Virginia's wineries are earning significant accolades. In July, Travel + Leisure magazine named Virginia one of five up-and-coming wine destinations in the world, along with wine-producing regions in Italy, Spain, Chile and New Zealand. The magazine's wine editor cited the state's wineries, authentic cuisine and accommodations as factors that make Virginia a top wine destination.

In 2006, Virginia was rated 8th in the nation for wine tourism and 15th for food-related travel in the first-ever national culinary tourism report from the Travel Industry Association of America.

"Virginia's wineries are beautiful destinations that are making their mark on a national level," said Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of Virginia Tourism. "Virginia Wine Month helps us celebrate our growing reputation as a wine tourism destination and showcase the quality of our wine."

Virginia Wine Month is held in October to mark the harvest and according to experts, 2007 has a lot of promise.

"This past summer has been great for wine quality, specifically for the reds which are going to be fantastic, probably as good as what we had in 2002," said David King, member of the Virginia Wine Board and owner of King Family Vineyards. "We look forward to welcoming visitors during Wine Month to help us celebrate what looks to be a great year for Virginia wine."

Virginia Wine Month is celebrated across the state. Wine festivals abound, from the Town Point Wine Festival along the Elizabeth River in Norfolk to the Festival of The Grape in historic Powhatan to Wine and Garlic Festival at Rebec Vineyards in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Special events like the Haunted Winery Dinner at DelFosse Vineyards and Winery, All Things Olive at Villa Appalachia Winery and Autumn Explosion and Barrel Tasting at Barboursville Vineyards help make Wine Month a great time to visit Virginia.

For more information about Virginia Wine Month, go to www.Virginia.org/wine or call 1-800-932-5827 to request a 2007 Virginia Travel Guide.