BERRYVILLE—As the leaves start to change, it’s an ideal time to savor some Virginia wine.
This October, the state celebrates its 36th annual Virginia Wine Month, a tribute to the commonwealth’s diverse winemaking heritage.
Virginia is home to over 300 wineries, offering a vast selection of vintages that showcase the state’s diverse terroir. Recognized as one of the top wine regions in the U.S., Virginia is home to a wine industry that generates an estimated $1.73 billion and supports over 10,400 jobs.
The wine sector has expanded in recent years. According to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, grapes are cultivated on roughly 7,000 acres across the state, a 41% increase from the 2017 census.
Consumers can celebrate Virginia Wine Month with some outstanding wines thanks to Virginia’s climate, said Tremain Hatch, a viticulturist and Virginia Cooperative Extension associate at Virginia Tech.
Hatch said growers are reporting modest to average yields this year. Many began harvesting early because of the warmer spring, but cooler conditions could bring things back on schedule. And despite the drought earlier this year, grape quality remains high.
In Clarke County, James Bogaty, CEO of Bogaty Family Wine Group, echoed Hatch and said they’ve had a “tale of two harvests.” While yields are down, he anticipates this year’s grapes will “produce some of the best wines in America or in the world.
“My hope is to compare the wines, particularly the reds, to Italian vintages like Amarone,” said Bogaty, who owns three vineyards in northern Virginia. “It’s an excellent, excellent quality.”
He explained that Virginia’s terroir is ideal for producing standout wines. In the Shenandoah Valley, the elevation combined with limestone-based soil make it comparable to some top winemaking regions in California and Europe.
Bogaty added that he considers Virginia’s rise in the wine world a David and Goliath story.
“While California stands as the fourth-largest wine producer in the world, our Virginia wines continue to shine on the national stage,” said Bogaty, whose wines have consistently earned high ratings from Wine Enthusiast magazine.
To celebrate Virginia Wine Month and the season’s harvest, many vineyards and wineries will be hosting special events in October. For a list of wineries and events near you, visit virginiawine.org.
Virginia Farm Bureau