The Governor declared on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, that beer, wine and liquor stores are considered essential and will be allowed to remain open for normal business hours. For the moment, we are planning to stay open normal business hours. As we move though this next month, the number of hours open may be adjusted as necessary. At City Vino, we appreciate all your support and are committed to meeting your wine needs safely, by providing curb-side pick-up; shipping; and delivery, where possible.

Virginia is considered the birthplace of America because the first English colonists settled in Jamestown in 1607. Virginia’s roots in wine history run deep. In 1619, the Virginia House of Burgesses, which was the legislative body for the Colony of Virginia, enacted “Acte 12.” This law required each male colonist to plant and cultivate a minimum of 10 grapevines in order to make wine for the crown.

“Hard cider” is the term given to the alcoholic beverage that is made from fermented apples in order to distinguish it from the non-alcoholic version that is known simply as “cider.” Hard cider is made in virtually the same way that wine is made, via the conversion of simple sugars in the fruit into ethanol, by adding yeasts.

Viognier is a grape that is as hard to grow as the name is to pronounce. The variety is early ripening, leaving it susceptible to late spring frosts that can burn the delicate buds that would ultimately form all the green growth including the grapes themselves.