The Monticello American Viticultural Area has surpassed four other regions across the world to be named Wine Region of the Year by a major publication.
“For its place in American wine history and ability to move toward a future of wine-style diversity and consumer inclusivity, Wine Enthusiast is proud to honor Charlottesville as the 2023 Wine Region of the Year Wine Star Award,” reads a portion of the article announcing the award.
The Charlottesville and Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau announced the award locally, which goes collectively to the dozens of wineries that make up the Monticello Wine Trail. That organization’s website argues that this area is one of the first places in colonized North America where winemaking began.
“Jefferson had a vision that the Charlottesville area could be a region teeming with grapevines, and he even tried his hand at growing grapes to make his dream a reality,” said Brantley Ussery, CACVB’s director of marketing and public relations.
The other nominees for Wine Region of the Year are: Lambrusco, Italy; Provence, France; Swartland, South Africa; and Victoria, Australia. In all, Wine Enthusiast has 13 categories in its 24th annual award program.
The Wine Enthusiast announcement also notes that this area’s weather patterns are changing and members of the Monticello Wine Trail are seeking to become resilient.
“Collectively, the wineries have not only been adapting to climate change but have also implemented numerous initiatives to mitigate it as well—from implementing solar panel and composting programs to championing biodiversity in the vineyards and cultivation of hybrid varieties,” reads more from the article.
Barboursville Vineyards in Orange County was one of five finalists for American Winery of the Year, but the award went to Black Stallion Estate Winery in Napa, California.
Before you go: The time to write and research of this article is covered by paid subscribers to Charlottesville Community Engagement. In fact, this particular installment comes from the November 7, 2023 edition.
To ensure this research can be sustained, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or contributing monthly through Patreon.
