This history of the use of the word Meritage in labeling wines really is fascinating. The brainchild of a group of American vintners, who wanted a way to identify and promote American wines that used the same grapes as those used in Bordeaux.  A contest was held to come up with a name to call this American blend. Of the more than 6,000 entries received, Meritage, a completely made up word to combine the words Merit and Heritage was chosen. It is pronounced like heritage, with an M.

The Monticello AVA is the first established AVA of Virginia. Named after its namesake, the residence of the great Thomas Jefferson, it is situated in Virginia’s Piedmont region along the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.