’s wine regions:
- Charlottesville: Home to the University of Virginia and close to Monticello Wine Trail
- Middleburg: A quaint town in the heart of Virginia’s horse country and wine region
- Leesburg: Historic town near many Northern Virginia wineries
- Purcellville: Gateway to the wineries of Loudoun County
Wine Producers
Virginia boasts numerous acclaimed wineries. Here are some standouts:
- Barboursville Vineyards: Known for their Octagon red blend and Italian varietals
- RdV Vineyards: Produces high-end Bordeaux-style blends
- Linden Vineyards: Renowned for their Chardonnay and Bordeaux-style reds
- Early Mountain Vineyards: Offers a diverse selection of wines and a stunning tasting room
Accommodations
From luxury resorts to cozy B&Bs, Virginia wine country has lodging options for every taste and budget:
- The Inn at Little Washington: A Michelin-starred restaurant with luxurious rooms
- Salamander Resort & Spa: Upscale resort in Middleburg with equestrian facilities
- The Farmhouse at Veritas: Charming B&B on a working winery
- Glass House Winery B&B: Unique accommodations with on-site winery and chocolate shop
Dining
Virginia’s culinary scene pairs perfectly with its wines. Try these restaurants for local flavors:
- Palladio Restaurant at Barboursville Vineyards: Fine dining with vineyard views
- Field & Main in Marshall: Farm-to-table cuisine with an extensive local wine list
- The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm: Organic, locally-sourced menu in a stunning setting
- Tuscarora Mill in Leesburg: Historic flour mill turned restaurant featuring local wines
Wine Shops & Bars
Virginia offers numerous spots to sample and purchase local wines:
- The Wine Kitchen (Leesburg): Wine bar with an extensive local selection
- Market Street Wineshop (Charlottesville): Retail shop specializing in Virginia wines
- Parallel Wine & Whiskey Bar (Broadlands): Features Virginia wines alongside global selections
- Unwined (Alexandria): Wine shop and bar with regular Virginia wine tastings
Other Shops
Complement your wine experience with local products:
- Charlottesville City Market: Saturday farmers market with local produce and artisanal goods
- Middleburg Common Grounds: Gourmet food shop featuring local cheeses and charcuterie
- Virginia Made (Leesburg): Showcases crafts and food products from across the state
- The Tasting Room (Purcellville): Offers local wines, beers, and gourmet foods
Attractions
Explore Virginia’s rich history and natural beauty between wine tastings:
- Monticello: Thomas Jefferson’s historic home and vineyards
- Shenandoah National Park: Scenic drives and hiking trails
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (Richmond): World-class art collection
- Luray Caverns: Stunning underground cave system
Events
Time your visit with these wine-centric events:
- Virginia Wine Month (October): Statewide celebration with special tastings and events
- Middleburg Spring Races (April): Steeplechase races with wine tastings
- Vintage Virginia Wine Festival (June): Large outdoor wine festival near DC
- Virginia Wine Summit (October): Industry conference open to the public
Appellations
Virginia’s wine regions are divided into several American Viticultural Areas (AVAs):
- Monticello AVA: Surrounding Charlottesville, known for Viognier and Cabernet Franc
- Middleburg Virginia AVA: In Northern Virginia, producing excellent Bordeaux-style blends
- Shenandoah Valley AVA: Cooler climate region known for crisp whites and light reds
- Virginia’s Eastern Shore AVA: Coastal region with unique maritime influence on wines
Grape Varieties
Virginia’s diverse climate supports a wide range of grape varieties. Viognier and Cabernet Franc are considered the state’s signature grapes.
- White varieties: Chardonnay, Viognier, Petit Manseng, Vidal Blanc
- Red varieties: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Norton
Main Wine Styles
Virginia produces a variety of wine styles, reflecting its unique terroir and winemaking traditions.
- Viognier: Aromatic white wines with peach and floral notes
- Cabernet Franc: Medium-bodied reds with pepper and red fruit flavors
- Bordeaux-style blends: Using Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot
- Dessert wines: Made from late-harvest grapes or fortified styles
Food Specialties
Virginia’s culinary scene pairs well with its wines. Local specialties include:
- Chesapeake Bay oysters: Perfect with crisp white wines
- Virginia ham: Pairs well with full-bodied reds
- Peanuts: A local crop that complements various wine styles
- Apple cider: A non-wine alternative showcasing local orchards
Drives & Walks
Explore Virginia’s wine country through scenic drives and walks. The Monticello Wine Trail offers beautiful views and access to numerous wineries.
- Blue Ridge Parkway: Stunning mountain vistas and winery stops
- Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail: Picturesque countryside and historic towns
- Eastern Shore Wine Trail: Coastal scenery and boutique wineries
Itineraries
Plan your Virginia wine adventure with these suggested itineraries:
3-Day Charlottesville Wine Tour
- Day 1: Visit Monticello, Jefferson Vineyards, and Blenheim Vineyards
- Day 2: Explore King Family Vineyards and Veritas Vineyard & Winery
- Day 3: Tour Barboursville Vineyards and Early Mountain Vineyards
5-Day Northern Virginia Wine Experience
- Day 1-2: Loudoun County wineries (Bluemont Vineyard, Breaux Vineyards)
- Day 3: Middleburg area (Boxwood Winery, Greenhill Winery & Vineyards)
- Day 4-5: Fauquier County (Pearmund Cellars, Linden Vineyards)
Getting There & Around
Virginia’s wine regions are easily accessible by car, with major airports in Washington D.C., Richmond, and Charlottesville.
- By car: Interstate 66 (Northern Virginia), I-64 (Central Virginia), and I-81 (Shenandoah Valley)
- By air: Dulles International Airport (IAD), Richmond International Airport (RIC), Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO)
- Public transport: Limited options; renting a car is recommended for winery visits
Best Time to Visit
Virginia’s wine country is beautiful year-round, but certain seasons offer unique experiences.
- Spring (April-May): Mild weather, blooming vineyards, fewer crowds
- Fall (September-October): Harvest season, vibrant foliage, wine festivals
- Summer (June-August): Warm weather, outdoor events, but can be crowded
- Winter (November-March): Quieter season, cozy tasting rooms, potential for snow
Sustainability Efforts
Virginia’s wine industry is increasingly focused on sustainable practices.
- Virginia Sustainable Wine certification: Recognizes environmentally friendly wineries
- Organic vineyards: Some producers use organic or biodynamic methods
- Water conservation: Drip irrigation and rainwater collection systems
- Solar power: Several wineries have installed solar panels for energy efficiency
Language Tips
English is the primary language in Virginia, but some wine terms may be unfamiliar.
- “AVA”: American Viticultural Area, a designated wine grape-growing region
- “Norton”: A native Virginia grape variety, also known as Cynthiana
- “Meritage”: A Bordeaux-style blend made in the United States
- “Petit Manseng”: A white grape variety gaining popularity in Virginia
Further Resources
Enhance your Virginia wine experience with these additional resources:
- Virginia Wine: Official website for Virginia’s wine industry
- Virginia Tourism Corporation: Travel information and winery listings
- Virginia Wine Month: Annual celebration in October with special events and promotions
- Virginia Wine Travel Guide: Free printed guide available at visitor centers and wineries
