October marks the 35th year of Virginia Wine Month.
Autumn has a way of highlighting Virginia’s ever-changing landscape. The magic of the season surrounds you. As harvest winds down, the foliage adorns itself in vibrant colors, and a refreshing chill flows throughout the region. This time of year calls for a celebration, and as October dawns, so does Virginia Wine Month — a tradition inaugurated in 1988.
Here are seven ways to take full advantage of Virginia Wine Month:
- Create an account to personalize your adventure and plot out the perfect itinerary.
- Download the Virginia Wine App for on-the-go access and spontaneous excursions.
- Request a winery guide for a statewide map of all 300+ wineries, cideries, and meaderies.
- Find Virginia Wine-curated celebrations and accommodations near you.
- Toast to the bounty of Virginia with a Harvest Party celebration.
- Stock up on Virginia Wine and savor the region with friends and family, near and far.
- Explore the vineyards with the Gold Medal Wine Trail to redeem #vawine prizes.
Discover more about Virginia Wine Month
Over three decades ago, the inaugural Virginia Wine Month was formally announced by Governor Gerald Baliles in the Rose Garden at the Executive Mansion in Richmond. He gave a rousing speech about the importance of building local industries and pledged to assist the nascent wine region. Since 1988, Virginia Wine lovers have embraced the season by adventuring into Virginia’s wine country and toasting in celebration.
Virginia’s wine industry has seen tremendous growth and an increase in popularity and respectability. Fresh-faced vintners stepping on Virginia soil for the first time in the 80s are now beloved mentors of a new generation of winemakers who plant their hopes and talent into Virginia soil. Their wines continue to draw in an inquisitive crowd looking for a unique and authentic Virginia experience that can’t be duplicated anywhere else in the world.
Virginia’s Home-Grown Holiday: Harvest Party
Harvest Party, our home-grown holiday, serves as the day when the Commonwealth comes together to raise their glasses in honor of our region’s bounty. Where people in the city, country, and on the shore gather in restaurants, vineyards, private homes, and open fields for a feast of Virginia-grown food and wine.
This year’s Harvest Party will take place leading up to and on Saturday, October 21. Find a Harvest Party celebration and an array of Wine Month events throughout the state.
Bring the celebration home with you! Purchase Virginia Wine from featured partners and local retailers and share it with friends and family as you toast to the season. Consider new pairings with your favorite wine, or explore a unique Virginia varietal for an unforgettable tasting experience.
Here you’ll find a guide to pairing Virginia Wines, or try a paired recipe designed specifically for your Harvest Party.
Autumn is an awe-inspiring time to set foot in Virginia’s wine country. Experience it for yourself — select a vineyard or plan a weekend getaway and start planning your Virginia Wine Month adventure today.
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