Introduction to the AVAs of Virginia
While the pre-conference tours are predominantly visiting the Northern Virginia region that doesn’t mean you cannot visit the other 9 regions and 8 AVAs on this visit or another!
And for those not coming to conference, you can travel to Virginia from your armchair and plan a visit at your leisure!
Much thanks to Virginia Wine for their support and the video below.
Visit VirginiaWine.org for more information on each AVA, maps, winery contact information, and much more!
Virginia is home to 10 regions and 8 distinct AVAs.
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- Blue Ridge
North Fork of Roanoke AVA and The Rocky Knob AVA - Central Virginia
Monticello AVA - Chesapeake Bay
George Washington Birthplace AVA - Eastern Shore
Virginia’s Eastern Shore AVA - Hampton Roads
Virginia Peninsula AVA - Heart Of Appalachia
- Northern Virginia
Middleburg AVA - Shenandoah Valley
Shenandoah Valley AVA - Southern Virginia
- Virginia Mountains
- Blue Ridge
Shenandoah Valley AVA
Shenandoah Valley AVA, established in 1982 and stretching along the western edge of the state into WV, is known for its higher elevation and cooler climate, which helps produce refined Riesling, Traminette, and Cabernet Franc. The valley’s limestone-rich soils are especially favorable for white varietals.
Winery Information and maps: Shenandoah Valley AVA at Wikipedia
Rocky Knob AVA
Rocky Knob AVA, established in 1983, is located in the southwestern part of Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains near the towns of Woolwine and Meadows of Dan and straddles the Blue Ridge Parkway. The soil is primarily loam and gravel. It benefits from steep slopes, cool nights, and strong diurnal temperature shifts, which contribute to balanced acidity and vibrant fruit character.
Winery Information and maps: Rocky Knob AVA at Wikipedia
North Fork of Roanoke AVA
North Fork of Roanoke AVA, established in 1983, is also located in the southwestern part of Virginia along the Blue Ridge Mountains on the eastern slopes of the Allegheny Mountains. It also benefits from steep slopes, cool nights, and strong diurnal temperature shifts. Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Norton are all planted here.
Winery Information and maps: North Fork of Roanoke AVA at Wikipedia
Monticello AVA
Monticello AVA, established in 1984, is located in the central Piedmont area centered around Charlottesville and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate, is one of the state’s most historic and productive wine regions. The area boasts clay-rich soils and a slightly warmer climate, well-suited to Bordeaux varieties, Petit Verdot, and Virginia’s signature white grape, Viognier.
Winery Information and maps: Monticello AVA at Wikipedia
Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA
Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA, established in 1987, is located on a peninsula between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers. With sandy loam soils and coastal breezes, it offers ideal conditions for producing crisp whites such as Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc, as well as fruit-forward reds.
Winery Information and maps: Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA at Wikipedia
Virginia’s Eastern Shore AVA
Virginia’s Eastern Shore AVA, established in 1991, is located on the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and the ocean. It benefits from bay breezes and sandy soils.
Winery Information and maps: Virginia’s Eastern Shore AVA at Wikipedia
Middleburg Virginia AVA
Middleburg Virginia AVA, established in 2012, lies in the heart of Virginia horse country just 50 miles west of Washington, DC, and encompassing the Town of Middleburg. Spanning parts of Loudoun and Fauquier counties, this AVA benefits from rolling hills, well-drained soils, and a climate moderated by the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for elegant red blends, Viognier, and Cabernet Franc.
Winery Information and maps: Middleburg Virginia AVA at Wikipedia
Virginia Peninsula AVA
Virginia Peninsula AVA, established in 2021, is the newest AVA in Virginia. Bounded by the James and York River estuaries, and including Williamsburg, this is a narrow 50-mile long AVA with a maritime influence and sedimentary soils.
Winery Information and maps: Virginia Peninsula AVA at Wine, Wit & Wisdom (SWE)
Overlapping from NC into VA: Appalachian High Country AVA
Appalachian High Country AVA, established in 2017, is located mainly in North Carolina with sections in Tennessee and Virginia. It is considered to be the area of highest average elevation east of the Mississippi River.
Winery Information and maps: Appalachian High Country AVA at Wikipedia
Enjoy visiting Virginia wineries!
Photo © 2022 Virginia Wine Press Kit, accessed 4/25/25 at https://vaw-public-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/PressKit_2022.pdf
