Governor Abigail Spanberger is celebrating the start of Virginia Wine Month and inviting Virginians to support the growers, winemakers, and small businesses that make the industry an important part of local economies across the Commonwealth.
This year's celebration follows a challenging season for Virginia's vineyards. Earlier this year, Spanberger worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to secure a Secretarial Disaster Declaration for more than 100 localities across Virginia. The Governor submitted a formal request to the USDA in May to address crop damage caused by late spring frost and freeze events. After several weeks of warm early-spring weather promoted growth for a variety of crops, widespread freezing temperatures across multiple evenings in March and April impacted farmers across Virginia — with some growers anticipating a 100 percent loss.
"This October is the perfect time to support the men and women who sustain this critical industry by visiting a Virginia winery or sharing a Virginia-grown bottle with friends and family," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "With growers continuing to contend with the impacts of this spring's devastating frost and freeze, we know that the road to recovery will take time and continued support. I was proud to work with our federal partners to secure a federal disaster declaration to help family farmers start to recover, and I look forward to continuing to work to ensure Virginia's vineyards can thrive for years to come."
Virginia's wine industry generates more than $1.7 billion in annual economic impact, supporting vineyards, wineries, and local businesses while fostering Virginia tourism. Across ten distinct wine regions, more than 300 wineries produce wines from over 40 grape varieties and earn national and international recognition.
"Virginia Wine Month is an opportunity to celebrate the farmers, winemakers, and small businesses whose dedication has made Virginia one of the nation's premier wine-producing regions," said Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry Katie Frazier. "Our wineries strengthen rural economies, preserve working agricultural landscapes, and support an agritourism industry that welcomes visitors from around the world. As we raise a glass to Virginia Wine Month, we recognize the innovation, stewardship, and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to make the Commonwealth's wine industry a source of pride and economic vitality."
Visitors can use Virginia's free mobile tasting passes, which feature special offers and chances to win throughout October. The Gold Medal Wine Trail leads to award-winning wines from the 2026 Virginia Governor's Cup Competition, while other passes highlight women in wine, dog-friendly wineries, Virginia Cider, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, and Norton, Virginia's native grape.
Virginians can also join the statewide Harvest Party on Saturday, October 17, which invites visitors to experience Virginia Wine at the height of harvest. Wineries and restaurants across the state will host vineyard celebrations, tastings, and special dinners, and a Virginia Wine Harvest Party Cookbook offers recipes and pairings to continue the celebration at home. This year, 27 local businesses are honored with the Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards for their commitment to Virginia Wine.