Virginia Wine

 

It’s a little known fact that wines have been produced in the state of Virginia for centuries. Well, there was attempted production anyway. In the early 1600s, the settlers in British colonial Jamestown ventured to produce European grapes as a way of boosting the British economy to rival wines from France, Italy, and Germany. But they were unsuccessful in making them flourish due to various diseases and early onset of what was later identified as Phylloxera, the mites that decimated the world’s vines centuries later. Interest shifted to tobacco crops. In the 1770s, future president Thomas Jefferson attempted to grow vines at Monticello without much success, as did George Washington at Mount Vernon. By the mid 1800s, successful cultivation was possible working with indigenous North American grapes, though still never as popular as European ones. By the turn of the 20th century, grafting American to European root stock, the technique proven to ward off Phylloxera, came into practice Read more »

Mentor for Virginia Wines

ScottJones

I'm a chef, media pro, and former Executive Editor of Time Inc.’s Southern Living. I also write the monthly “Drink Up!” column for Cooking Light, where I recommend $12 & under wines and work to bleed out the winespeak.

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Popular wines made in Virginia under $20

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Varietals Produced in Virginia View all

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

    “King of the Red Wine Grapes.” The colonizer of the vineyards, pushing native wine grapes into its shadows. The Caber...

  • Merlot

    The Occitanian word “merlot” translates to “young blackbird.” An accurate description for this popular, early-budding...

  • Chardonnay

    British wine writer and critic, Jancis Robinson, once noted that throughout the 80’s and 90’s in the United States, C...

  • Cabernet Franc

    History of the grape: References to it in the Loire region of France date as far back as the mid 12th century. But it...

  • Vidal Blanc

    Vidal Blanc has proven to be amongst the versatile varietals in North American viticulture. In Canadian vineyards, th...

  • Viognier

    History of the grape: Viognier is thought to be an indigenous grape of Croatia that was brought to the Rhone in Franc...

Subregions of Virginia

Popular Wineries in Virginia View all

  • Bray Vineyards

    Bray Vineyards is located in the heart of California’s Shenandoah Valley appellation. The Shenan...

  • Barboursville Vineyards

    Defying the unanimous advice of government officials, land owners, and bankers to plant tobacco a...

  • Villa Appalaccia Winery

    A unique experience of Virginia Wine and Virginia Wineries is defined by a visit to Villa Appalac...

  • James River Cellars

    Located in historic Hanover County in Glen Allen, Virginia, 10 miles North of Richmond, 10 miles ...

  • Ingleside Vineyards

    Ingleside Vineyards is nestled in the narrowest point of land between the Rappahannock and Potoma...

  • The Winery at La Grange

    Very rich in history and very rich in wine, the new Winery at La Grange opened September 2006 as ...

Page 1 of 82

Virginia on Snooth

  • Rockgarden Cellars Vin Doux NV

    Snoothrank:

    As someone who has never liked sweet wine, this port-style offering was a revelation. I have seen the light! The smoky, cocoa flavors of the Chambourcin grape balance out the brandy sweetness perfectly. If I had to drink one wine for the rest of my life, this would be a strong contender. Read More

    Wine review by Danielle91090


  • King Family Vineyards Rose Blend Monticello Crose 2012

    Snoothrank:

    Light and tangy with hints of cranberry and grapefruit. Great barbecue wine! Read More

    Wine review by Danielle91090


  • Barboursville Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2012

    Snoothrank:

    A classic Sauvignon Blanc. Citrusy with lots of grassy, herbal notes. Read More

    Wine review by Danielle91090


  • Gadino Cellars Rosé Blend Rappahannock County Moonrise NV

    Snoothrank:

    A very cool wine! 52% Nebbiolo rose, 31% Cab Franc and 17% Petit Manseng -- the red, white and rose all living in harmony. Drinks like an Italian rosato thanks to the structure from the Nebbiolo and Cab Franc, but the Petit Manseng keeps it light and aromatic at the same time. Read More

    Wine review by Danielle91090


  • Breaux Vineyards Jennifer's Jambalaya 2012

    Snoothrank:

    A true Heinz 57 catch-all white blend with several kinds of Muscat, along with Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Viognier -- the name's not just a nod to their Cajun heritage. Off-dry white blend pleasing to the masses. Pairs great with spicy food. Read More

    Wine review by Danielle91090


  • Chatham Vineyards Church Creek Chardonnay 2010

    Snoothrank:

