October is Virginia Wine Month and an opportunity to showcase what the commonwealth’s winemakers do particularly well. As you map out the vineyards you want to explore this month, consider three grape varieties that excel in producing quality wines in Virginia.
Cabernet Franc
Indigenous to the Spanish Basque region, it rose to fame in France and is now the most planted grape in Virginia. While vineyard location informs some of this grape’s style, winemakers put their own signature on the grape in a wide array of styles. You’ll find elegant red fruit and floral notes with soft tannic structure in some, or dark berry fruit and black tea with a robust, velvety tannic backbone in others. Purchase from multiple wineries and host your own comparative tasting at home to see this grape’s versatility.
Makers to Try: Valley Road Vineyards (Reserve), CrossKeys Vineyards
Petit Manseng
Boasting an intensely exotic perfume with naturally high acidity levels, this grape can also be shaped by the winemaker’s intentions. Indigenous to the French Pyrenees, it is best known as part of the blend for the sweet white wines of Jurançon, and its early use in Virginia echoed that style. Today, it is primarily crafted into dry wines with ripe peach and cinnamon aromas, and rich, full-bodied texture that allows it to stand up to robust dishes at the dinner table. Some wineries are experimenting with oak maturation to add even more complexity of dried fruit, vanilla, and spice.
Makers to Try: Early Mountain Vineyards, Williamsburg Winery (Barrel Reserve)
Albariño
Native to the damp Atlantic coast of northwest Spain, this grape has created a foothold in Virginia vineyards thanks in part to climate similarities. It retains bright, refreshing acidity that makes it an excellent pairing partner for cheeses and seafood. It is highly aromatic, with grapefruit, apricot, honeysuckle, and stony mineral notes that will stand out at aperitivo hour or when entertaining at home.
Makers to Try: Good Spirit Farm, Fifty-Third Winery
This story originally ran in our October 2026 issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
