To those not aware, Virginia has shot rapidly up the charts in terms of American wines, esp its Viognier. The irony is they are very tight about exporting, but expect that to change. Granted they have nowhere near the volume or rep of Calif, but if you're able, give em a sample; you won't be disappointed (PS one of its best-known wineries, Williamsburg's is frankly one of it's poorer entries).

Agree that Virginia is an upcoming wine region. I don't think they can ever replace California because the weather conditions in VA are so much more difficult. Currently Virginia wineries are very small and mostly family owned or 'one-man bands'.

The Virginia Governor and his agriculture minister Todd Haymore are very pro-active in promoting VA wines. Todd was back again in London last week for the London International Wine Fair where there was a fairly large stand for VA wines and Virginia wines have been available in the UK for the past few years.

I have presented tastings of VA wines to various wine clubs here in UK, and I was pleased to see there is a separate display stand of VA wines in Whole Food Markets in High Street Kensington.

See my article on VA wines at www.bellaonline.com/articles/art68648.asp