Celebrating Virginia Wine Month

This post is sponsored by Virginia Wine. Thank you for supporting our local partners.

October is Virginia Wine Month, a time to celebrate the amazing local wineries and winemakers across the state! Whether you’re visiting a local winery or enjoying a glass at home, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the gorgeous fall season and celebrate Virginia wine.

Virginia Wine Month is a cherished tradition that has been growing since its start in 1988. It was Governor Gerald L. Baliles who first recognized the significance of Virginia’s wine industry and officially declared October as a month-long celebration of this vital aspect of the state’s culture. Back then, Virginia had only 40 wineries spread across about 1,300 acres of vineyards. Fast forward to 2023, and Virginia’s wine landscape has evolved dramatically. The state now boasts over 300 wineries and an impressive 5,000 acres of grapevines sprawled across eight distinct American Viticultural Areas.

Virginia’s wine industry also plays a pivotal role in the state’s economy. According to a study commissioned by the Virginia Wine Board, the local wine industry generates an impressive $1.7 billion in economic impact and provides over 10,000 jobs across the Commonwealth. These numbers underscore the importance of supporting local wineries and vineyards.

Raise Your Glass to Virginia: Harvest Party

Looking for a way to celebrate Virginia Wine Month? Try hosting a Harvest Party! This home-grown holiday is a time when people gather with friends and family to celebrate Virginia’s bountiful harvest. Restaurants, vineyards, backyards, and patios become the stage for a feast of Virginia-grown food and wine. Follow this guide to throw your own Harvest Party!

Planning Your Virginia Wine Month Adventure

Ready to make the most of Virginia Wine Month? Here are a few tools to help you plan your adventure!

• Map Your Journey: Create an account on Virginia Wine and download the app to access saved itineraries and stay updated on upcoming events. For those who prefer a hard copy, you can request a winery guide for a statewide map featuring all 300+ wineries, cideries, and meaderies.
• Gold Medal Wine Trail: If you’re on the hunt for the finest wineries Virginia has to offer, consider joining the Gold Medal Wine Trail. This pass not only unlocks exceptional wine experiences but also provides opportunities for discounts and prizes along the way.
• Cornus Virginicus: Don’t miss the chance to taste the limited-release Cornus Virginicus wine. This unique project is a collaboration between the First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, and a rotating Virginia winemaker. Each edition of the project celebrates Virginia’s flourishing agriculture, with a donation made to Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom as part of this year’s initiative.

Celebrating Virginia Wine Month is a great way to make the most of the gorgeous fall season! With Virginia’s beautiful scenery and exceptional wines, a trip to a winery is a must. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a novice explorer, Virginia Wine Month offers plenty of events and experiences to deepen your appreciation for local wine. So, raise your glass to the harvest season, and make memories with friends and family!