Chardonnay Tasting Panel from 2025 Winter Technical Meeting
A comparative tasting of Virginia Chardonnay wines, with technical discussion from growers and winemakers. Filmed at the Virginia Vineyard Association's 2025 Winter Technical Meeting 29 February 2025 The Hotel Madison Harrisonburg, Va. Moderator: AJ Greely, VVA President, Hark Vineyards Panelists: Benoit Pineau, Pollak Vineyards Christine Vrooman, Ankida Ridge Vineyards Stephanie Pence, Brix & Columns [...]
Managing Spotted Lanternfly: A Pennsylvania Grower’s Hard-Earned Lessons
Written and edited by Jess Trapeni SLF Nymph in upper canopy June 2025 As the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) continues to expand its reach in Virginia vineyards, I wanted to share insights from a Pennsylvania grower who has spent the last five years actively managing this invasive pest and pass along [...]
Vintage Report Spring 2025
Northern Virginia Jason Burrus, Sunset Hills Vineyard Bud Break spring 2025 Sunset Hills Vineyard Following two years of moderate to severe drought, Northern Virginia continued to experience very dry conditions into 2025. Vines were already stressed when a cold spell at the end of February made the situation worse for [...]
Presidents Corner Summer 2025
As we head ever faster toward Harvest 2025, I’d like to take a moment to update you on a few things. In March, the 2024 Commercial Grape Report was released to vineyards and wineries who responded to the surveys regarding last year’s plantings and harvest. If you have not received [...]
Virginia Wine Board finalizes grant recipients for 2025
The Virginia Wine Board confirmed its selections for a new crop of research, education, and marketing grants at its May 7 meeting at Walsh Family Wine in Purcellville. In total, 15 new grants totaling $523,093 will advance the wine industry in Virginia through viticultural, enological, and pomological research; support for [...]
How to apply for a “Fruit Loss Exemption Waiver”
Frost prevention Pollak Vineyards Virginia experienced a widespread frost event this spring. Thankfully it was prior to full bud break, and most growers are reporting normal or only slightly reduced yields. Some varieties and sites were unfortunately less fortunate. Virginia ABC requires "Farm Wineries" to grow or lease a specified [...]
2025 Pesticide Collection Program
Virginia's Pesticide Collection Program assists agricultural producers with the proper disposal of unwanted pesticides. This is an event furnished by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), with participation from Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Service. 2023 Pesticide Collection Workshop in Process 2023 To [...]
The VVA awards TWO Lifetime Achievement Awards on February 26, 2025
Written By David Eiserman The Dr. Tony Wolf Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to Dr Douglas Pfeiffer and Jeanette Smith Secretary Lohr presenting award to Dr. Doug Pfeiffer Jeanette Smith receiving the VVA 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award [...]
The Virginia Wine Board selects 2025 grant recipients
Written By Jennifer Reichart, Edited By David Eiserman The Virginia Wine Board(VWB) has recently met and selected a new round of research, education, and marketing grants at its March 18-19 meeting in Charlottesville. These applications will be confirmed at the next VWB meeting scheduled to occur on on May 7 [...]
Is your PPE ready for the upcoming season?
Now, before the start of the growing season, is a great time to inventory and stock up on necessary PPE supplies for the upcoming years activities. Here are a couple of reminders ahead of the coming season: Inspect respirators and replace old respirator cartridges. Respirator cartridges have a usable life [...]