As the birthplace of the American wine industry and a nationally dominant agricultural and seafood producer, Virginia’s culinary roots run deep. Reflecting these traditions, milk is the Commonwealth’s official drink and the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) its official First Food.
Today marks the beginning of Virginia wine month. When former Governor Gerald L. Baliles launched October Virginia Wine Month in 1988, there were just 40 wineries. Virginia is now home to over 300 wineries and nearly 4,000 acres of vineyards spread across nine American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and 25 different wine trails. The local wine…