Virginia wineries can be found throughout the state in retail outlets, restaurants and at festivals and special events. Wines can also be purchased directly at the wineries.

The virginia wine industry went from just 15 wineries in 1979 to over 75 wineries in 2001. Almost 300,000 cases of wine are produced by virginia wineries today.

Virginians have been making wine for 400 years, however winemaking as its own industry is a new development. After a disappointing first vintage from the native grapes in 1608, Virginians spent two and a half centuries failing to cultivate french grapes. After the civil war, growers had finally enjoyed success, making wine from native grapes only to have prohibition bring everything to a standstill. In the 1960's commercial wine-making finally took off. Virginia has since grown to be in the top 5 wine-producing state in the country with over 90 wineries and more than 250 vineyards producing almost 300,000 cases per year.

The Virginia wine producing region is:

5th among vinifera grape-growing states

10th in commercial grape production

9th in bearing acreage

Virginia Viticultural Regions

Monticello

Northern Neck

Rocky Knob

Shenandoah Valley

Eastern Shore

North Fork of Roanoke