This month marks the 25th Anniversary of Virginia Wine Month! Restaurants, retailers and wineries across the state are celebrating providing plenty of opportunities to explore!

Virginia is home to more than 230 wineries and vineyards, seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), nearly two dozen wine trails and rates fifth in the nation for wine grape production.  Just last year, Wine Enthusiast magazine named Virginia one of the 10 best wine travel destinations. In August, Governor Bob McDonnell announced that the sales of Virginia wine reached an all-time high in 2013, with more than half a million cases sold.

Out on the Loudoun Wine Trail this week, I visited …

  • Breaux Vineyards: One of my favorites as it’s the most gorgeous Autumn spot. Be sure to try their newly released Equation…red wine made of 5 different grapes that are a fabulous combination for only $17. And there were still grapes plumping on the vine.
  • Sunset Hills Vineyard: I’ve heard great things about this winery and really enjoyed our visit. The restored Amish historic barn is an impressive tasting room and it’s decks are the perfect spot for a sipping a glass looking out over the vineyards. For us that meant the Cabernet Sauvignon about to be picked. The Tasting Room Team was excellent and I really enjoyed their 2011 Sunset Red, a delicious combination of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
  • Salamander Resort & Spa: This gorgeous new spot recently opened outside Middleburg! We stopped in for lunch and wine in The Gold Cup Wine Bar where they are offering a special Virginia White Wine Flight for Virginia Wine Month. It featured an excellent example of the greatness in Virginia wine, Linden Vineyards 2011 Sauvignon Blanc. Look forward to returning here to enjoy the spa and equestrian programs.

The Virginia Wine Marketing Office has a site featuring all the ways you can explore the month of wine. They’re also hosting a Scavenger Hunt you can participate in for great prizes.

And Virginia Wine Month will culminate in The Second Annual Virginia Wine Summit which is sure to be a great event, featuring wine expert Oz Clarke and some great toasts to Governor McDonnell. He leaves office early next year and has been a huge proponent of Virginia Wine. He will surely be missed by the industry.

Cheers to Virginia Wine Month!

Here’s more on Virginia wine.