If you love wine, you probably already know of some of the world’s most famous wine regions. France and Italy produce the most wine of any country, and the United States and Spain aren’t too far behind. You probably know of California’s famous wine country regions, where many tourists and aficionados flock annually to view the vines and taste the wines right from the barrel, but did you know that Virginia is also home to some award-winning wineries? Here’s what you should know about the wines in Virginia.
History
Virginia has a rich history as one of the oldest colonies in the United States, and its history of winemaking goes back as far as the 17th century. The state’s most famous resident, Thomas Jefferson, also had his own vineyards — two of them, in fact. With idyllic rolling foothills, the northern and central regions of Virginia, located just to the east of the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains, produce most of the wine in the state. Today, Virginia is the fifth most productive state when it comes to making wine.
The Wineries
Virginia is home to over 250 different wineries, each producing one or more varietals of wine. With so much to choose from, there’s something for everybody. Some of the best wines in northern Virginia include red varietals such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and whites such as Chardonnay, sweet Rieslings and Vidal blanc. You’ll find all kinds of wine available in Virginia, including Semillon, De Chaunac, Fer, Trebbiano, Gewürztraminer, Corot noir, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Munson, Muscat Canelli, Muscat Ottonel, and more.
Visiting
Many of the best wines in Northern Virginia come from small and family-owned vineyards. If you’d like to visit a winery, some offer overnight visits and others offer great daytime programs such as live music, tours and tastings. Many vineyards also offer a variety of beers, homemade ciders and mulled wines for you to enjoy.