First published in Food & Wine, December 29, 2016

With over 250 wineries, many producing high-quality products, Virginia vies with New York for the reputation as East Coast’s finest wine-producing state. Native winemakers, plus wealthy outside investors, plus a dose of Old World expertise (from world-class European consultants) are all coming together in Virginia to produce delicious, European-weight wines from classic Bordeaux varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc), Viognier and Chardonnay, and from America’s often very fine native Norton grape. Proximity to Washington, D.C., a welcoming attitude toward wine visitors (and their families and dogs) and a sprinkling of stardust—winery owners include Dave Matthews and AOL’s Steve Case—have helped raise the state’s profile.

Near the scenic Skyline Drive, on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jeff White planted 14.5 acres of wine grapes on a century-old, 212-acre family farm—he planted the first leaf in 1995—and established his own wine brand in 2007. Though he cut his teeth at nearby Linden, renowned for Chardonnay, White’s personal scale operation is a Bordeaux specialist.

Read the full story from Food + Wine.