When you sip a glass of Virginia wine, you’re tasting more than just fermented grapes, you’re experiencing a story that spans over 400 years. Long before California became synonymous with American wine, Virginia was planting the seeds of a tradition that would eventually grow into one of the country’s most vibrant and exciting wine industries. Don’t just take our word for it — Virginia’s Monticello AVA was recently named Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, a testament to how far Virginia wine has come.
Where It All Began: Early Colonial Dreams of Virginia Wine
It all began in 1609, when colonists in Virginia attempted to cultivate European grapevines in the New World. By 1619, the Virginia House of Burgesses even passed a law requiring settlers to plant grapevines, highlighting early ambitions for Virginia to become a winemaking powerhouse. These first vineyard efforts took root in the very region where the Williamsburg Winery now stands today. Although the colonists struggled against native pests and unfamiliar growing conditions, the dream of a thriving Virginia wine industry never faded.
Founding Fathers and Fermentation: Thomas Jefferson’s Dream and Early Wine Ventures
In the late 18th century, no one championed Virginia wine more passionately than Thomas Jefferson. Inspired by the great wines of Europe, Jefferson envisioned Virginia’s rolling hills as the perfect landscape for vineyards and dedicated years to experimenting with grape cultivation at his Monticello estate. Though his personal winemaking efforts were largely thwarted by climate challenges and pests, his belief in Virginia’s potential left a lasting legacy.
Meanwhile, fellow Founding Fathers like George Washington and George Mason also recognized the promise of Virginia wine. They supported the creation of The Virginia Wine Company, an initiative aimed at establishing a thriving wine industry in the young colony. Although the company faced many of the same agricultural challenges, it demonstrated that winemaking was deeply intertwined with Virginia’s earliest national ambitions.
Meet Norton: America’s First Native Grape
The 19th century saw a major breakthrough with the emergence of the Norton grape — America’s first successful native grape variety. Developed in Richmond, Virginia, Norton thrived where European vines failed, producing a deep, robust red wine that would go on to win international acclaim, including a gold medal at the 1873 Vienna World’s Fair. Even today, Norton remains a celebrated part of Virginia’s wine story.
A New Chapter: Zonin, Rausse, and the Renaissance of Virginia Wine
Despite setbacks like Prohibition, which nearly erased America’s wine industry, Virginia’s winemaking spirit persisted. The true modern revival began in the 1970s, thanks to the efforts of European visionaries like Gianni Zonin, an Italian winemaker who believed in Virginia’s potential.
Zonin purchased land in Barboursville and, along with the talented Italian winemaker Gabriele Rausse, pioneered techniques that helped European grape varieties flourish in Virginia’s climate. Often called the “Father of Modern Virginia Wine,” Rausse’s influence helped launch a new era, inspiring a generation of winemakers who have put Virginia firmly on the global wine map.
Virginia Wine Today: A Toast to 300+ Wineries
Today, Virginia boasts over 300 wineries across 10 distinct wine regions, offering a dazzling range of styles — from bold reds to crisp whites and delicate rosés — each a reflection of the state’s unique soils, climate, and history.
Virginia wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the experience, the sense of place, and the passionate people behind every bottle. At Camp Cardinal, we’re honored to be part of this ongoing story by bringing together winemakers, wine lovers, and culinary experts through our curated Wine Camp experiences.
So, whether you’re a seasoned sipper or new to the wine scene, take a moment to raise your glass to Virginia—a wine region with deep roots, bold ambitions, and a legacy truly worth sipping.
Learn More at Virginia Wine Camp
Discover the past, taste the present, and toast to the future of Virginia wine. Explore our upcoming events and book your experience at campcardinalrvresort.com/virginia-wine-camp.
