Virginia

Eastern United States, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the rolling piedmont around Charlottesville and Monticello.

Humid continental with hot summers - a challenging but improving climate for viticulture.

Virginia's wine story begins with Thomas Jefferson, who planted vines at Monticello in a storied (if thwarted) experiment.

Centuries later the Commonwealth has become the East Coast's most serious fine-wine state, anchored by the noble Norton grape.

For the buyer, Virginia offers unique American character at fair prices, led by the celebrated Chrysalis Vineyards.

Terroir & Soil

Granite and schist-driven piedmont soils; east-facing slopes and nocturnal airflow from the Blue Ridge help acid retention.

What to Expect from the Wines

· Norton is Virginia's signature grape - a deep-coloured American native that yields spicy, structured reds.
· Viognier, Chardonnay and sparkling wines anchor the white and rosé side.
· Virginia was Thomas Jefferson's dream vineyard and is now the East Coast's most ambitious fine-wine state.

Remarkable Bottles from Virginia

Chrysalis Norton

Virginia · 2024 (representative vintage)

Chrysalis Norton is an red wine from United States, in the Virginia region (Eastern United States, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the rolling piedmont around Charlottesville and Monticello.), made principally from Norton. America's own native grape, championed in Virginia — rich, spicy and proudly historic.

$30–$45 est. retail

Virginia Norton

Virginia · 2024 (representative vintage)

Virginia Norton is an red wine from United States, in the Virginia region (Eastern United States, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the rolling piedmont around Charlottesville and Monticello.), made principally from Norton. a house-style Virginia norton that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Virginia Viognier

Virginia · 2024 (representative vintage)

Virginia Viognier is an white wine from United States, in the Virginia region (Eastern United States, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the rolling piedmont around Charlottesville and Monticello.), made principally from Viognier. a house-style Virginia viognier that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon

Virginia · 2024 (representative vintage)

Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon is an red wine from United States, in the Virginia region (Eastern United States, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the rolling piedmont around Charlottesville and Monticello.), made principally from Cabernet Sauvignon. a house-style Virginia cabernet sauvignon that showcases the grape in this region.

$14–$34 est. retail

Virginia Chardonnay

Virginia · 2024 (representative vintage)

Virginia Chardonnay is an white wine from United States, in the Virginia region (Eastern United States, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the rolling piedmont around Charlottesville and Monticello.), made principally from Chardonnay. a house-style Virginia chardonnay that showcases the grape in this region.

$12–$28 est. retail

Monticello Norton Riserva

Virginia · 2024 (representative vintage)

Monticello Norton Riserva is an red wine from United States, in the Virginia region (Eastern United States, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the rolling piedmont around Charlottesville and Monticello.), made principally from Norton. a reserve-tier Monticello norton that represents the region's premium bottled expression.

$45–$90 est. retail

Food Pairing

· Norton with barbecue, smoked pork and aged cheddar.
· Viognier with spicy Asian dishes, curries and ginger.
· Virginia whites with oysters and grilled fish.

Buying from Virginia

› Chrysalis Vineyards is the Norton specialist - seek its Monticello Estate and Norton Reserve bottlings.
› The Monticello AVA and Middleburg AVA are the top sub-regions.
› Virginia sparkling is a rising star; the state's Viognier is also excellent.