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The most popular varieties of grapes in Loudoun are as follows:
- Chardonnay – A medium to full-bodied dry wine with fruit characters of citrus, apples, pear or tropic. When barrel aged, characters of vanilla, butterscotch and toasted oak can come out.
- Cabernet Franc – A medium to full-bodied red wine known for its speciness and herbal characters. Flavors can include black pepper, cinnamon, currants, mint and leather.
- Cabernet Sauvignon - A medium to full-bodied, tannic, dry wine with complex flavors that emerge as currants, green olives, herbs, and bell peppers, with a hint of mint and leather.
- Chambourcin – This French-American hybrid grape can give its wine a dark color but is surprisingly light in the palate. This is the red wine for while wine drinkers.
- Merlot – A medium to full-bodied dry wine with strong flavors in the front and a soft finish. Flavors can include black cherries, anise, blackberry and plum.
- Norton – A native Virginia grape that is dark in color and its fruity flavors may include plums and tart cherries.
- Viognier wine is going after Chardonnays champion title. The wide array of floral and fruit tastes in this beautiful dry wine appeals to many white wine drinkers. Both national and international competitions have made Loudoun Viognier a contender.
- Blends - The art of the winemaker is often shown in a blend of different grapes just as a chef would use different species. Ask about the grapes used when tasting these special wines.
 In less than 25 years, Loudoun Countys wineries have emerged as leading Virginia producers of vinifera and New World grape wines. Soil conditions, temperate climate, access to technical experts and mentors, and skilled winemakers all contribute to Loudouns growing reputation as "Wine Country." Refer to the Loudoun Wine Trail to plan your visit to a Loudoun winery.
Many of the existing wineries and independent vineyards belong to the Loudoun Winegrowers Association (LWA). The mission of the LWA is to exchange information about grape growing and winemaking; to promote the Loudoun wine industry; to share supplies, equipment and labor; and to represent the local wine industry before government agencies and the public. The Loudoun Winegrowers association brings winegrape growers and winery owners together to advance their4 mutual interests. They share knowledge about Loudoun’s soils and climate, learn new grape-growing and wine-making techniques from Virginia Tech and County Extension experts, and gain greater appreciation of the joys and challenges of making great wine. For more information email info@loudounwine.com, or visit their website at www.loudounwine.com.
The Loudoun Wineries Association, a Virginia Corporation and a 501(c)(6) organization, promotes, supports and engages in activities that serve and advance the common business interests in the countys wineries. In essence, these interests are marketing and producing wine, growing grapes and imparting instruction in these areas. For more information on the Loudoun Wineries Association, call 540-668-6756.
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