Overview: A new documentary titled “We the Wine People” by Chrisa Giorgi explores the viticulture and agriculture of Virginia wineries, addressing a perceived identity crisis within the Mid-Atlantic region. The film features prominent producers including Barboursville Vineyards and Rosemont Vineyards to showcase the state’s diverse climactic conditions and growing reputation.
The Full Story
Luca Paschina, president and CEO of Barboursville Vineyards, noted that ignorance outside the Mid-Atlantic often leads to a lack of recognition for local wines despite high quality. During a tasting in Minneapolis, only two attendees had previously tasted Virginia wines, yet 452 bottles were purchased for shipment within three hours. This disparity highlights the gap between consumer perception and actual product quality.
Chrisa Giorgi, a former journalist from Greece who moved to Baltimore, Md., created the documentary to cover all 10 geographic regions of Virginia. The production took nine months from inception to delivery, emphasizing agriculture, viticulture, and environmentalism as key themes. Giorgi stated that wine is a gateway to environmentalism, fueled by weather and climate dependency.
Production & Profile
Specific vineyards featured include Rosemont Vineyards near Lake Gaston, a family-run operation focusing on Cabernet Franc as the top grape in the state. Other varietals grown include Chambourcin, which produces a bright fuchsia, dry rosé, and Pinot Grigio. Barboursville Vineyards produced a 2021 Octagon Bordeaux-style red blend that received a perfect score in a blind test by Xavier Thuizat, Best Sommelier of France.
The documentary also highlights Common Wealth Crush Co. in Waynesboro, where producers and growers collaborate to crush and blend grapes. The company serves as a place where about a dozen producers and 20 to 25 growers can bring their grapes to crush and blend, and to learn. The brothers also have their own small vineyard in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley.
Brand & Industry History
Virginia wine history dates back to the first settlers in the 1600s, yet just 20 years ago wines were considered mediocre at best as growers experimented with suitable grapes. The Virginia Wine Board, a state-funded group charged with education, research, and marketing, agreed to fund the documentary to address climate threats and consumer ignorance. Megan Seibel, chair of the Virginia Wine Board, noted that while California and Oregon take attention, Virginia wines are often more impressive than French or Italian counterparts in blind tastings.
What This Means
The film aims to resolve the identity crisis by distributing through Apple TV and Amazon Prime this fall. Giorgi stated that wine is a gateway to environmentalism, fueled by weather and climate dependency. The community camaraderie was noted as a surprise, with winemakers helping one another during spring frosts by warming vines.
Consumer Takeaway
The documentary offers insight into lesser-known regions south of Richmond and the Shenandoah Valley. It provides context on why Virginia wines are underrated and encourages viewers to explore high-quality options beyond traditional Mid-Atlantic hubs.
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