A newly released economic impact study shows that Virginia’s burgeoning wine industry contributes almost three-quarters of a billion dollars – or $747 million – annually to Virginia’s economy.

“The Virginia wine industry has seen tremendous growth over last few years,” said Governor McDonnell. “From beautiful new wineries starting up to more and more retail outlets and restaurants adding our wines to their shelves and menus, the growth has been very evident even to the casual observer...I congratulate our winery owners and grape growers for these achievements, and I look forward to working with them as we continue our efforts to make Virginia the preeminent East Coast destination for wine and winery tourism.”

“The Virginia wine industry is one of the fastest growing segments of Virginia’s diverse agricultural industry,” said Todd P. Haymore, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. “Most of the investments made, jobs created, taxes generated, and tourism driven expenditures around the wine industry are in rural areas, where they are making a big impact on local economies.”

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The VA Wine Events Twit Widget keeps us all in-the-know in real time on what's happening at Virginia Wineries. Follow what your favorite wineries are doing at a glance here!

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VIRGINIA WINE SHOWCASE

Wouldn't it be fun if the DC metro could whisk us away to Virginia Wine Country?  On February 18-19 (President's Day Weekend just when we all have an extra day off) it can!!

The Virginia Wine Showcase has become the premier artisan wine event on the East Coast. This event is not the biggest in the State ... it is the most exclusive, featuring tastings of over 200 "juried" wines - only the best - from the best farm wineries in Virginia.

This year's Showcase will be held in the gorgeous Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington Virginia, just west of Washington DC!!!

You'll love the wildly popular line-up of seminars, including:

• Chocolate pairing with Spice Rack Chocolates
• Onsite speed dating sessions with Pros in The City
• the popular Vino50 tour of hard-to-find wines from really strange places
• the exclusive "Virginia Versus The World™" smackdown where you get to be the judge as Virginia wines are pitted against wines from the most prominent wine regions in the world .... and more!
• Ticket cost is the other good news - the price of this show has been brought down to reflect the economy ... this year $25 online, $30 at the door gets you unlimited access to all seminars and tastings.
• Accommodations are available onsite with half price room rates. If you book a room and stay in the Crystal Gateway Marriott Saturday night you get a FREE 2-day pass upgrade to enjoy the Showcase both days. Get in on the fun at www.vawineshowcase.org

Virginia's 2,790 Acre,

$10.4 Million Dollar, 7,000 Ton

Golden Goose

Meandering out into the country in search of good wine has become a passion for Washingtonians. And, it turns out ... it's not just about wine. It's about environmental stewardship. It's about carbon footprint consciousness. It's supporting local farms first. And, it's preserving Virginia's pristine farmland.

As the grand old Commonwealth farms go up for sale, they often get sucked into the urban sprawl of the city by housing developers. Why?

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A new festival trend is happening in Virginia as the State gains a solid reputation for producing world-class wine. Upgraded wine festivals are emerging featuring better wines, in better venues, paired with high-end culinary and cultural entertainment for a better tasting experience that appeals to today's sophisticated wine connoisseur!

The Virginia wine festival circuit is arguably one of the best in the nation.

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$15

Proclaim your allegiance to locally-grown artisan wine. The Farm Wineries Council Locapour Fan gear will get people thinking "locapour" at picnics, fests, summer concerts - wherever you show up with that hat! Locapour gear is now available for ordering here! Click the hat to purchase the hat. Click the picnic blanket to order the blanket.

Virginia Takes a Bow

on The World Wine Stage

Thomas Jefferson had a vision ... of vineyards lacing the Virginia landscape. And, along with the vines, certain economic benefits — not to mention the resulting prestige, pleasure and refinement of enjoying fine wine.

Mr. Jefferson’s writings detailing creation of a viable wine industry in Virginia didn’t come to fruition during his lifetime, but, today, he would surely be proud!

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