Virginia Wineries Granted Fruit Loss Waivers In Response to Spring Frost and Freeze Crop Damage

Exemption will help farm wineries continue production while vineyards recover

Richmond, Va. - Wineries and vineyards that suffered severe crop losses due to multiple frost and freeze weather events this spring have received temporary waivers that allow them to source a higher proportion of grapes from vineyards they do not own or lease in order to continue production while the vineyards recover from damage. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) granted automatic waivers to 169 wineries and vineyards after the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) submitted a joint exemption request on behalf of the producers.

Farm wineries and vineyards in the Commonwealth are subject to restrictions on the percentage of out-of-state fruit and fruit from vineyards not owned or leased by the winery. Frost and freeze this spring resulted in extensive losses and damage in Virginia vineyards. The extent of the damage was so great that Governor Abigail Spanberger requested a natural disaster declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which was granted for 104 Virginia localities impacted by the frost and freeze events that occurred between March 17 and May 4, 2026.

To aid Virginia wineries impacted by the fruit losses and streamline the waiver process, VDACS submitted a fruit loss exemption waiver request to Virginia ABC on behalf of farm winery licensees in areas that received the USDA natural disaster designation. The waiver granted by Virginia ABC permits Class I, Class II, Class III, and Class IV licensees to source a greater quantity of out-of-state products than their license class allows; and Class I, Class II, and Class IV licensees to use a lesser percentage of products grown or produced on the licensed premises or on property in the Commonwealth that is owned or leased by the licensee.

"The severe damage caused by frost and freeze this spring is an example of when it's important for state leadership to come together to support our producers in meaningful, collaborative ways," said VDACS Commissioner Charles Green. "Governor Abigail Spanberger and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier understood the serious implications of what Virginia's wine industry was facing, and worked to develop concrete relief with the assistance of Virginia ABC. We are pleased that our winemakers will be able to continue their craft while their vineyards recover, and we thank the Virginia Vineyards Association and the Virginia Wineries Association for their support in this endeavor."

"Virginia ABC works closely with our wineries and vineyards toward the responsible production and sale of alcoholic beverages," said Tom Kirby, acting CEO of Virginia ABC. "We understand the challenges our industry partners are addressing and are pleased to be able to provide the much-needed support to the Virginia wine industry."

"The Virginia Vineyards Association appreciates the work of the Secretariat of Agriculture and Forestry as our vineyards and wineries deal with the result of the freeze that affected vineyards across the state," said AJ Greely, President of the Virginia Vineyards Association. "This waiver offers essential relief to Virginia winemakers recovering from devastating freeze losses. We appreciate VDACS and the ABC Board acting decisively to support our local growers and safeguard the economic health of Virginia's wine industry and look forward to future years growing the exceptional fruit our state's vineyards has become known for."

"The spring frost and freeze caused significant crop losses for vineyards across Virginia, creating challenges that will extend well beyond this year's harvest," said Jennifer Breaux, President of the Virginia Wineries Association "This waiver provides affected farm wineries with critical flexibility to maintain production and protect their businesses while our vineyards recover. We are especially grateful to the Secretariat of Agriculture and Forestry, who listened to the concerns of our industry, understood the urgency, and worked alongside us to turn those concerns into meaningful action. Their leadership, together with the support of VDACS, Virginia ABC, and the Administration as a whole, has delivered practical relief that will make a real difference for Virginia wineries and growers."

All wineries and vineyards that received waivers through the VDACS joint request or by individual submission will be contacted individually by Virginia ABC with guidance. Operations that may be eligible for a fruit loss exemption but have not yet applied for a waiver can find guidance on the Virginia Vineyards Association webpage or contact the VDACS Commissioner's Office at 804-786-3501. The Virginia ABC exemption letter and a list of localities with USDA disaster designations can be found on the VDACS Disaster Recovery Resources for Farmers webpage, along with additional resources related to recovery from extreme weather events and natural disasters.