Virginia Norton
America’s oldest wine grape was born in Virginia. Today, talented Virginia winemakers are working to restore Norton to its prominence as America’s native grape.
As America’s oldest native wine grape, Norton holds a cherished place in viticultural history. Norton thrives in Virginia’s diverse terroir, showing a remarkable ability to resist disease and adapt to varying conditions. Its natural hardiness makes it a favorite among local winemakers, while its late ripening ensures the development of complex flavors. The grape’s thick skins contribute to its signature deep color and powerful acids, essential for crafting age-worthy wines.
On the palate, expect vibrant flavors of plums, tart cherries, and blackberries, often accompanied by earthy undertones and a touch of spice. Its bright acidity and supple tannins make it a versatile pairing wine, ideal with smoked meats, wild game, rockfish, or robust cheeses. Learn more on the Virginia Wine Blog.
Explore with the Norton Wine Trail
Discover Virginia’s Norton grape with an exclusive pass that guides you to participating wineries across the state. As you check in at each stop, you’ll be able to earn points while savoring unique expressions of America’s oldest cultivated grape. Sip, explore, and celebrate the bold heritage and enduring legacy of Norton wine. Complete the pass by visiting all participating producers to unlock the grand prize! Exclusive winery experiences will also be raffled off along the way.
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Norton: Virginia Native
The history of Virginia wine is shaped by bold thinkers and experimentation, much like Norton. Dr. Daniel Norton created it through crossbreeding in the 1820s in Richmond, fixated on creating a vine that could survive and thrive. Norton did just that. It survived a move to Missouri, harsh winters, Prohibition and many other trials before Dennis Horton brought it back to Virginia in 1989.
Its potential for producing high-quality wine quickly gained attention, and by the mid-19th century, Norton was celebrated as one of Virginia’s most notable contributions to the global wine scene. Its popularity was cemented when it won the award for “best red wine of all nations” at the Vienna World’s Fair of 1873.
Today, Norton is once again in the hands of Virginia winemakers, led by trailblazers like Jenni McCloud and valued for its expressive character and its enduring place in the Commonwealth’s wine history.