What Makes Virginia's Wine Country So Special?

Jun 10th 2020

The world might just now be “discovering” Virginia’s amazing wineries, but those in the know, well, know better. The truth is, those deep green and endless rolling hills of Virginia’s wine country have been producing beautifully balanced wines for 400 years and counting.

In fact, Virginia winemaking is older than the country itself, going all the way back to the Jamestown settlement. And do the names George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and George Mason sound familiar? All three were members of the Virginia Wine Company, a 2,000-acre vineyard and winery close to Monticello. Suffice it to say, Virginia knows its wine and has for a long time.

Virginia Wineries Today

But, of course, Virginia wine isn’t just about its deep roots. Far from it. As any connoisseur will tell you, Virginia wineries today represent a unique combination of old and new. The region builds on its rich tradition and know-how to create truly unique and intriguing takes on classics, along with a few tantalizing new twists.

For instance, taking Northern Virginia as an example, wineries like Fabbioli, Hillsborough, Breaux, and several others in Loudoun and Fauquier counties are filled with artisans that take their trade seriously. And even though the region is just a stone’s throw from DC, it seems like a different world, where time and patience are the ultimate currencies in producing world-class varietals and blends.

A Building Movement

If you happen to take one of the many Virginia wine tours available or attend a wine tasting in VA, you’ll walk away with something more than just delighted taste buds – Virginia wine is a movement. Unlike most of the West Coast wineries, you don’t see many large corporations trying to overly commoditize Virginia wine. And that notion stems from the character and identity of the state itself.

Take a moment to browse the many wine selections available on LocalCart.net – Maggie Malick, Winery 32, Casanel, and Bleu Frog, to name just a handful – and you’ll soon realize that the typical Virginia winery is more than just a business. It’s a connection to the land and its people, to the communities that support the hundreds of independent wineries – nearly 300 strong – found across the state.

Put another way, a Chardonnay isn’t just a Chardonnay when it comes from Virginia. Yes, it will dazzle your senses with subtle fruity tones and the slightest of oak notes. But there’s genuine artistry behind it as well, a pride in a craft that, as we said, the world is just now starting to clamor for.


So whether you prefer an earthy red wine, a dry sparkling, or want to discover something new, hop onto LocalCart.net and let Virginia wineries show you what makes them so special.