Virginia has been a pioneer in winemaking over the past 400 years, but its triumph over constant obstacles in the viticulture industry makes its history truly profound.
Today, Virginia boasts a thriving wine culture that couldn’t have been possible without early intervention from Thomas Jefferson and expert oenologists along the way.
Let’s dive into the incredible story of Virginia’s winemaking journey and some of the top wineries to visit.
The Triumphant Story of Virginia Winemaking
Virginia’s winemaking is older than the state itself. In 1607, English settlers discovered native grapes when they first established the Jamestown colony. However, despite their efforts, the wine made from these grapes was poor quality and not palatable.
In 1619, the Jamestown Assembly passed Act Twelve, requiring every male colonist to plant 20 imported European grape varieties on their land. Settlers faced another problem when Phylloxera wiped out the vines in 1866. This pest epidemic also wiped out most of Europe’s vineyards at the time. This led English colonists to focus instead on the more successful tobacco crop.
In 1773, Thomas Jefferson and Italian horticulturist Philip Mazzei were determined to produce fine wines at Jefferson’s Monticello estate that were on par with varietals from France and Italy. But even after 25 years of experimentation, they were unsuccessful.
Just before Jefferson died in 1825, Dr. Daniel Norton discovered a grape native to the Commonwealth that produced quality wine. The accidental hybrid of a European and native grape variety proved resistant to pests and the land’s clay soils. Charlottesville was then named the Capital of Virginia’s Wine Belt and won several coveted awards at the International Expositions in Paris and Chicago in 1893. But it all stopped once again in 1916 when Prohibition came into effect.
Virginia wouldn’t see viticulture success again until 1976 when Italian oenologists Gianni Zonin and Gabriele Rausse planted Eurpeon grapes at the historic property of Governor James Barbour (known today as Barboursville). Today, Virginia has over ten wine regions, eight distinct AVAs, and over 300 wineries.
The Best Virginia Wineries
With over 33 wineries along the Monticello wine trail alone, there is endless potential for quality wine tasting. Here are some of the top wineries to visit.
1. Ankida Ridge Vineyards
In a quaint, remote oasis known as “Little Burgundy,” this mountaintop winery provides a breathtaking getaway. The vineyards here are Bordeaux-leaning, with some of the top wines to taste being Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
2. Barboursville
This estate is part of the famous Monticello wine trail along with Jefferson Vineyards, which dates back to the 18th century. It’s renowned for its Bordeaux blends and crisp white wines like Viognier, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The Chardonnay is cold fermented with lots of green apple notes and intense acidity, while the Blanc boasts a heavy mineral, almost earthy quality.
Barboursville’s complex and structured Cabernet Sauvignon is also worth sampling in this historic tasting room.
3. Blenheim Vineyards
Owned by musician Dave Matthews, several structures on this historic property date back to the 1730s, despite the new upstairs part of the winery and tasting room. Unique flagship varietals include the Painted Red Bordeaux Style Blend and Painted White Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc/Viognier blend.
4. Boxwood Estate
Founder John Kent Cooke recruited the famous Bordeaux consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt to produce wines for his ambitious estate. The 18th-century property once belonged to Billy Mitchell, an aviation pioneer. Boxwood Estate has Bordeaux-style red blends like Topiary and brisk whites like Sauvignon Blanc from its 28-acre vineyard.
5. Early Mountain Winery
Lastly, the elegant Early Mountain Winery is known for its cozy rustic tasting rooms and award-winning wines like Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Enjoy events like live music and delicious gourmet meals from The Marketplace.
Virginia Wine Trails to Visit
There are many Virginia wine tours and trails worth trekking, and you’ll never go wrong, no matter which one you choose. Here are a few top wine trails worth exploring during your next visit.
1. Monticello Wine Trail
As mentioned before, the Monticello Wine Trail is massive, with over 30 wineries to choose from, including Barboursville.
The aptly named Jefferson Vineyards is famous for its light, French-style wines, as Jefferson was an ambassador in France for a few years. Bold Chardonnay with well-rounded citrus flavors, breezy Rosé, and the Meritage, a Bordeaux style blend with Cabernet France, Petit Verdot, and Merlot grapes, is delightfully peppery with velvety chocolate and dark berry notes.
With its cozy bed and breakfast, complimentary sparkling wine, and a gorgeous view of the Blue Ridge mountains, Veritas Vineyards is worth visiting for a day or two.
Finally, King Family Vineyards has the whole package with its lightly acidic and floral Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. It also carries an earthy Bordeaux blend with a hint of Malbec for an added punch.
2. Artisanal Wineries of Rappahannock
Just a short drive from Washington, DC, there are five artisanal wineries with casual tasting trails boasting intimate settings and handcrafted wines away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Bedford Wine Trail
As you taste fine wine along the Bedford Wine Trail, take in the Blue Ridge Mountains firsthand. Three hours from Richmond in Northern Virginia, there are six vineyards and wineries, like the famous Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery.
4. Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop
If you want even more of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Whisky Wine Loop covers the northern half of Shenandoah National Park. Featured in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, it includes incredible wines at several wineries and two whisky distilleries and breweries, so there’s something for everyone.
5. Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail
Voted one of the top wine trails in Virginia by Savor Virginia Magazine, taste award-winning wines while learning about the state’s rich history. You’ll tour scenic attractions like George Washington’s birthplace, Stratford Hall, Menokin, and many other quaint towns along the way.
Virginia Wine Country Continues to Thrive
Jefferson’s vision finally came to life as the Monticello AVA in Charlottesville was named Wine Region of the Year in 2023.
With some of the most notable East Coast Wineries along the breathtaking mountains of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia is a must-see for wine lovers.
A great way to get plugged in would be to attend the Annual Virginia Wine Festival, which takes place around October in Ashburn. However, there are countless other festivals to choose from.
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