Sure, we all know every month is worthy of a healthy helping of wine but, rejoice! October is Wine Month in Virginia so now it’s official. 2019 marks the milestone 31st anniversary of ‘Virginia Wine Month,’ which was started in 1988 by then governor, Gerald Baliles.
Why is the thirty-first anniversary so special, you ask? The same reason the 17th and 23rd was—it’s an officially sanctioned reason to enjoy a soul-soothing glass of wine with friends here on our beautiful Eastern Shore.
Virginia’s wine country is putting on a brilliant display of flavor right now. It’s the end of the season and many vineyards are in progress with harvest. (We’re hearing the weather is perfect for especially tasty grapes this year.) We at Bay Creek are looking forward to joining the entire state to celebrate the lovely libations our local wineries produce.
There are more than 300 wineries here in Virginia and that number is growing every year. Both European and hybrid varietals thrive here and our Virginia wine industry continues to grow like those sweet, delicious grapes on the vine.
It’s said that Virginia has an ideal terrior (how a particular region’s climate, soils and terrain affect the taste of wine) for many varieties. New and established vineyards are enjoying the luxury of experimentation with many different types of grapes as the industry continues to innovate and develop locally. So you never know what new variety you may enjoy from year to year.
Did you know:
- Viognier is Virginia’s official Signature Grape, as designated by the Virginia Wine Board
- As of just a few years ago, Virginia is estimated to have about 2,600 acres of vineyards with a harvest of over 6,500 tons.
- Virginia ranks fifth in the USA for grape production.
To get an idea of just how much wine our state produces, a vineyard can produce around two tons of grapes per acre. And two tons of grapes can become 130 cases of wine, give or take a few. We’ll drink (responsibly) to that!
Since there’s no shortage of GOOD local wine, we at Bay Creek suggest you get started celebrating Wine Month right now:
Chatham Vineyards just up the road in Machipongo is celebrating with a few special things you’ll love:
A SOUTH YOU NEVER ATE: SAVORING FLAVORS & STORIES FROM THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA by Bernie Herman | Enjoy Live Music | Signature wine glass, wine and beer included. Advance ticket purchase is required. More »
Their tasting room is now open daily from 10am to 5pm. We highly encourage a visit to this scenic destination!
Chatham Vineyards on Church Creek
9232 Chatham Road | Machipongo, VA 23405
757-678-5588
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Visit us at Coach House Tavern here at Bay Creek and relax with a glass of local ‘Church Creek Merlot’ by Chatham Vineyards. Raise a glass to Virginia’s fertile and fabulous landscape. While you’re at it, drink in the absolute glory of our amazing Eastern Shore home in autumn. Feeling giddy yet? It might just be a natural high, courtesy of the bay, the breezes and the wonders of nature here around Cape Charles. Cheers!
Local venues are celebrating Wine Month in their own special ways across Cape Charles. Keep your eyes open for and your mouth ready for that next perfect glass.
For more about the events and happenings of Wine Month across the state, visit
https://www.virginiawine.org/virginia-wine-month
Want to venture out farther? Enjoy browsing a Virginia Wine Guide by region here:
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