We are pleased to announce that a license plate celebrating Virginia wineries and vineyards has been approved. Any Virginia residents, regardless of whether they own a vineyard or winery, may sign up to receive this special license plate commemorating our 400-year-old wine-making tradition.

The tag features sloping vineyards against a backdrop of Virginia mountains with a ripened grape cluster. The new trademarked Virginia wine slogan "VIRGINIA - FIRST IN WINE" will be featured on the new plates.

Before the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles can release the plate to the general public, it must receive 350 prepaid applications for the plate as evidence of public interest. Virginia residents can purchase it for $25 plus normal registration fees. Personalized plates cost an additional $10.

A portion of the $25 application fee will support viticultural and enological research in Virginia. Once the DMV receives 1,000 application forms for the plate, $15 from each application fee will be sent to Virginia Tech's enology and research department. This program supports Virginia wineries and vineyards by providing soil testing, viticultural research, and other educational support. Virginia wineries represent one of the commonwealth's fastest-growing agricultural sectors.

The Virginia Wineries Association will collect the first 350 applications, which will initiate license-plate production. Virginia residents interested in obtaining a Virginia wine license plate must complete the DMV application-Form VSA 10. In the space on the form marked "Other," applicants should enter "Virginia Wineries." Applicants must send a completed form and a check or money order for $25 or $35 ($35 for personalized plates).

Please make checks payable to "Virginia Wineries Association."

Mail the completed form and check to:

Virginia Wineries Association
515 King Street, Suite 420
Alexandria, VA 22314

For more information, please contact Tina Wehmeir at (703) 373-6000.