In case you thought Napa Valley had the biggest and best wine region, Virginia has been busy planting its own vineyards. In fact, our country's wine industry began in Virginia when our forefathers planted European vines at Jamestown. Unfortunately, these European grapes did not fare well in our Virginia climate. However, by the late 1700's Virginians began cultivating native varieties. Today Virginia is ranked 11th in wine production.

Blackwater Vineyards is proud to be part of this heritage. The vineyard opened for business in 1990 and now has the largest planting of muscadine/scuppernong vines in Virginia. Over 1500 vines are in the ground, encompassing ten varieties of these wonderful grapes.

"Pick Your Own" is fun for the whole family. Here's how it works.

• Normal hours are 8:00 a.m. until dark Tuesday through Sunday. We're closed on Mondays to allow the grapes to ripen.
• Our picking season depends on many factors so to determine exactly when the vineyard is open:
• call (757) 421-9161 or,
• look in the VA Pilot Classifieds (Section 1850) under "Good Things to Eat" or,
• If you suspect that the vineyard is having inclement weather, please call (757)  421-9161. It may not be raining where you are, but it could be raining at the vineyard.
  
• There is plenty of parking.
• Picking containers are provided. (Buckets have removeable liners so you don't have to transfer your grapes to another container.)
• A Porta-Pottie is available.
  

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