Barboursville wine to be sold in China

By Allison Brophy Champion

Barboursville Vineyards in Orange County will be the first importer of Virginia wine to China per an agreement announced Tuesday by Gov. Bob McDonnell.   

Barboursville Vineyards just put Orange County on the map in a big way.

Tuesday, Gov. Bob McDonnell announced that the vineyard would export its wine to China, marking the first such commercial transaction between a Virginia winery and a Chinese importer.

The export deal is with the Tianjin Tewoo Group, the 53rd largest company in China, according to the governor’s release.

Michael Zhang, president of Tewoo USA, said Virginia produces some of the world’s finest wines.

He lauded the governor for his efforts to highlight the state’s wineries during a trade trip in May to Asia.

“We look forward to working closely with the McDonnell administration in the future as we continue to examine other economic development opportunities in Virginia,” Zhang said.

Orange County Supervisor Shannon Abbs said it was exciting news that grapes grown and bottled in her district would be shipped to and enjoyed in China. She felt it would be good for the entire county.

“I believe as Barboursville wine is sold throughout the world, it will attract people from all over to come visit our wineries, tour our historic sites and enjoy our rural character,” Abbs said.

She said Luca Paschina, general manager and winemaker at Barboursville Vineyards, and his staff work very hard to make the best wine.

“This announcement shows their dedication to wine making,” Abbs said.

Paschina said the export deal would not have happened without McDonnell’s trade mission, and the assistance of his staff.

“As Barboursville reflects to celebrate its 35th anniversary in Virginia, I can think of no better way to look toward the future than expanding our sales into China, one of the world’s largest wine import markets,” Paschina said.

Barboursville Vineyards is one of Virginia’s largest wine-making operations; it also exports wine to England. The vineyard was founded in 1976 by Gianni and Silvana Zonin of Italy.

McDonnell, in the release, said he was pleased that his trade mission led to the export deal.

“Virginia wines are recognized as being world class and I am positive that this deal will continue to raise the domestic and international profiles of our wine industry,” he said.

Virginia is the country’s fifth largest wine producer and seventh largest wine grape producer. The industry employs about 3,000 and contributes nearly $350 million to the state’s economy annually, according to the release.

There are about 200 farm wineries in Virginia, including several in the Culpeper area like Old House Vineyards, Gray Ghost Vineyards and Prince Michel.