Virginia's Eastern Shore AVA

{{Short description|American Viticultural Area in Virginia}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}}

{{Infobox Wine Region

| name = Virginia's Eastern Shore

| image = Delaware and Chesapeake Bays satellite image.jpg

| caption =

| official name =

| other name =

| type = American Viticultural Area

| year = 1991{{cite journal |url=https://www.ttb.gov/system/files/images/pdfs/Virginias_Eastern_Shore_final_rule.pdf|journal=Federal Register | title=Establishment of Virginia's Eastern Shore Viticultural Area (88F180P)|publisher=Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Department of the Treasury|format=27 CFR Part 9 [T.D. ATF-309 RE; Notice No. 7061] RIN 1512-AA07 Final Rule|date=1991-01-02|volume=56 | issue=1 | pages=23-24}}{{PD notice}}

| wine years =

| country = United States

| part of = Virginia

| similar = Appalachian High Country AVA, Middleburg AVA, Monticello AVA, North Fork of Roanoke AVA, Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace AVA, Rocky Knob AVA, Shenandoah Valley AVA, Virginia Peninsula AVA

| sub regions =

| season =

| climate region = Humid subtropical

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| precipitation = {{cvt|39.2|in}}

| soil = sandy loam{{cite web |url=https://www.wine-searcher.com/regions-virginia%27s+eastern+shore |title=Virginia's Eastern Shore Wine | website=Wine-Searcher |date=2018-10-02}}

| total size = {{cvt|436000|acres|sqmi|0}}

| planted = {{cvt|70|acre}}{{cite web |website=Appellation America |date=2007| url=http://wine.appellationamerica.com/wine-region/Virginia's-Eastern-Shore.html |title=Virginia's Eastern Shore (AVA): Appellation Profile |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329141156/http://wine.appellationamerica.com/wine-region/Virginia's-Eastern-Shore.html| archive-date=2016-03-29| access-date=2008-01-30}}

| vineyards =

| grapes = Chardonnay, Merlot

| varietals =

| wineries = 3

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| comments =

}}

Virginia's Eastern Shore is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) which encompasses the Virginia portion of the {{convert|70|mi|0}} long Delmarva Peninsula located in Accomack and Northampton Counties. The area was established on January 1, 1991 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Treasury after reviewing a petition proposing the viticultural area to be known as "Virginia's Eastern Shore." The petition was submitted by Mr. James D. Keyes, owner of the only bonded winery in the area, Accomack Vineyards, which was established in 1987.{{cite web |title=Petition to establish Virginia Peninsula American Viticultural Area| url=https://www.ttb.gov/media/69446/download?inline|website=TTB.gov |date=1988-04-28 |author1=Keyes, James D.| publisher=Accomack Vineyards}}{{PD-notice}}

The viticultural area topography is primarily level ranging from sea level to {{convert|50|ft|m|0}} above sea level. The area is located on the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula. The AVA climate is characterized by temperate summers and winters, significantly affected by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The soil is deep, sandy loam.

As of 2014, Virginia Wine lists 3 commercial wineries in the AVA, Bloxom Vineyard and Chatham Vineyard on Church Creek producing dry and sweet red and white wines.

The hardiness zone is 8a.