October is Virginia Wine month! There’s something magical about October in Virginia wine country. A hint of a chill enlivens the air, the foliage bursts with brilliant color, and glasses everywhere are raised to celebrate the harvest.

Pick a vineyard or a weekend. Plot out the perfect itinerary or join the virtual celebrations taking place across the state. It is the perfect time to explore the shifting landscape and extraordinary wines of Virginia.

1. Join the virtual #vawinemonth series!

Celebrate Virginia Wine Month virtually! Join us live on the Virginia Wine Facebook each Thursday in October at 6:30 p.m.

A Taste Across Virginia- Virtual Virginia Wine Chat

October 1- Join Frank Morgan of Drink What YOU Like for a #vawinechat about the wines and winemakers from Blenheim Vineyards, Narmada Winery, Walsh Family Wines & Williamsburg Winery.

Perfect Pairings: Virginia Wine & Cheese

October 8- Join local wine and cheese experts, Tracey Love of Blenheim Vineyards, Bridge Cox of Twenty paces & Sara Adduci, cheesemonger at Belmont Butchery as they guide you how to confidently pair wine & cheese at home and how to avoid those pairings that make good wine and cheese fall flat.

Let’s Start With Wine Virtual Tasting

October 15- Jay Youmans, MW and Kristi Delovitch give their top Virginia food and wine picks for your Harvest Party celebrations. Join them live for a sensory journey through a sampling of Virginia Wine. Tasting kits available, 8 wine samples for $55.

Virginia Wine 101

October 22- A crash course on Virginia Wine hosted by Jason Tesauro, award-winning wine journalist.

Halloween Inspired Pairings

October 29- Indulge in those Halloween leftovers with this guide to the best wine and candy pairings. Join Matthew W.J. Brown, DipWSET as he gives you his favorite go-to options.

2. Visit Virginia’s vineyards.

Whether you wander into the mountainous regions to experience the colorful foliage or head over to the shorelines to feel the chilly autumn breeze, it is a beautiful time to experience Virginia’s wineries. Find a winery near you to start planning your itinerary or download the Virginia Wine app and follow wherever the road takes you.

3. Pick-up wines from a featured partner.

Make plans for a perfectly paired meal from a featured restaurant and experience the perfect complement Virginia Wine can be to your favorite dishes.

Or cozy up at home and taste the best #vawine has to offer. Head to a featured retailer to get recommendations on something new or to pick up your tried-and-true favorites.

4. Celebrate Harvest Party!

On October 17th, the Commonwealth comes together to toast our region with #harvestpartyva. Celebrate the richness of our region and Virginia’s bounty over a feast of Virginia foods and wines. Whether you gather safely in restaurants, vineyards private homes, open fields or virtually, make the most of Harvest Party!

5. Learn more about #vawine.

Ready to learn more about Virginia wines? October is the perfect opportunity to expand your knowledge.

Tastings are a great way to experience how Virginia’s wines express the complexities of our land. Whether it’s an at-home tasting, like the weekly Monticello Wine Trail Winemaker Sessions, or through a winery event, set out to savor something new.

For a deeper dive, you can learn more about the history and evolution of Virginia Wine Month or the Spirit of Virginia Wine.

The possibilities are endless to make the most of this special time. Enjoy celebrating all month long and follow along for more — #vawinemonth #harvestpartyva.