Virginia Wine Region

Travel Guide to Virginia Wine Region

Located in the center of the mid-Atlantic, Virginia wine region is the first documented wine region in the USA. With over 300 wineries spread across the region, there's a wine for any taste. Surrounded by splendid scenery, stunning views, retro small towns, and historic sites, Virginia wine region catches the interest of many tourists. The state is home to over 4,000 acres of grapes, ten regions, and eight AVAs. This wine destination ranks fifth in the country for bearing acreage and grape production.

Check out wine tastings & tours in Virginia wine region!

Where is Virginia Wine Region Located?

Virginia wine region is located in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States, between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. Virginia is bordered by the states of North Carolina in the south, Tennessee in the southwest, Kentucky in the west, West Virginia in the northwest, and Maryland and Washington D.C. in the northeast. Virginia wine region is divided into central Virginia, northern Virginia, and southern Virginia. You will see that the coastal and mountainous parts of the region are also so diverse.

From the Colonial Era to the Present

The history of winemaking in Virginia dates back to the colonial era.  In 1619, the burgesses sitting in the Jamestown church passed “Acte 12” which directed Virginia colonists to plant vineyards.

Around 1807, Thomas Jefferson, believed one of the most significant contributors of wine in the United States, had founded two vineyards in his south orchard. He wanted to make this area one of the best places for wine cultivation.

The vineyard at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello residence did not produce wine until the late 20th century. However, in the early 1900s, the city declared itself to be "the Capital of the Wine Belt in Virginia."

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, many other vineyards and wineries joined the combination, and by 2009, over 163 wineries were working in Virginia. Almost all of these are small, family-owned vineyards and wineries, and only a few of them have developed distribution networks. As a result, the wineries rely on wine tourism and sales for most of their income.

Grape varieties from Virginia Wine Region

There are a lot of grape varieties that you will come across in Virginia wine region. By capacity, Vitis vinifera varieties represent 75% of total production. French hybrid varieties account for nearly 20% of total wine grape production, while American varietals make up only about 5%.

The top 5 grape varietals produced are Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Vidal Blanc, and Viognier. The most planted grape variety is Chardonnay, though Cabernet Franc and Viognier are also well illustrated throughout the region. However, though often overlooked, Petit Manseng and Petit Verdot are used to creating wines that uniquely showcase Virginia’s terroir.

America’s oldest grape variety was born in Virginia. Some winemakers are still working to revive Norton to its prominence as America’s native grape. This grape became available in 1830 and very shortly after that came to conquer wine production in the eastern and midwestern states like Ohio and Virginia.

In 2016, 2,600 acres were under cultivation, with a total harvest of over 6500 tons. The central and northern Virginia regions account for the substantial majority of the production.

Virginia Wine Characteristics

Wine-makers blend wines of different varieties and vintages to acquire complexity and favorable taste and aroma. Virginia delivers a wide variety of red wines, using both classic and native varieties. The color of red wine arises from the grape peels during the production process.

Wines made from Merlot are approachable complex. Aromas of mocha, red berries, and nutmeg with flavors of cherry. With a transnational reputation for quality in Virginia, Cabernet franc is believed to be among Virginia’s best red wines. Cabernet sauvignon yields a dry wine that can be light and approachable or complex and ageable. Registered for herbal aromas and crisp acidity, Chambourcin is typically made in a dry style into full-flavored wines. Malbec varietals have inky color, intense flavors of black cherry, pomegranate, cocoa, molasses, violets, and plum. Petit Verdot creates a dark, purple, full-bodied red wine, characterized by dense, dark fruit and spicy notes of leather, coconut, smoke, and dark chocolate.

Places to Visit in Virginia Wine Region

Williamsburg

It wasn't until the 20th century that the downtown area of this Virginia Peninsula city was reformed. Williamsburg and nearby locales like Jamestown and Yorktown are living monuments to some of the best-known figures of colonial history. The Williamsburg area delivers a variety of activities that appeal to visitors of all ages. In summer you can visit water parks, roller coasters, and treetop adventure courses. Fall brings an outdoor arts festival, harvest dinners, beer fests, and bewitching October programs. Finally, do not forget the wine tasting. In Williamsburg, you can taste some of the best wines of the Virginia wine region.

Shenandoah National Park

Located in northern Virginia, about 75 miles west of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park contains more than 200,000 acres and populations of deer, black bears, salamanders, and more. In addition, a 105-mile route operating along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park's natural features attract hikers, cyclists, campers, rock climbers, birdwatchers, anglers, and more. This is a park full of recreational opportunities for the entire family, Shenandoah is worth a repeat visit.

Richmond

Richmond is the capital city of Virginia in the United States. It is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the Greater Richmond Region. Richmond was incorporated in 1742 and became an independent city in 1871. Richmond, Virginia, is known for its well-known history and role in the Civil War, memorialized with museums, statues, cemeteries, and more. People also enjoy its intricate canals and easy access to the James River.

Middleburg is another important city in Virginia, which boasts of its wine culture. There are numerous wineries near Middleburg, that you can visit and explore, likewise.

Food to Pair with Virginia Wine

Ham Biscuits

Ham biscuits are classic sandwiches from Virginia consisting of a thin slice of country ham that's seated in a buttery, flaky biscuit. The biscuits are usually made with flour, baking powder, butter, fat or lard, buttermilk, and Virginia ham.

This dish is a southern staple that's often suited for brunch, lunch, dinner, and at various celebrations. It is recommended to pair these tasty sandwiches with a glass of white wine from the Virginia wine region.

Sailor Sandwich

Another famous dish in Virginia is Sailor Sandwich. It is made with a mixture of hot melted Swiss cheese, pastrami, mustard, and grilled knockwurst on rye bread. The sandwich was first created in Richmond, Virginia, at the New York Deli, which was established in 1929. We still don't know who named the dish but, it was meant to meet the needs of Navy seamen who would frequent the deli and order this yet-unnamed sandwich.

Although this dish is not that famous outside of the region, you can taste it in Virginia. So, if you plan to visit this beautiful wine region, do not forget to taste this local dish with Virginia Wine.

Williamsburg Peanut Soup

We recommended seeing Williamsburg while visiting Virginia. Now, it's time to know what to eat there. Williamsburg peanut soup is a classical American soup formed in Virginia. Although every area of the state has its interpretation of peanut soup, the Williamsburg performance is usually made with a combination of chicken, peanuts, onions, garlic, celery, flour, tomatoes, Tabasco, Worcestershire sauce, peanut oil, salt, and pepper.

The ground peanuts and chicken stock are mixed into a soft purée through a sieve into a bowl. The onions, celery, and garlic are sautéed in oil and then mixed into a purée with chicken stock. In the end, the dish is smooth and delicious to eat with a glass of Virginia wine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Wine Region