Despite this significant head start , the road to Virginia ’ s status as one of America ’ s leading wine-producing states has undeniably been a rocky one — notwithstanding the relentless efforts of everyone from the colonial settlers , to our nation ’ s founding fathers Thomas Jefferson and George Washington , to early pioneers . In the early 19th century , Dr . Daniel Norton succeeded in developing a Virginia-native grape variety which was both resilient to the challenges posed by local pests and diseases , as well as capable of producing wines of such quality that one vintage won an award for “ best red wine of all nations ” at the Vienna World Fair in 1873 . In fact , but for prohibition , Virginia winemaking might have come to more significant prominence sooner thanks to Dr . Norton ’ s efforts . That said , fortunately , prohibition was only a mere bump in the road on the 400-year odyssey that has brought the state of winemaking in Virginia to where it is today .
Over the past half-century Virginia has witnessed a remarkable resurgence and transformation in its winemaking industry . What was once considered an unlikely region for viticulture has blossomed into a thriving hub for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike .
Beginning in the late 1970s , a handful of pioneering winemakers and vineyard owners decided to , once again , test the waters and plant vines in what was considered an inhospitable growing environment given Virginia ’ s humid climate and clay-heavy soils . Though their efforts were met with the same skepticism that had plagued their forebears , the unrepentant commitment to experimentation of this latest band of determined adventurers laid the foundation for what was to come .
As winemakers learned to navigate the region ’ s unpredictable weather patterns and clay soils , they began to recognize the potential for crafting exceptional wines that showcased the distinct attributes of Northern Virginia ’ s unique terroir — the combination of climate , soil , and topography that defines the characteristics of the grapes and subsequently , the wine . What were once seen as challenges evolved into opportunities as winemakers honed their skills , developed strategies to enhance grape quality , and embraced the diversity in grape varieties and wine styles that Virginia vitners could produce .
While traditional French grape varietals like Chardonnay , Petit Verdot , Merlot , and Cabernet Franc found their place , the region also witnessed the introduction of lesser-known grape varieties that thrive in its unique conditions along with French-American hybrids like Seyval Blanc and Chambourcin and , of course , the native Norton grape . By 1984 , Willowcroft Farm Vineyards , Loudoun County ’ s original winery , which sits atop Mt . Gilead in a rustic 19th century red barn overlooking Loudoun Valley , produced its first wines and immediately won awards . It was a trend that would continue for the sumptuously positioned winery which has since won hundreds of medals in national and international competitions alongside the rapidly expanding community of winemakers in the region .
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 6 AUTUMN 2023