    One of the most unique wines I've ever tasted! Situated close to the ocean and over a saltwater river (Church Creek), Chatham's Chardonnay actually has a lightly salty flavor to it. Would pair amazingly with fresh seafood. Read More

    Wine review by Danielle91090


  • Early Mountain Vineyards Muscat Dolce 2009

    Snoothrank:

    Rich color and high legs. Candied orange is still a bit too sweet for my tastes, but dessert wine lovers rejoice! Read More

    Wine review by Danielle91090


  • Early Mountain Vineyards Merlot 2008

    Snoothrank:

    Deep red color. Medium bodied. Starts off nice and earthy, then settles into some subtle floral/herbal notes -- a bit of lavender, perhaps? Great, long finish. Read More

    Wine review by Danielle91090


  • Early Mountain Vineyards Handshake Red 2011

    Snoothrank:

    Created in conjunction with a partner vineyard as part of Early Mountain's commitment to social enterprise. Their Merlot combines with a partner's Meritage style blend of Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot for an extremely light, easy drinking red. If you think you can only enjoy whites or light roses, give this a try! Read More

    Wine review by Danielle91090


  • Early Mountain Vineyards Petit Manseng 2011

    Snoothrank:

    100% Petit Manseng -- a rising darling of Virginia. While often sweet, this particular wine is dry with a very high acidity and lots of strong citrus notes. Read More

    Wine review by Danielle91090


  • Hume Vineyards 2010 Chambourcin - recently did a comparison of the 09 and 10 - both very good, but the 2010 is more complex and fruit forward. Great wine. Hume is producing some of the best wine in Northern Virginia. 2010 Rose is also a nice summertime drink

    Comment by 601501madisondj 601501 madisondj


  • New image uploaded to this page.

    Page modification by 719670LisaVA 719670 LisaVA


  • Mark your calendar for the Wine Festival at Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia. Enjoy the splendor of spring while tasting Virginia’s best selection of wines at the home of Thomas Jefferson. Saturday, May 14, 2011, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Visit www.monticello.org/winefestival for more information!

    Comment by 719670LisaVA 719670 LisaVA


  • Or, in order to prevent you from going blind due to my lack of formatting: you can just click over to the main forum to read the original post, in all of its... formatted glory. http://www.snooth.com/talk/topic/more-great-news-from-virginia/ixzz1E468C26z/ Apologies, Chip

    Comment by 83884ChipDWood 83884 ChipDWood


  • [Repost] Virginia Governor Robert McDonald has been incredibly bullish and aggressive (good things) regarding the future of Virginia wine making and its surrounding agritourism potential for the Commonwealth. This new legislation is just another example of his policy directly promoting the expansion of wine production from the Cardinal's Commo...

    Comment by 83884ChipDWood 83884 ChipDWood


  • Ok, since I can no longer send out announcements, I'll leave this message here instead. You can read the entire message (with links to key sources) here on the forums: http://www.snooth.com/talk/topic/kluge-going-under/#ixzz14Fnx5mnj The biggest non-surprise to those who know the first thing about Virginia wines has finally made itself appare...

    Comment by 83884ChipDWood 83884 ChipDWood


  • I have to see this thing. Here's the link to the first trailer. It is worth a watch for all wine fans and the film itself looks incredibly intriguing. (The image contains the link to the film maker's website, where you can get all kinds of images and background info concerning the film.) "Vintage: The Winemaker's Year" Yea. Note the Vineya...

    Comment by 83884ChipDWood 83884 ChipDWood


  • I updated some of the information regarding Pollak Vineyards & Winery, just fyi.

    Comment by 83884ChipDWood 83884 ChipDWood


  • I was recently in VA for vacation and a friend brought home some Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Chardonnay, Virginia Sparkling Wine and it was superb. I was very surprised to be tasting champagne quality wine from Virginia. It finished off nicely and was an excellent refreshing treat for summer. I'll definitely be ordering some Go VA!

    Comment by 563127socko33 563127 socko33


  • Cross-posting (at least the link to the original) from the main forums: there's no truth whatsoever that Blenheim's closing its doors. Truth is; they're kicking buckets and have recently completely sold out of their "Painted Red" blend. Here's the link to the original- now with pictures!: Cross-posting (at least the link to the original) from t...

    Comment by 83884ChipDWood 83884 ChipDWood


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