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Make Virginia Your "Grape" Escape

With more than 135 wineries dotting the countryside near the Blue Ridge foothills, there's no doubt there are some great grapes growing in the region. If your plans to move to Virginia include growing your vineyard dreams to fruition (pun intended), the agents at Gayle Harvey Real Estate can help.

Virginia is the sixth most important wine making region in the nation. It's a tradition begun by Thomas Jefferson himself who proclaimed, "We could, in the United States, make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good." Virginia vintners have made good on that proclamation, taking advantage of the grape-friendly terrain of our rolling hills, with the most noteworthy wines including Chardonnays, Cabernet Francs, Petit Verdots, Viogniers and wines made from the state's native Norton grape.

The topography, elevation, slope, and length of the growing season, as well as the quality, texture, depth and moisture of the soil are all critical for grapes to ripen and vines to thrive. State maps exist identifying the potentially viable locations for vineyards.

You need 180 days of above freezing temperatures for most grapes grown in Virginia to mature. Site selection is THE most critical element in producing grapes. Sites must have proper air-drainage to help reduce the risk of early spring frosts and they must also be positioned so the fruit is not exposed directly to the hot August sun.

Visit the Vineyard Site Selection Guide written by the Virginia Coopertaive Extension Service for more details.

All information in this newsletter is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

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Make Virginia Your "Grape" Escape