Written By: AJ Greely, VVA President

Late April Freeze Brings Crop Loss to Much of Virginia Grape Growers

All,

I know many of us are hurting right now.  The freeze experienced across the state from Monday night into Tuesday morning was devastating for an industry already experiencing difficulties from economic stressors.

Many of us experienced significant losses, with temperatures reported in some areas of the state as low as 10f.

As farmers, we always wonder what we could have done differently, but we also know that at the temperatures many of us experienced earlier in the week, there is nothing we can do to prevent these losses.

So now we wait and see what green tissue reappears and where we may stand for 2026’s harvest.

That said, the Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Katie Frazier, immediately reached out to me.  The state government is aware of our losses and is working to do what they can to aid our growers during this time.

To address the scope of loss, we need to provide a more accurate picture of the damage.  To do this, the VVA, in coordination with the VWA will be sending out a brief survey to assess our losses.  It is imperative that our growers fill it out to the best of your abilities.

Once we know the scope of the loss, the state will be better informed as to how much and what type of aid to provide.

Once the survey arrives in your inbox, please fill out it as thoroughly and as quickly as possible and have it submitted not later than May 1, 2026.

Additionally, in the coming weeks, the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, in conjunction with the VVA, VDACS, the Cooperative Extension and the VWA will be offering a webinar on next steps.  Please keep an eye out for the announcement of date and time. If you are unable to attend, the webinar will be recorded for future viewing.

It’s hard right now to look at our vineyards and see withered shoots that were just last week thriving and growing, but as always, as Virginia Grape Growers, we are resilient, and we will come back from these losses.  

The greatness of the Virginia Wine Industry is always reflected in our ability to work together, to support one another, and to continue to produce quality grapes and excellent wines. I am proud to be a part of this industry and to stand with you all.  

Please do not hesitate to reach out with questions and concerns.