Virginia Peninsula AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 2021 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Virginia |
| Other regions in Virginia | Appalachian High Country AVA, Middleburg AVA, Monticello AVA, North Fork of Roanoke AVA, Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA, Rocky Knob AVA, Shenandoah Valley AVA, Virginia's Eastern Shore AVA |
| Growing season | 193-213 days |
| Climate region | Region I-II |
| Heat units | 55.0–77.2 °F (13–25 °C) |
| Precipitation (annual average) | 40.4 in (1,030 mm) |
| Soil conditions | Sedimentary in nature with igneous or metamorphic rock base |
| Total area | 673,059 acres (1,052 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 112 acres (45 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 5 |
| Grapes produced | Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Merlot, Norton, Petite Verdot, Petit Manseng, Riesling, Tannat, Vidal Blanc and Viognier |
| No. of wineries | 6 |
Virginia Peninsula is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in southeast Virginia that encompasses the counties of James City, York, New Kent and Charles City as well as the independent cities of Poquoson, Hampton, Newport News and Williamsburg. It was established as the state's ninth and 258th AVA on August 24, 2021 by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by The Williamsburg Winery, proposing a viticultural area named "Virginia Peninsula."
The AVA identifies from its location on the natural landform, the Virginia Peninsula, outlined by the York River, James River, Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay. It is sometimes known as the Lower Peninsula to distinguish it from two other peninsulas to the north, the Middle Peninsula and the Northern Neck.
At the time the petition was submitted the area encompassed 673,059 acres (1,052 sq mi) with 5 commerical vineyards cultivating approximately 112 acres (45 ha). According to the petition, an additional 61 acres (25 ha) of vineyards are planned in the near future. In addition, there are 5 wineries located within the AVA. The petition identifies the distinguishing features of the Virginia Peninsula AVA as its geology and climate.