Central Virginia Wine

Central Virginia is an expansive region covering the Virginia Piedmont between the Shenandoah Valley and the Chesapeake Tidewater regions. Wine production is most concentrated just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Monticello American Viticultural Area, centered around Charlottesville.

Understand
Central Virginia has a wine-making history dating back to Thomas Jefferson, who believed (correctly) that the region's topography and climate resembled that of France. Major wine production in the state picked up after the 1970s with the Zonin family of Venice purchasing the historic Barboursville estate. Horton Vineyards pioneered the viognier in the state and revolutionized Virginia wine in the 1980s.

This region of sunshine and rolling hills has seen a marked increase in both quality and quantity over the last three decades and has become a popular wine region to tour in the American East Coast.

In 2023 Monticello was named Wine Enthusiast's wine destination of the year.

Grapes
Virginia grows a wide variety of both old world, hybrid, and North American grapes. The most produced grapes are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and the region's specialty Viognier. The Norton, native to the state, is a source of particular pride among growers. Franco-American hybrids such as Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc are also common.

Climate and soil
Most of Virginia east of the blue ridge mountains have loam soils. Climatically, Central Virginia is warm, with long summers and mild winters. The best vineyards are often at an elevation of 800 ft (above 240 m).

Greene County
The farthest north, just east of the Blue Ridge.

Orange County
The closest county to Washington, DC.

Albemarle County
Centered around Charlottesville.

Fluvanna County
The easternmost county in Monticello, and the closest to Richmond.

Buy
Many Virginia producers are small-scale, so if you like a bottle, it is best to buy it straight from the source.

Virginia ABC stores have a better selection than most grocery stores. Large retailers like Total Wine have a limited selection. It is common, but not guaranteed, to have Virginia wine offerings in Charlottesville restaurants.