October is Virginia Wine Month, and this year marks the 39th annual celebration of Virginia’s vineyards, wines and the people and places that bring them to the table.
It also happens to fall at one of the most exciting times in Virginia Wine Country. Grapes are coming off the vines, cellars are busy with a new vintage and fall is settling across the vineyards. Throughout the month, there are plenty of ways to experience the season, whether that means planning a winery visit, opening a local bottle or gathering around the table for Harvest Party.
Where It All Started
Virginia Wine Month began in 1988, when a small group within Virginia’s growing wine industry moved the annual celebration from August to October, putting Virginia Wine in the spotlight during harvest and one of the most beautiful times to visit the vineyards.
Governor Gerald Baliles officially proclaimed the first Virginia Wine Month that October, when Virginia was home to just 40 wineries. The celebration soon inspired its first advertising campaign, “To Fully Appreciate A Virginia Autumn, You May Need Glasses,” and grew to include wineries, restaurants, wine shops and communities across the state.
Thirty-eight years later, October remains a celebration of Virginia Wine at harvest and an invitation to experience how much the industry has grown.
Celebrate Harvest Party
Harvest Party brings Virginia Wine to the table in celebration of the season. On October 17, open a bottle grown close to home, pair it with something local and gather around the table in honor of harvest.
Find inspiration in the 2026 Harvest Party Cookbook, featuring recipes from across Virginia Wine Country paired with Virginia Wine. Then bring a pairing to life for a chance to win. Choose a recipe, make it with its featured wine, and share a photo by tagging @vawine or emailing information@virginiawine.org by October 18.
Two entries will win gift cards to Pinky’s or The Shack, both featured in this year’s cookbook.
More to Explore with Virginia Wine Tasting Passes
Virginia Wine Tasting Passes come with even more to discover this October. Free and mobile, the passes make it easy to explore participating wineries and cideries while unlocking special Virginia Wine Month offers, from double check-in points to chances to win event tickets, Virginia Wine bundles and more.
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