October is Virginia Wine Month!

During October 2018, Virginia is celebrating its 30th year Virginia Wine Month. Virginia lays claim to being the oldest state with a Wine Month. 

History buffs and wine lovers will want to know that the first Virginia Wine Month was established in 1988 by former Governor Gerald L. Baliles. Governor Bailles signed a CERTIFICATE of RECOGNITION  which stated, “By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized: VIRGINIA WINE MONTH.” 

The document made note that Jamestown settlers had been using native American grapes for fermentation and that Jefferson experimented with growing vinifera wine grapes in Virginia soil.

To see what difference in the Virginia wine industry has taken place over the years, the document noted that at that time, in 1988, Virginia had more than 40 wineries and more than 110 vineyards. Try comparing those stats with Virginia’s wine industry today. In 2018, Virginia has more than 300 wineries and most of these are open to the public. 

Prolific vineyards of Virginia

Grape Varieties in Virginia

Vineyards in Virginia are growing numerous types of grapes for producing wines. Look for wines produced with:

Cabernet Franc
Petit Manseng
Viognier
Petit Verdot
Chardonnay
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Nebbiolo
Tannat

In addition is the Norton grape, a native to Virginia.

When planning your trip to Virginia wineries, consider traveling one of the many wine trails which include:

211 Scenic Vino Wine Trail
Artisanal Wineries of Rappahannock
Bedford Wine Trail
Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop
Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail
Eastern Shore Wine Trail
Fauquier County Wine Trail
Foothills Scenic Wine Trail
Heart of Virginia Wine Trail
Loudoun’s DC Wine Country
Monticello Wine Trail
Mountain Road Wine Trail
Nelson 151 Trail
Shenandoah County Wine Trail
Shenandoah Valley Valley Trail
SoVA Wine Trail
Wine Trail of Botetourt County

Wine Trail Traveler has visited many of Virginia’s fun and delightful wineries. The Wine Trail Traveler articles are online for your convenience.

Enjoy a visit to Virginia’s wine country during Virginia Wine Month.

Cheers,
Kathy