Virginia’s Eastern Shore Wine Region is a slender ribbon of vineyards stretching along the southern end of the Delmarva Peninsula, framed by the Chesapeake Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Recognized as an American Viticultural Area since 1991, this coastal landscape of deep, sandy loam soils and near-sea-level elevations creates a distinctly maritime terroir where Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and other classic varieties develop bright acidity, purity of fruit and a refreshing, seaside elegance.
Here, the moderating influence of the surrounding waters tempers both summer heat and winter cold, extending the growing season and protecting tender buds from the extremes found farther inland. The result is a style of wine that often feels effortlessly balanced—crisp whites that pair beautifully with local oysters and seafood, and nuanced reds that remain lively and approachable. This is a region where every glass reflects both the sunlit creeks and the cool coastal breezes that shape the vines.
Anchored by pioneering estates such as Chatham Vineyards on Church Creek and a small cadre of neighboring producers, Virginia’s Eastern Shore offers an intimate, off-the-beaten-path wine experience. Visitors can explore quiet country roads, working farms and historic waterfront towns, then settle into tasting rooms that celebrate “wine and brine” culture—pouring estate-grown bottles alongside fresh local shellfish for a true sense of place in every sip.