October 22, 2009

Virginia winery visits are a great way
to see state in fall

RICHMOND—As rich fall colors blanket Virginia’s countryside, this is the perfect time to visit some of the state’s 148 wineries.

It is in the fall that many wineries plan special events, festivals and tastings.

“Our wineries this year are planning a great year for tourists,” said Tony Banks, commodity marketing specialist for Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. “While we did have a bit more rain this year than what we would have liked for the grapes to grow, everyone is expecting good crops.”

“We are seeing a stellar year as far as sales are concerned,” said Annette Boyd, director of the Virginia Wine Marketing Office. “Some of our wineries have sales anywhere from 13 to 60 percent higher than last year. We are seeing more people choosing to have a ’stay-cation’ as opposed to traveling out of state to wineries.

"Since Virginia is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the country’s population, we are really reaping the benefits of close-to-home winery travel.”

Virginia wine sales at wineries are up 13.7 percent compared to 2008 figures.

The state also promotes designated wine trails that visitors can travel to enjoy specific regions’ vineyards and wineries.

“Many of our Farm Bureau member vineyards and wineries offer great deals during the fall to wine lovers,” Banks added.

More information on Virginia’s wineries is available at virginiawine.org and Virginia.org/wine.

Contact Banks at 804-290-1114, Boyd at 804-344-8200 or Sherri McKinney, VFBF video producer, at 804-290-1148.