The Birthplace of American Wine: The Untold Story behind Virginia’s Vines

Virginia is rich with history, so it’s no surprise that the practice of winemaking in the Commonwealth dates to 1609, when the earliest settlers of Jamestown planted vines to produce a cash crop utilizing the vital soils of the New World.

Today, Virginia’s quality wines earn the respect of wine enthusiasts worldwide, and Virginia comes in 6th for the most wineries per state. But the first vintages and those to come for nearly three centuries were far from the respected quality of Virginia wines today.

Attempts by Colonial Cultivators Captain John Smith wrote about native vines in Virginia, saying that the plants were “in great abundance in many parts that climbe the toppes of the highest trees.” However, the early Virginia colonists soon discovered that these unfamiliar grapes created poor quality wine with an unpleasant taste compared to their European counterparts.

After giving up on utilizing Virginia’s native vines, the colonists decided to import a variety of French vines. In 1619, during the meeting of the first legislative assembly of the New World, the House of Burgesses passed a law requiring every male household in Virginia to plant ten vines of the imported vinifera grapes. Several laws over the following 50 years attempted to coerce settlers into the cultivation of vineyards, but none were successful in the long run.

Thomas Jefferson’s Lifetime Pursuit of the Perfect Wines

Thomas Jefferson was passionate about making Virginia a great wine-growing state. Along with George Washington and approximately 25 other early leaders, Jefferson started the Virginia Wine Company, whose aim was to finally establish vineyards as a cash crop. In 1773, he gave 2,000 acres of land adjacent to his home at Monticello to Italian viticulturist Filippo Mazzei and worked with him to plant vines. There is some disagreement whether it was the start of the American Revolution or an infestation of pests, but the vines were wiped out once again.

Jefferson’s failure to establish a successful vineyard did not discourage his passion for wine. In 1801, he was elected president and is said to have spent $10,000 on wine, considered a vast fortune in that time.

From Italy, With LOVE: How Wine Entrepreneurs Persevere

In the 1960s, Virginia saw a renewed interest in winemaking, and in 1976, Italian winemaker Gianni Zonin decided to expand his wine business internationally, purchasing a parcel of land near Charlottesville. The Zonin family has been making wine since 1821 and is famous in Europe for their winemaking ability, owning the largest private vine growing company in Italy.

Zonin sent vineyard manager Gabriele Rausse to Virginia, and he astoundingly found great success, creating what is now known as Barboursville Vineyards. Rausse consulted with many other winery start-ups to share his knowledge and expertise, allowing for the continued growth and success of Virginia viticulture.

The widespread presence of 300+ Virginia wineries is an ode to the many Virginians before who dreamt of the success the industry has found today. Discover a few of these wineries on your next vacation and learn why Virginia is for Wine Lovers!