Hello, wine world: Listen Up. Forget the Western states that have received so much attention and come on East as Virginia wines continue to earn international attention for their characteristic qualities.

Wine production is a serious enterprise that merits attention. According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, grape producers harvested 25% more wine in 2008 than in 2007. Grape acreage also increased which moves the state up to a 7th place overall ranking in terms of commercial grape production and bearing acreage.

Remember that wine production did not come easily to the state. It was not that many years ago when growers gave up working the fields for wine and tried other crops. In a relatively short period, we have made significant inroads producing award-winning wines.

Couple production with recent international competitions, (San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition), and you have a better perspective of the significance of the state’s statistics.

Virginia wines continue to impress.