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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 winter injury. Albariño vines planted in 2024 without herbicide application in Middleburg suffered an 80% loss. However, Pinot Noir vines planted in 2023 at the Purcellville vineyard, also without herbicide, suffered only minor losses. Some mature vines showed loss too, though this may just reflect their advanced age. Fortunately, May brought [...]

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 the report, please check that you did fill out the survey(s). If you feel like you were left out in error, please contact us, and we’ll assist you with that. Meanwhile, the report will be released broadly closer to the end of July.   2024 saw a continued reduction in a loss [...]

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 industry technical meetings; and other activities. By law, the Virginia Wine Board spends at least one third of its annual funding on research. New research projects include a comparison of legume species as under-vine cover crops, investigation of southern cider apple characteristics at harvest and after storage, preparation for Pierce’s disease, [...]

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 percentage of the fruit used in the production of their wines, for many this number is 51%. If you experienced a substantial crop loss due to frost or other unpreventable natural event that results in noncompliance at harvest, you are entitled to apply for a "Fruit Loss Exemption Waiver" with VDACS. [...]

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 at Walsh Family Wine in Purcellville. Industry members are welcome to attend these meetings and details of upcoming meetings can be found on the Virginia Wine Board homepage. 2025 applicants presented 22 proposals, totaling $790,719 in project funding designed to advance the wine industry in Virginia through: viticultural, enological, and pomological [...]

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 span of approximately 6 months. Confirm your respirators are outfitted with the appropriate cartridge for your needs and are in good condition. Its a great idea to have extra respirators and filter cartridges on hand to maintain worker safety and efficiency. Should an issue occur with a respirator throughput can screech [...]

Written By Jess Trapeni The annual Virginia Vineyards Association (VVA) Winter Technical Meeting took place February 25-26, 2025. This year marked an exciting change in venue to The Madison Hotel in Harrisonburg, Virginia, a move that was well received by attendees. Harrisonburg proved to be a fantastic host city, offering an abundance of local restaurants and hospitality for networking and socializing. With the theme "Optimizing Yields; Navigating the Future," the conference aimed to provide vineyard owners and staff with valuable insights into improving vineyard productivity while preparing for future challenges. Day One: Understanding and Optimizing Vineyard PerformanceThe first day’s presentations delved [...]

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 [...]