Though this may come as a surprise to some, Virginia is the fifth largest producer of wine in the US. And, it isn’t a new thing. Even Thomas Jefferson was making wine at Monticello where they still produce wine to this day.
There are over 300 wineries in Virginia with many of them located in the central area of the Commonwealth. With the Appalachians nearby, it is a delightful area for both wine and nature lovers alike.
So book a car for your Virginia wine tours to let somebody else do the driving so you can relax and drink some unique, unusual and delicious wines in a spectacular setting.
Here are some of the highlights of visiting Virginia wine company.
Popular varietals
There are seven distinct wine growing areas in Virginia so there are many different varietals to be found.
That being said, there are a handful that do well in this particular climate with its unique soil structure.
You’ll find these wines are well represented in Virginia:
- Norton – This grape is native to North America and has been used in wine making since the 1820’s. It is a bold red wine that pairs well with roasted meats and strong cheeses.
- Cabernet franc – This red is considered to be Virginia’s best example of what can be done with wine. It is peppery and bold and pairs well with stews and hearty pastas.
- Chambourcin – A rare wine not seen often outside of Virginia is this French-American hybrid red. It is easy to drink and its dryness pairs it with a variety of foods.
- Riesling – Ranging from sweet to dry, if you like riesling, you will love this white that does very well in Virginia. It is very similar in style to the German rieslings along the Mosel river.
- Viognier – The official state grape, viognier is complex with intense fruits while staying dry. It is a wonderful summer sipper.
Where to visit
Make sure to park your car and use the car service I linked to earlier to make sure you can safely enjoy exploring these areas.
Chesapeake Bay Wine Country – This region is chock full of history along with seven standout wineries. Though it doesn’t get as much attention as the wine region towards the central part of the state, it is definitely worth a visit.
If you decide to check out George Washington’s birthplace then you are already well situated to enjoy the wineries located within some spectacular natural areas.
Monticello Viticultural Area (AVA) – With Monticello being the jewel of this wine region, you have your pick of 30 wineries to choose from. Make time to visit Monticello and learn more about our third president and then try some wines that Jefferson unfortunately was not able to produce. He would be happy to see the thriving wineries in the area as he dreamed of it competing with French and Italian wines.
Shenandoah County Wine Trail – Located amongst breathtaking mountain views, there are 8 wineries to choose from here, some of them among the oldest in the Commonwealth. The dry climate, fertile soil and gentle breezes all contribute to some wonderful wines for any occasion.
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