Virginia
Virginia, where Thomas Jefferson dreamed of great American wine, is today a rising star for elegant Cabernet Franc, rich Viognier and the state's signature Viognier-driven whites.
Fast facts
At a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Climate | Humid, continental, four seasons |
| Geography | Piedmont hills of central Virginia east of the Blue Ridge |
| Key appellations | Virginia's Monticello · Shenandoah Valley · Middleburg · North Fork of Roanoke |
| Main grapes | Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Merlot |
| Famous for | Monticello & Jefferson, Cabernet Franc, Viognier |
Grapes
Signature grapes of Virginia
The varieties that define this region's wines.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is one of the great undervalued grapes of the wine world — the often-overlooked parent of Caber…
Viognier
Viognier is a luxurious, headily aromatic white grape from the northern Rhône, most famously the tiny appellat…
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the world's most planted white grape and a remarkable blank canvas for terroir and winemaking. F…
Merlot
Merlot is France's most planted red grape and the plush partner to Cabernet in Bordeaux blends, especially on …
Nearby
Related regions
Explore neighbouring wine areas.
Wine travel
Visiting Virginia
Historic cellar doors near Monticello, the Blue Ridge foothills and Charlottesville make a cultured wine trip.
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Country-wide wine guide with regions, grapes, classification and food culture.