I think this is an excellent offering for an important discussion of East Coast Wine. I currently reside in Baltimore, MD, and we are eagerly searching for a way to represent the region in our wine selections for a boutique hotel and restaurant. Does anyone else have any experience with MD wine?
I lived in Charlottesville, VA for 15 years, and in the heart of the Monticello AVA. There are some stunners. For years, VA wine could not be sold out of state, and I think that may have precipitated an ignorance of the development of that industry. During those years, within the state, there was a very active and engaged community. Wine Passports, events at most wineries during the growing season, event facilities, polo matches, opera events...
I'm very excited to see VA getting some attention, but there is a lot there beyond Chrysallis and Barboursville. Get a room in Charlottesville, get in the car, pick a direction, and you will probably be able to visit as many wineries and vineyards as your designated driver can tolerate.