I just read an article that said there are 5% more wineries opening up each year across the country. Virginia is growing at a much larger percentage than that and Loudoun County has doubled the number since we opened 5 years ago to 26 wineries. I am asked on a regular basis, “How many more wineries can the county or state support?” The question I like to as in response is “What KIND of winery do you want to support?” It seems there are more wineries opening these days than grapes being planted. This will always be a balancing challenge as we grow, but how can we be sure that the wineries that are joining us will help the reputation for Virginia Wine?

Over the years, I have helped many people in my area get a business started in the wine industry. I have also helped folks that are making wine now improve their quality and reputation. When I came to Virginia 13 years ago, my first job here was to turn around the largest winery in Northern Virginia. I learned a lot from that opportunity and I also earned a reputation for being the wine industry’s “Mr. Fix It.” Here are a few thoughts for winemakers and consumers alike to help define and decide on quality:

• Know many wines: Taste more wines from other areas and from other wineries with other winemakers and wine lovers. I love to taste and talk about wines. I never pour myself a full glass because I always want the opportunity to taste more. I can’t do that if I have emptied a glass or two.
• Know your science: There continues to be more research done on growing conditions, wine chemistry and how we can make a better product. Continue to read, learn and apply the basics of good winemaking to your process.
• Focus on quality based decisions: There are many opportunities to make better wine. Each opportunity needs to be recognized and a decision made accordingly. Do I sort this fruit before crushing, do I add acid, do I get this wine checked at the lab before bottling? Before making the decision, consider the results that might happen on either side.
• BE HUMBLE: Wine is art and science combined. Flawed wine is not artistic. A technically sound wine may lack character. A winemaker needs to be humble enough to take the criticism and apply it toward improvement.

Lately I have been watching Chef Gordon Ramsey on the TV working to fix restaurants that have lost the quality and reputation that they once had. His ability to turn around usually hinges on the personality and ego of the owner or chef. Once he turns that person around, he has the place fixed in a week. The wine industry is based on the same idea but there is no quick anything in this business. Planting vines and aging wines take lots of time. Quality is so hard to build up and so easy to destroy. I am jealous of Chef Ramsey in that he can fix and run, but I also recognize that I am not running anywhere. We all want the VA wine reputation to grow in a positive direction and I want that for the next generation as well.

The search for quality is a never ending journey that rewards you with every step you take along the path. As wine consumers, you have a vote. With every bottle of wine you buy, you reward the quality. You also can be honest with the winery owner or tasting staff about a wine you did not like. If they choose not to listen, you choose not to return. Also you can go to www.visitloudoun.org and post your experience on any winery or tourism business in Loudoun County. This information is critical for us to encourage better quality in the wine region. There is no excuse for bad wine and you can make a difference. Reward great wine and great wineries every night.

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