Virginia is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States. It is bordered by Maryland, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to the south and west; Pennsylvania to the north; and Delaware to the east. With a long history of winemaking, Virginia is now one of the most exciting wine regions in the US. Virginia has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the early 1600s when the first vines were planted by English settlers. The state was once home to the largest wine-producing region in the US, but Prohibition in the 1920s put an end to the industry. In the late 20th century, the industry began to revive, and today Virginia is home to over 300 wineries.
Chardonnay is the most widely planted variety here, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and the Rhone Valley variety Viognier. Modern technology and viticultural techniques, such as efficient canopy management, have made the production of vinifera varieties possible.The wines produced in Virginia are typically dry and full-bodied, with good acidity and complexity.
Virginia is home to some of the most renowned wineries in the US, including Barboursville Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, and Veritas Vineyards. Other notable producers include Early Mountain Vineyards, RdV Vineyards, and Trump Winery.
Thomas Jefferson, one of America's founding fathers and the third President of the United States, was an avid wine enthusiast who attempted to grow European grape varieties at his estate in Virginia. Although his efforts were largely unsuccessful, Jefferson's interest in wine helped to establish Virginia as a wine-growing region, and today the state is home to over 300 wineries.