2026-03-30 06:51:24
As a relatively young wine industry not yet known for one grape or style, Loudoun winemakers constantly innovate and experiment. As a result, a tasting tour of Loudoun is a journey around the world.
TANNAT
THE BORDER OF FRANCE & SPAIN
While its origin story begins in Europe, this varietal has been grown to great acclaim in Uruguay. Tannat is the “next great grape” of the Loudoun wine scene. The county has partnered with the Canelones region of Uruguay on a wine exchange program. From big, bold blends to subtle rosés, it’s a dark, intense, acid-driven red wine with ripe fruit and lingering tannins.
Try it at: Doukénie Winery
PETIT MANSENG
SOUTHWEST O F FRANCE
A once unheralded white wine varietal, Petit Manseng is beloved in Loudoun. Hardy, acid-rich and high in sugar, it's often used in blends but can be a surprisingly balanced single varietal with notes of honeysuckle and sun-ripened apricots.
Try it at: Zephaniah Farm Vineyard
ALBARIÑO
THE BORDER OF SPAIN & PORTUGAL
This dry white varietal thrives in Loudoun’s limestone soils and sunlit slopes. A refreshing white wine, it has notes of apple, lemongrass and basil with hints of honey and citrus.
Try it at: October One Vineyard
CAB FRANC
FRANCE
A Bordeaux staple, this grape is cultivated at most of Loudoun’s 50+ wineries. Classy yet robust and versatile, it takes well to local terroir and can be enjoyed as a single varietal, in blends or rosé style.
Try it at: Fabbioli Cellars
NORTON
UNITED STATES
A rugged, earthy hybrid originating in Virginia in the 1800s, this hardy fruit produces a deep, juicy, fruit-forward red with a distinctive finish.
Try it at: Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District
LEGACY OF THE LAND
Loudoun’s agricultural tradition dates back hundreds of years. George Washington even hailed it as “The Breadbasket of the Revolution.”
Grain and dairy farming thrived, and it turned out that the sunshine and well-drained soils were also ideal for grapes. Since the early 1980s, more than 25 varietals have been planted in Loudoun. Today, the county produces more grapes than any other region of Virginia. Yet, unlike the large commercial wine estates of the West Coast, Loudoun’s wineries are usually boutique family businesses: intimate and stylish.
LOUDON WINE By the Numbers
50+ WINERIES
25+ VARIETIES OF GRAPES GROWN
850+ ACRES UNDER VINE
2,300+ TONS OF GRAPES PRODUCED ANNUALLY
19% OF GRAPES IN VIRGINIA ARE GROWN IN LOUDOUN
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