WHEREAS, Virginians have cultivated grapes and produced quality wines throughout the Commonwealth’s history, from its earliest winemakers to today’s innovative vintners; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginia wineries produce a diverse selection of wines, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Norton; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginia’s wine industry has grown from six wineries in 1979 to more than 350 wineries, cideries, and meaderies today, consistently ranking among the top ten wine grape-producing states in the nation; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginia harvests more than 4,000 acres of wine grapes, producing over 7,000 tons with a total crop value of $20.2 million; and

 

WHEREAS, the Virginia wine industry supports more than 10,652 full-time equivalent jobs and generates more than $200 million in tax revenue, strengthening the Commonwealth’s economy and communities; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginia Wine Month provides an opportunity to celebrate Virginia’s local bounty, support agriculture, and experience the beauty of Virginia Wine Country;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize October 2026 as VIRGINIA WINE MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.