Virginia Wine

While you may not be enjoying the heat, Virginia Wine certainly is! This spring was prefect, lots of moisture. The summer heat is also ideal for grape growing. Barren Ridge Vineyard owner John Higgs says a lot of rain and moisture makes the grape juice less flavorful, which in turn makes the wine taste weaker. However, during summers like this, the grapes can reach their full flavor potential. Higgs says his vineyard doesn't mind working a little harder to protect the grapes from the sun.

"We may have to tend them a little bit more, make a little bit more shade in the canopies, and we protect the fruit a little bit more than normal," says Higgs. He says, barring any hurricanes, people can expect 2010 to be a great year for Virginia wine.

Start planning some vineyard trips today! Learn all about Virginia Wine and experience why this region is rated among the best in the United States among growing vineyard regions.