When wine connoisseurs think of good wine, they imagine visiting France, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, Argentina, and even the Napa Valley in California. It wasn’t until recently that those in love with a fine glass of wine started looking towards the east coast of the United States, where some of the finest wineries in the country are building names for themselves in the hills of Virginia.

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Believe it or not, but it was Thomas Jefferson who first envisioned a winery in the Virginia area. He truly believed that the United States would eventually be able to produce wines that were just as sinfully decadent as those produced in Europe. They wouldn’t be the same, but they’d be just as delicious.

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He tried, but he failed. The European grapes he harvested and brought back to Charlottesville, Virginia in 1774 never amounted to much, but that didn’t stop future wine lovers from attempting the same later on down the road.

The Growth of the Virginia Winery

Over the years a few new wineries managed to establish themselves throughout Virginia. Originally the state boasted six unique wineries, but today there are over 130, with more attempting to establish themselves each and every year.

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Some are in urban areas, many just a stones throw away from Washington, DC. Others are a bit further removed with locations in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding country sides. The state of Virginia has slowly grown from one of the least recognized wine states to the sixth most recognized in the country.

One of the reasons Virginia has become so successful is its location. Virginia sits at a central location on the east coast, so temperatures aren’t unbearably warm in the summer nor are they as frigid as some places during the winter months. The relatively stable climates are more conducive to growing the grapes needed to create all sorts of wine, whether the focus is on Old World or New World varieties.

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Wine lovers know that there are dozens of different varieties and that no two barrels or vintages are alike. Some of the most popular styles coming out of Virginia are Chardonnays, Petit Verdots, and Cabernet Francs. Each is made from Virginia’s specially grown Norton grape.

Even though it seems a testament to his vision, it’s merely coincidence that 30 of the wineries in Virginia are located within close proximity to the town where Thomas Jefferson once lived. Any wine tour of the region will take you to spectacular wineries and fields, but some of the best can be found along the Monticello Wine Trail. Some of Virginia’s finest vineyards are listed here.

Veritas Winery (Afton, VA)

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The Veritas Winery is best known for making a distinct variety of Petit Verdot, Merlot, and delicious dessert wine. The winery itself is located in Afton, Virginia, right near the point where the Blue Ridge Mountains begin to climb over the state. Wine making is a family-affair here. The entire family works at the winery and will gladly give you a tour before sitting you on the porch with a sampling of their Sauvignon Blanc.

Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery (Leon, VA)

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The Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery in Leon isn’t the most spectacular in the state, but it’s a fun place to stop if you’re working your way south towards Skyline Drive. Don’t expect to walk into a quaint and cozy farmhouse.

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Inside the rather aesthetically appealing building you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of wine in Virginia before tasting one or two of the wineries finest blends. Finest doesn’t mean spectacular, but the wines here are good and you certainly won’t run into any wine snobs either.

Kings Family Vineyard (Crozet, VA)

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Kings Family Vineyard is considered a small winery when compared to most, but don’t forget that the best treats often come in small packages. The wines here are simply superb and have earned accolades from several major wine magazines.

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You’ll find visitors here, but it’s busiest when there are polo matches in the area at the same time there is a wine tasting. If you’re in the area, make sure you sample the Michael Chaps Monticello Voignier.

Barboursville Vineyards

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Located not far from the homes of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, the Barboursville Vineyards are amongst the oldest in all of Virginia. When you visit the old Tuscan farmhouse you’ll have the opportunity to sample up to 15 different wines before heading out to explore the vineyards or tour the old Barbour mansion.

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These are not, of course, the only wineries open to the public in Virginia, but they should give you an incredible place to start as you begin to explore this simply stunning wine country. Use caution as you move from winery to winery - the goods are delicious but you’re still subject to alcohol consumption laws and - well - winery etiquette!

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