Category Archives: News

Please Click here for an update from the Virginia Wine Council concerning the General Assembly and a recap of Wines and Vines Day at the Capitol. This update highlights what progress has been made in the current legislative session and what remains on the docket.  

Jeanette Smith has been named Grower of the Year for 2011. The award was announced by VVA president Bill Tonkins at the Winter Technical Meeting, and presented by Virginia Secretary of Agriculture, Todd Haymore. Since 2005 The Virginia Vineyards Association has been pleased to honor one of its peers with The Grower of The Year Award. The criteria are: the nominee must be an active member of the Virginia Vineyards Association with at least seven years experience managing or operating … Continue reading →

MEDIA ADVISORY Sec. Haymore to Announce Virginia Vineyards Association 2011 Grower of the Year   Who: Sec. of Agriculture Todd Haymore What: Virginia Vineyards Association Grower of the Year Award When: Approximately 12:30 p.m.  Friday, Feb. 4, 2012 Where: Omni Charlottesville 235 West Main Street Charlottesville, VA   On-Site Contact: Bill Tonkins 540-451-0202   Background: Since 2005 The Virginia Vineyards Association has been pleased to honor one of its peers with The Grower of The Year Award. The criteria are: … Continue reading →

  Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Governor Bob McDonnell FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 2, 2012 Contact: Jeff Caldwell Phone: (804) 225-4260 Email: Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov Virginia Wine Industry Jobs Grow by 50%; Economic Impact Doubles, New Study Finds ~Economic Impact of Virginia Wine Industry Increases 106% to $747 Million Over Figures from Last Study in 2005~ Full-time jobs at wineries and vineyards grow to 4,753   RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that a newly released economic impact study shows that … Continue reading →

The Virginia Wine Council deadline for donations for 2012 is Tuesday, January 31. If you have been considering making a donation to the VWC please take a moment to do so now. The VWC is also asking that anyone taking advantage of the Winery and Vineyard Expansion Tax Credit program to contact their local delegate by Wednesday February 1 with information about what investments they made in 2011. This information is needed to encourage the passage of the Governor’s proposed  … Continue reading →

Piedmont Virginia Community College is offering several classes for the spring 2012 semester in the Viticulture and Enology certificate program. This is currently the most extensive course offering for this program in the state. Please Click here to see the complete listing and all the details. Registration is open now. Patrick Henry Community College in Martinsville is offering a class in Vineyard Establishment. Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke has listed a level 2 course in Vineyard Management as well … Continue reading →

The VWC has confirmed that Governor McDonnell has proposed additional funding for the Winery and Vineyard Tax Credit for FY 2014. The VWC is asking anyone who plans on applying for the tax credit for 2011 to report to them by Friday, January 20 the type and amount of investment made. This will help them to make a case for keeping the current level of funding slated for 2012 and 2013, as well as the increase in funding for 2014. … Continue reading →