Here we are in the middle of wine harvest and just a few days away from the Governor’s Cup announcement of the top white wine in the state. Busy, busy.

Let’s backtrack a little before we approach October, commonly referred to as Wine Month in Virginia. The state’s First Lady Maureen McDonnell has been actively trying to get more restaurants to include Virginia wines on their lists. She visited Philip Carter Winery in late August and honored them with a position on her FLITE program (The First Lady’s Initiative Team Effort) which honors businesses that help drive tourism dollars. Personally, I believe the state’s wine industry has proven itself as the new backbone of many new tourism packages as wine has become a true marketable commodity.

Next week on September 29th, the 22nd annual October Wine Month gets its official kick-off with the first such event at Monticello (admission). The Governor’s Cup for white wine will be awarded, and there will be ample opportunity to taste wines from over 20 of the state’s wineries.

Many of the Piedmont’s rich wine destinations have special events for the end of this month and, of course, through the state’s recognized October celebrations.

Enjoy the fruitful bounty.