You may have heard that the Virginia (and Maryland) wine industries were hit hard this week by a freeze, following an early budbreak and most vineyards had green shoots out already, making the crop vulnerable to the freeze with temperatures in the mid-20s F. Despite lighting fires, using fans, and other methods, damage was widespread and often significant. Wineries in report massive losses, with some estimating 70-80% destruction of the 2026 crop, affecting vineyards from Charlottesville to the Shenandoah Valley.
Early, warm weather from February through early April, that has become more common in recent years, encourages the vines to break bud and put out tender green shoots; then, if a freeze happens in late April, the damage can mean that most of the vineyards can lose their potential crop for the year. The same thing happened a decade ago, so it’s not just a fluke.
To raise funds for ongoing research for the Virginia Winemaker’s Research Exchange as well as other local charities like Charlottesville Free Clinic, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, the Generous Pour is organizing a Virginia Wine Benefit at Hazy Mountain Vineyards near Afton on Saturday, April 25th, from 6-9pm. The event will feature a night of live music, delicious food and wine, and a chance to meet & mingle with some of Virginia’s favorite winemakers.
The Virginia Wine Benefit will be auctioning off a broad range of “priceless” and one-of-a-kind Virginia wine experiences, available exclusively to attendees of The Generous Pour and with some items available both live and silent. Virginia wineries from throughout the Commonwealth will be pouring their favorite wines and Hazy Mountain Vineyard will be providing a selection of hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening. Online and silent auction items (ending at 11:30pm) can be viewed HERE. Live, in-person auction items can be viewed HERE.
As Christine Vrooman, co-owner of Ankida Ridge Vineyards near Amherst says, “The good news is, the Virginia wine community is stronger than ever. We’re a tight-knit and enthusiastic group of winemakers and wine lovers, deeply rooted to place. And we’ll continue to support each other. You’re part of that story. Every time you choose a Virginia wine, you’re helping local vineyards stay open on a tough year. By sipping local, you’re keeping the doors open, and the fires lit.” Vrooman will be pouring some of her wines at the event.
How You Can Help:
- To register for the event,click here.
- Online and silent auction items (ending at 11:30pm) can be viewed HERE. Live, in-person auction items can be viewed HERE.
- Donate to the Virginia Wine Benefit: https://vwb.betterworld.org/donate
- Drink local: visit Virginia wineries, and buy them in restaurants and retail stores. How many good causes can you drink and enjoy?