Barboursville Vineyards & The First Lady of Virginia Collaborate in Celebration of Virginia Wine
Richmond, VA (October 3, 2022) – Barboursville Vineyards announces a special limited release of Cornus Virginicus, a wine crafted in collaboration with the First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, to celebrate Virginia agriculture. As part of the initiative, a donation is being made to both the Virginia FFA and Virginia 4-H state foundations.
Released in conjunction with the 34th annual Virginia Wine Month in October, this bottling commemorates Virginia’s burgeoning wine scene and the agricultural art being perfected by winemakers across the Commonwealth. A recent study found the Virginia Wine industry contributes $1.73 billion to the local economy and provides over 10,000 jobs.
Cornus Virginicus is Latin for “Flowering tree of Virginia” and pays tribute to the Commonwealth’s official state flower and tree— the Dogwood— and the First Lady of Virginia’s seal. Depicted on the front label, the Dogwood tree is symbolic of tradition, strength and beauty found throughout Virginia.
“Here’s toasting Virginia’s flourishing agriculture and wine industries!” said First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin. “This project highlights robust viticulture, gives back to non-profit organizations that are preparing the next generation of farmers, growers and winemakers, and highlights the excellence of Virginia’s wine industry.”
Cornus Virginicus Edition I is available for purchase online through Virginia ABC and Barboursville Vineyards. Purchasers can select to pick up the wine at a nearby
Virginia ABC location of their choice or have it shipped directly to their door through Barboursville Vineyards or at the winery. For more information, visit www.virginiawine.org/pages/cv.
A Bordeaux-style red blend, the wine is composed of 57% Merlot, 28.5% Cabernet Franc and 14.5% Petit Verdot, all estate-grown at Barboursville Vineyards. A total of 199 cases were produced by winemaker Luca Paschina.
“It was an honor to produce this wine with the First Lady of Virginia,” said Luca Paschina, award-winning winemaker at Barboursville Vineyards since 1990. “The blend was selected by a tasting panel including the First Lady of Virginia, resulting in a special blend that is elegant and expressive of our state’s climate and soil.”
Barboursville Vineyards will hold a reception on October 12 to celebrate the release of Cornus Virginicus. Limited media seats are available.
The special wine release adds to an already exciting time for Virginia wine lovers with the continuation of Virginia Wine Month in October. Wineries and partners across the state will offer Harvest Party celebrations, local bundles of Virginia wines and artisanal foods, and special deals as a toast to our vibrant region. Visit virginiawinemonth.org to join the festivities.
