Virginia Wine Month will turn 20 in October 2008, and wine lovers and adventure seekers are preparing to celebrate at festivals, tastings and events across the state.

Virginia Wine Month began in 1988 as a way to support the states young wine business — just 40 wineries at the time — and promote wine travel in Virginia. Twenty years later, the number of wineries has more than tripled and Virginias reputation for wine-making continues to grow.  In 2007, Virginia was named one of the top five up-and-coming wine regions in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine.

The 20th anniversary of Virginia Wine Month is a celebration of the tremendous growth of the Virginia wine industry, said David King,  chairman of the Virginia Wine Board and co-owner of King Family Vineyards.  October Virginia Wine Month is an ideal time to visit Virginia and taste our world-class wines.
As Virginia is eighth in the nation for wine production, the states wineries, which span from the Eastern Shore to the heart of Appalachia, are exciting destinations for wine lovers and travel enthusiasts. 

Virginias combination of wineries and authentic cuisine at local restaurants makes the state appealing to travelers who are passionate about food and wine, said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation.  The wineries add to Virginias profile as a culinary tourism destination, accentuated by our rich history and scenic beauty.

Virginia Wine Month is a major highlight of the year, as foliage turns brilliant and the harvest brings new delights to tasting rooms. There will be more than 50 special wine-related events, from festivals to dinners and musical tributes this October.  Hotels, inns and B&Bs are offering special Wine Month travel packages throughout October.

For more information about Virginia Wine Month, visit Virginia.org/wine or call 1-800-847-4882.