Virginia

Blue Ridge is home to the beautiful Appalachian Trail and the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Thanks to the loam and gravel soils here that provide excellent drainage and high elevations, there are many wineries found in this region. It’s home to two of Virginia’s AVAs.

The North Fork of Roanoke AVA

This AVA sits on the eastern slopes of the Allegheny Mountains and is known for Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bordeaux Style Blends thanks to the gravelly soils. Elevations between 1,200 to 2,200 feet (365 to 670m) keep things cool.

The Rocky Knob AVA

Sitting on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is a very picturesque region. The well drained soils and elevation of 1,600 to 3,500 ft (487 to 1067m) are key to preventing too much humidity and water from collecting nearby, creating ripe yet fresh wines.

This is where Thomas Jefferson experimented with growing vines at his Monticello estate in the 1770s, and people have been experimenting with viticulture here since. Richmond, the capital, is found in this region too, so there’s lots to do and see. Granite and clay soils help give wines savory flavors and structured tannins, in an old world style. There are many Monticello wine tours to be found here.

Monticello AVA

The area is nestled along the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains where gaps in the mountains deliver cool air which help ensure a longer growing season than surrounding areas. The result is high quality grapes and wine, specifically Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Viognier.

Birthplace of George Washington, this historic area has a temperate climate with sandy soils. If you’re looking for oysters to match with your wine, you’ll be pleased to explore the local Virginia Oyster Trail here.

Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA

Thanks to the moderating influence of the bay, this area has the highest number of frost free days in the state. Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay reign but you’ll also find hybrids, such as Vidal and Chambourcin.

Small towns, family farms, and pristine waters make up the Eastern Shore. The maritime climate ensures a long fall, ensuring perfect and even ripening in the grapes. The proximity to the water seems to add a distinct mineral note to many of the wines.

Virginia’s Eastern Shore AVA

Sitting on the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula, the area is defined by the Chesapeake Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. With most of the AVA just 50 feet (15m) above sea level, it relies on the ocean and bay breezes to keep it cool during the summer months.

With many historical places to visit such as Colonial Williamsburg and Historic Jamestown, this area is steeped in the days of yore. The year-round temperate climate ensures consistent vintages year in and out.

Virginia Peninsula AVA

This is Virginia’s newest AVA and is home to a cradle of American history - Williamsburg. Bound by the James and York River estuaries, the narrow AVA runs about 50 miles in length, toward Richmond, and varies from 5 to 15 miles (8 to 24 km)  in width. A maritime influence moderates the average low and high temperatures. The soil is sedimentary in nature.

Just an hour outside of Washington DC and you’ll find yourself in wine country. Dotted throughout this dynamic landscape are some of Virginia's most respected wineries. The rolling hills, with rich soils from eons of granite and sandstone erosion, give good air and drainage, creating a distinctly old world style.

The Middleburg Virginia AVA

Located just 50 miles (80 km) west of Washington DC, the AVA is bounded by the Potomac River to the north and mountains to the east, south and west. With 24 wineries to visit, there’s lots to see in this historic region.

The bucolic scene of rolling pastures dotted with historic towns is what makes this region so special. Stretching from the Maryland state line to Roanoke, one of the best times to visit is in the autumn when the trees’ leaves put on a spectacular color changing show.

Shenandoah Valley AVA

Bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Appalachian and Allegheny Plateaus to the west, the valley contains limestone soils which help give Shenandoah Valley wines higher levels of acidity. The valley is protected by the Blue Ridge on one side and the Alleghenies on the other, creating a rain shadow from both directions. You’ll find many grapes thriving here, from Pinot Noir and Riesling, to Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc too. It is located within the Ridge and Valley region and is a portion of the Great Appalachian Valley.