The Virginia wine scene is buzzing, and a recent article by James Suckling’s team confirms what we’ve known all along: Virginia wines can compete on the global stage. This isn’t just local pride talking; it’s a powerful endorsement from one of the most respected voices in the wine world.

A French Connection: A Powerful Endorsement

Perhaps the most telling sign of Virginia’s ascent came in 2024 when the Bouygues family, owners of Bordeaux’s esteemed Second Growth estate Chateau Montrose, chose to invest in Virginia. Instead of the usual suspects like California or Oregon, they acquired RdV, renaming it Lost Mountain Vineyards and integrating it into their Eutopia Estates portfolio. This move speaks volumes about the perceived quality and potential of our Commonwealth’s wines.

Years of Dedication Bearing Fruit

The James Suckling report highlights what many of our dedicated winemakers and viticulturists have been working towards for years: consistent, impressive quality across a wide range of producers. The team visited more than a dozen top Virginia wineries, including Southwest Mountains Vineyards, Glen Manor, Linden, Pollak, and King Family Vineyards, tasting over 300 red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines. The results were outstanding, with twelve wines earning ratings of 94 points and above!

What’s Driving This Success?

The article points to several key factors contributing to Virginia’s rise:

  • Maturing Vines and Improved Farming: Winemakers like Joshua Grainer MW of Lost Mountain (formerly RdV) emphasize the significant impact of vine maturity. Since around 2014-2016, more developed root systems and even growth have led to greater consistency in quality, even amidst our characteristic vintage variations. This is supported by the dedication of individuals like Damien Blanchon of Afton Mountain Vineyards, who champions meticulous vineyard work and a shift towards biodynamic and organic techniques.
  • A Focus on Elegance and Terroir: There’s a clear shift away from overly powerful wines to those that express the unique character of Virginia’s diverse sites. Winemakers like Grainer are now aiming for “elegant suppleness of tannins and structural profiles,” believing these wines “have a lot more to say.” Emily Hodson of Veritas attributes the freshness in her wines to unique site selection, like a wind gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains that ensures excellent air circulation. Luca Paschina of Barboursville Vineyards, a veteran who’s seen the industry evolve since 1990, notes a consumer shift towards wines that accurately express a sense of place, allowing Virginia’s weather patterns to lead the wine style.
  • Collaborative Spirit and Experienced Guidance: The report acknowledges the invaluable role of “veteran winegrowers who have become consultants or have helped new investors to make the right decisions, most times pro bono.” This collaborative spirit has undoubtedly accelerated the industry’s growth and refined winemaking practices.
  • Mastering Our Unique Climate: Virginia’s growing seasons can be challenging, with variable weather patterns. However, winemakers like Jonathan Wheeler of Trump Winery, who has nearly two decades of experience in Virginia, have learned to navigate these “curveballs mother nature can throw at you.” This resilience and expertise allow them to consistently produce high-quality wines.

Varieties Leading the Way

While Virginia is showcasing excellence across the board, certain varietals are particularly shining:

  • Cabernet Franc: This grape consistently performed beautifully, proving its strong affinity for Virginia’s terroir.
  • Red Blends: Overall, red blends impressed the tasters with their complexity and balance.
  • White Wines: Petit Manseng, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay are defining what site specificity means for Virginia, with wineries like Lost Mountain, Early Mountain, Michael Shaps, Barboursville, and Veritas earning high scores.

Looking Ahead: A New Level of Respect

As William McIlhenny, a Virginia native and JamesSuckling.com board member, aptly puts it, Virginia is “finally crossing that threshold” to a new level of respect on the world wine stage. This comprehensive report from James Suckling is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and increasing sophistication of the Virginia wine industry.

We invite you to explore the incredible wines our Commonwealth has to offer.

Read more at JamesSuckling.com