©Chatham Vineyards
Virginia's Eastern Shore is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) on the Delmarva Peninsula of the eastern United States, separated from mainland Virginia by Chesapeake Bay. The maritime climate afforded by the AVA's position between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean makes it well suited to wine production, and producers in the AVA are making bright, fresh examples of Chardonnay, Riesling and Cabernet Franc.
The Eastern Shore AVA covers the southernmost 70 miles (110km) of the peninsula, across Accomack and Northampton counties but excluding the coastal islands along the eastern shore. The scenic peninsula – better known for its beaches than its viticulture – is about 10 miles across at its widest, and reaches only as high as 50ft (15m) above sea level. Just across Chesapeake Bay to the west lies another Virginia AVA – smaller in size, but considerably longer in name: Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace.
The presence of Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic moderates the temperatures on Virginia's Eastern Shore. The warm Atlantic Gulf Stream brings warmth to the area in winter, and in summer, constant sea breezes cool the vineyards and help keep the canopy dry, protecting against fungal vine diseases. The growing season here is longer than in more-inland parts of Virginia, and grapes have a longer ripening period, ensuring they develop flavor and acidity in balanced measures.
The sandy loam soils are deep and well drained, adding to the quality of the Eastern Shore's terroir. Vines are able to grow deep root systems in these permeable soils to reach water deeper in the ground, giving them strength and leading to the production of concentrated, high-quality grapes.
Virginia's Eastern Shore has been home to a handful of wineries and vineyards since the 1980s, but currently there is less than 100 acres (40ha) under vine in the AVA. This area has been growing steadily since the AVA was formalized in 1991.
