But did you know?

Did you know that the number of Virginia Wineries has grown from 6 in 1980 to over 170 today?  Most of Virginia's wineries are small limited-production facilities with a median production level of 2500 cases per year.  The range is from 200 cases to 80,000 cases per year.

Celebrate our history - First successful settlement in the New World

In 2007 we celebrated the Quadri-centennial for the first permanent English settlement in America - Jamestown.  This is historically important to wine lover's too.  We may have one of the oldest wine cellars in North America since the recent discovery of a 300 year old wine cellar in Jamestown.  more info?  Wine has been a part of civilization since ancient times and as we have explored our world wine lovers have left many clues to intrigue us.

See The Chesapeake National Water Trail for info on the new Captain John Smith Water Trail

Native Americans are thought to have first inhabited the area about 10,000 years ago.  The land shaped their culture as seen on this site about Virginia's First People.

First in wine - a wine industry is born

Virginia has the first sustained effort in establishing a wine industry in America. With the establishment of colonies in North America the British empire hoped to create a source of wine. Colonial winemaking occurred at Jamestown from what has been described as vine hedge grapes.  Quality was an issue and other types of native vines like Scuppernong were likely candidates for winemaking.  By 1622 shipping records show that wine was being shipped back to London.  The interest in winemaking diminished as commercial production of tobacco exploded in the colonies. 

In the mid 1700's wine was being made by many of our founding fathers: Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, James Madison, & George Mason. 

Jefferson made a commitment to fine wine in that he established vineyards at Monticello and brought in an Italian winemaker.  Various problems with pests doomed his endeavors.

Washington maintained a considerable supply of wines, but they were mostly from Europe with Madeira being the favorite of the times.

In the early 1800's vineyards were planted and winemaking increased from Virginia to Missouri.  French Hybrids became of interest due to their hardiness and flavor.   The Civil War brought disruption to the economy and the land so the wine industry experienced another downturn.  To finish things off the 18th Amendment and prohibition was from 1920 to 1933.  Virginia actually prohibited alcohol in 1911  becoming a leader in the trend.

By 1950 Virginia had only 15 acres of commercial grapes.  The interest in wine grape growing increased very gradually.  In the 1970's Farfelu Vineyards, Piedmont Vineyards and Meredyth Vineyards were established. Focus had turned to vinifera grapes - the best varieties for making fine wine.

Today the modern wine industry of Virginia is thriving.  With knowledge of how to grow the best grapes and with better tools to fight the humidity and pests our wine industry has grown to 6th in the nation.  Virginia is now highly rated for wine tourism and wineries are located in nearly every region of the state. 

 Swirl, Sip and Savor 

What’s all the excitement about winery tours?  Each year over a million people visit wineries in Virginia, and the Northern Neck wineries offer an inviting regional flair.   The settings are vastly different, but every winery has many wonderful things in common. They all have rows of vines trellised over gently rolling hills. 

You’ll also find tasting rooms and gift shops with all things grape.  Water-related scenes abound - you are never far from the Chesapeake Bay or our rivers, the Rappahannock and Potomac. With a winery tour you’ll enjoy vineyard vistas and a great spot to share your passion for grapes with friends.  Pack a picnic lunch and meet me on the patio.

The wineries are on roads well traveled, but your occasional country back road offers a unique glimpse of farm life here in Chesapeake Bay country.  Some of our roads are designated scenic byways but most people think they all are.  Your journey takes you over serene waterways and by pastures and fields of grain.  Before long grapevines are in sight, and the tasting room staff greets you.  Tours range from informal walks through the vines and views of tanks and barrels to lessons in winemaking and the history of wine.  Fascinating, educational and, of course, fun for everyone. 

Each winery is unique and they range from a well-seasoned “Godfather” to almost brand-spanking new.  In the last six years the wine industry has exploded in Virginia, and the Northern Neck, like Bordeaux France, is a great place for grapes, too.  Now the Northern Neck has hundreds of acres of grapes and is helping expand the $100 million wine industry in Virginia.

For little or no fee you can sample the wines, learn about how the grapes are grown and ponder the winemakers secret to such intriguing flavors.  Tasting procedures vary, but the winery staff will gladly help you with techniques to evaluate the clarity, aroma and flavor of their wines.  Stuffy, not at all – wine tasting is easy and you are bound to find something you can enjoy now or savor later.  Wine is generally available by the glass or bottle.  If you like it, buy it – most of these wines are only available at the winery.

Everyone is welcome – pets too, in designated areas.  Obviously the under 21 group will be limited to observing, but the sights and sounds at a winery are interesting to kids of all ages.  Wine tasting with friends is a great way to explore the hidden treasures of the Northern Neck.  With the passport sticker program you can even get rewards for visiting all of the wineries. 

What wine pairs best with a crab dish?  Visit our Northern Neck wineries and make it an easy decision. The tasting rooms are ready for a visit most of the time, so plan your adventure today.  See http://northernneckwinetrail.com for days and hours of operation.

Catherine Petrie