West Virginia is one of the smallest states, and with a climate combining continental with humid-subtropical, including cold winters, it has a challenging environment for growing grapes. But French-American varieties are able to weather the weather and support the small but growing grape and wine industry.
The state has its own AVA (Kanawha River), and shares two others with neighboring states: Ohio River Valley, and Shenandoah Valley.
Great Grapes: Baco Noir
Developed by French grape breeders, Baco Noir is cold hardy to minus 20F so is extensively grown in North American vineyards. The deeply pigmented grapes produce a dark red wine with relatively high acidity, and is often best when sufficiently oaked.