The latest spring activity in Northern Virginia’s wine country has nothing to do with swirling a glass of petit verdot. Scrape for the Grape is a community-wide volunteer initiative to combat the invasive spotted lanternfly before it can wreak havoc on the region’s vines.
The program has grown from a single-day pilot in 2024 into three family-friendly events this year. They run on March 21, April 4, and April 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. across 16 wineries and vineyards, Ida Lee Park, and two local HOAs. Find participating vineyards when you register ahead of time with Loudoun Invasives.
A Direct Threat to Vines
The stakes are real. Loudoun County leads Virginia with more than 850 acres of vines producing 2,300 tons of grapes annually, and the spotted lanternfly poses a direct threat to all of it. The insects feed on sap from vines, weakening and ultimately killing them if populations go unchecked. But now, before the May hatch, egg masses are visible, accessible, and vulnerable. Each one destroyed prevents dozens of lanternflies from ever emerging.
Volunteers, dubbed “eco-warriors” by organizers, receive onsite training to identify and eliminate egg masses using credit-card-sized scrapers. They’ll also learn to spot the Tree of Heaven, the lanternfly’s preferred host plant, which will be flagged for removal.
“When residents can bring their kids, enjoy time outside, and make a visible difference in just a few hours, participation grows naturally,” says Mike Littman of the Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance, one of the organizing partners behind the initiative. That community spirit has driven Scrape for the Grape to nearly 700 registered volunteers across the three days, with room for 250 more on March 21.
More Invasive Species
Littman sees the spotted lanternfly as something of a “Trojan horse” into a far larger problem: the 100-plus invasive plant and animal species quietly reshaping Loudoun’s landscapes. Japanese Barberry harbors ticks that spread Lyme disease; invasive grasses dry into fire hazards each fall; Bradford pears crash onto homes and cars in storms. “In many ways, the invasive species challenge today is where climate change awareness was 30 years ago,” he says. Only about 5% of Loudoun residents are currently aware of the threat.
For volunteers, the perks of showing up extend beyond the satisfaction of doing something good. Many participating wineries will be offering deals on the weekends of Scrape for the Grape, including discounts on wine and tastings, or complimentary glasses of wine. Mom’s Apple Pie will be providing free spotted-lanternfly-shaped cookies for all kids who participate.
Feature image courtesy Bluemont Vineyards
