The VVA INTRODUCES A NEW 5 YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN AT WTM: CREATING A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR VIRGINIA’S VINEYARDS

Written By AJ Greely, Hark Vineyards, VVA President

Last year, the Board of the Virginia Vineyards Association met several times in person as we planned and eventually implemented a new 5 Year Strategic Plan. In the past, the VVA had a 10 year strategic plan, but with our fast paced changing climate as well as the speed with which new technologies are advancing, the Board felt it necessary to acclimate and shorten the duration of the strategic plan, so we can keep up with our ever changing world.

The main goal of the plan is to create a more sustainable industry that will continue growing and supporting Virginia Vineyards for the next generation. This includes new growers to advance through educational opportunities as well as providing networking opportunities, while supporting current vineyard managers and owners the chance to deepen their succession planning so vineyards are passed down to the next generation and not lost.

The new Strategic Plan was introduced at the 2025 Winter Technical Meeting (WTM), held for the first time at The Hotel Madison in the Shenandoah Valley.

The move to the Valley helps us keep our costs down, allowing us to keep registration fees the same during the challenging economic climate we’re all facing.

Attendees enjoyed time to hang out, and catch up, while attending sessions from crop yield and balance to succession planning for your vineyard.

We were happy to have Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr back again this year as he presented the Grape Grower of the Year award to Doug Fabiolli, who’s tireless efforts not only in his own vineyard, but across Loudon County and the state, have lifted up many a new grower and maker, and helped secure the future of Virginia vineyards and wineries for years to come. Doug’s selflessness across the industry is astounding, and Virginia is fortunate to count him as one of our own.

Additionally, Secretary Lohr presented not one, but two Dr. Tony Wolf Lifetime Achievement Awards. The last time a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented was prior to Covid in 2017, so it seems more than appropriate to present the award to 2 deserving individuals, Doug Pfeiffer and Jeanette Smith.

We all know Doug Pfeiffer for his tireless work keeping us well informed of invasive species and their effects on our vineyards. Most recenty, Doug’s work to keep us informed on the recent influx of Spotted Lantern Fly, helped prepare growers for the inevitable threat many of us saw this year, and with that knowledge, Doug has prepared us, so we can mitigate the catastrophe these insects can cause in vineyards and orchards.

Jeanette’s contributions to the VVA are only equaled by her contributions across not only the state, but all of Eastern Viticulture. From her spray guides through her business, VineSmith, to her willingness to step into Tony Wolf’s shoes and guide and organize the past several years’ worth of technical meetings, it is only appropriate that she be one of the 2 newly named Tony Wolf Lifetime Achievement Awardees.

Finally, as always, I’d like to thank everyone involved in coordinating the WTM, but especially Jeanette her work, she’ll continue to help us as we bring more stellar workshops and meetings to you, but now with the help of Dr. Drew Harner. I’d also like to thank Tracy Kirkman, whose dedicated work behind the scenes makes everything run seamlessly. If you see her, thank her.

Again, if you’re interested in joining us in a more active role on one of our committees, please reach out. We’re currently looking for another co-chair for the Education Committee.

Meanwhile, we’ll look forward to seeing everyone for our late Spring/early Summer Technical meeting. Until then, may the rest of your spring be frost free!