As Fall has arrived and the harvest season is coming to an end, one may wonder what is the best way to fully capture the essence of October in the wonderful world of wine. Around here, we’re raising our glasses a little bit higher in celebration!

October is Texas Wine Month. This realization hit close to home for us as it is also Virginia Wine Month. With our wine roots coming from Virginia, we found this connection between Texas and Virginia to spark a sense of wonder as we curated our next wine-tasting experience. Even though these two industries focus on different grape varieties and entertain different wine-making styles, both share the same values of supporting local and celebrating the wine industry. These two wine trails are more connected than most realize, and we are here for it, making October something to honor!

We’re celebrating this month in the tasting room with an exclusive new tasting. Embark on a cross-state wine-tasting adventure like never before with "A Tale of Two Wine Trails: Texas Wine Month Meets Virginia Wine Month." Let your taste buds journey to our Virginia Farm Series wines. Each vintage is a testament to the terroir and dedication of our winemaker and production team as well as an ode to our farming roots. Though the Texas and Virginia terroir are separated by miles, both regions are united in their passion for winemaking excellence. This tasting includes some of our first produced and bottled Texas wines alongside some of our Farm Series staples from Virginia.

October Wine Month in Virginia and Texas

Virginia Wine Month History

The month of October was established as Virginia Wine Month back in 1988 by Governor Gerald Baliles but the practice of wine-making in the Commonwealth can be dated all the way back to 1609. These wine-making roots can even be found planted in historical figures such as Thomas Jefferson, who has been noted as America’s first wine connoisseur and is the man behind the formation of the Virginia Wine Company. With pioneers such as Thomas Jefferson and Gabriele Rausse, Virginia’s wine industry bloomed and Virginia Wine Month was established.

Before 1988, Virginia Farm Winery Month was held in the heat of August, alongside Virginia's Governor Cup Competition. It wasn’t until Annette Boyd made the push to change the month to October. At the height of Fall, October held cooler temperatures, and beautiful foliage, and would allow people to experience the harvest season across the state of Virginia. Alas, October became Virginia Wine Month, and supporting local industries became the focus.

Today, Virginia celebrates October not only for the rich Wine History but for the growth of the local businesses. This month gives a sense of community and prosperity as the wine industry further supports the Commonwealth.

Texas Wine Month History

Texas Wine Month was rooted in October for similar reasons as Virginia. The Texas Department of Agriculture started Texas Wine Month in 1999 to memorialize the growing wine industry. Similar to Virginia, the start of the wine industry in Texas can be attributed to a few enthusiastic wine pioneers in the 1970s. October not only became a time for beer enthusiasts to celebrate but for wine connoisseurs to honor those who planted the seeds that have unfolded into the booming Texas Wine Industry.

Unlike Virginia, the Texas environment can be a bit extreme for growing and maintaining any type of fruit. Recent years have shown just how tough this environment can be with the 2021 deep freeze and the 2022 drought. Through the hot summers and wet winters, Texas winemakers have had to experiment and adapt to find the most successful grape varieties and methods of production. These trials and tribulations are what make the wines rich and distinctly of Texas origin. Not only does October bring more forgiving weather, but allows the wine industry to celebrate the summer harvest coming to a close.

The Texas wine industry has contributed significantly to the state economy and allowed small businesses to grow all across the state. Like Virginia, the Texas wine industry history is rich and this month is flowing with community, progress, and looking to what the future of the wine industry has in store.

The Founding Family and Our Virginia Story

Mark and Kate Zurschmeide with three of their four children - Jake, Hailey and Nick

The Zurschmeide family started farming in rural Loudoun Country Virginia back in the 1970s. Bob Zurschmeide was the founder with farming roots in Indiana dating back to the 1950s. Bob and Faye Zurschmeide raised 6 kids, each adding their own contribution to his farming legacy. In 1993, Great Country Farms was brought to life by Bob’s children, and through carefully cultivated soil, Bluemont Vineyard was born in 2007.

Nestled in a valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Country Farms set the scene for Bluemont Vineyard to be connected to traditional farming roots. Great Country Farms grows a variety of produce from crisp apples in the Fall to juicy strawberries in the Spring. The growth of the farm opened the door to using fresh produce in our wine production and allowed us to control the makings of the wine down to the planting of the fruit used.

Almost 17 years later, we are still connected to our rustic roots even all the way out here in Texas. Bob and Faye’s legacy continues as their grandchildren grow to be a part of the businesses and as they start to have families of their own. Bluemont prides itself on our family traditions and allowing the next generation to add their own value to the business. As Bob used to say, his four main values are “Family, Farm, Faith, and Friends” and we hold those values to the highest extent.

How We Landed Upon a Second Location in Texas

Texas became a place the owners of Bluemont grew fond of visiting, having extended family in the Austin area. It quickly became a winter escape for them, once farming operations slowed down in Virginia. The eldest son of the Zurschmeide family, Mark, wanted to expand his farming experience, and The Texas Hill Country had caught his attention. The area offered land for not only farming but for viticulture as well. Mark’s goal became building a new home for his family that allowed him to continue his love for farming and to capitalize on the opportunity he saw within The Texas Hill Country wine industry. With a flourishing winery in Virginia, the thought of continuing that growth in Texas sparked an innovative convergence. As Mark's brother Steve likes to say, “He went looking for a house, and ended up with a winery”.

Turns out, Steve was not far behind and eager for a change, too. He and his wife, Kim, plus their pups, Julio and Jax, made the trip from Virginia to help get the doors opened. It didn’t take long until they fell in love with the Lone Star State. Now you’ll find him driving the tractor around and maintaining the property with Kim in the Tasting Room ready to share wine and and a few stories from back home.

The Zurschmeide family looked at multiple locations before settling on 662 Woodrose Lane. They were looking for properties that had a good bit of land, and 20 acres was enough to play with from a farming perspective. They also liked that this location was on the iconic 290 wine trail though nestled far enough back to enjoy serenity amongst the post oak trees. The property also already had an infrastructure in place and had an incredible history and story that just felt ‘right’. They purchased the property and opened the doors in March of 2023.

What’s happening to Celebrate

Both Texas and Virginia know how to celebrate October Wine Month the right way. In both states, you can immerse yourself in the fall wine experience through festivals, grape stomping, or just simply sipping your way through the wine trails.

in Virginia

You can look forward to harvest dinners, wine awards, and outdoor activities such as yoga or cornhole. The beautiful fall foliage and crisp air invite people to get outside and experience what fall has to offer.

For more fun things to do for Virginia Wine Month check out 6 Ways To Take Advantage Of Virginia Wine Month or if you are planning a visit to Virginia look into Planning Your Fall Virginia Winery Visit.

In Texas

The Texas Hill Country is one of the best places to get the full Texas wine-tasting experience. Wineries begin to raise their glasses a little bit higher and celebrate with a variety of events including wine tours, food and wine festivals, and specialty wine releases throughout the month. The 290 Wine Passport with your friends will make the experience and adventure and is a great way to explore while making memories.

If you are looking for ways to celebrate Texas Wine Month in the Hill Country, check out Ways to Celebrate Texas Wine Month This October or if you are interested in the 290 Wine Passport check out Texas Hill Country Wineries.

If you’re visiting the 290 Wine Trail, join us for A Taste of Two Wine Trails elevated wine tasting!

Wherever you’re celebrating, we hope you’ll join us in raising a glass to all of the farmers, the growers, the wine-makers, and the hospitality teams that bring this industry to life.

Cheers to Texas Wine Month and Virginia Wine Month!

A Tale of Two Wine Trails