Filmmaker Highlights Virginia Wine Industry in Documentary

The 96-minute documentary We the Wine People offers an inside look at the growing Virginia wine community.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Wine

Screen-print poster illustration showing grapevine trellises in an autumn vineyard with rolling hills, capturing the Virginia wine region. — Filmmaker Chrisa Giorgi explores the collaborative culture of Virginia's wine industry in her new documentary, We the Wine People, released in September 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Released on Apple TV in September 2026, the documentary We the Wine People explores the collaborative spirit of the Virginia wine industry. The film features interviews with researchers, growers, and winemakers from across the state.

Why it matters

The project serves to document the unique community and collective dedication behind regional wine production. The Virginia Wine Board supported the effort with a grant to help showcase the expertise of local hospitality and agricultural professionals.

The production included approximately 40 shooting days across multiple Virginia regions. The project was supported by a grant from the Virginia Wine Board.

The players

Chrisa Giorgi

She is the filmmaker responsible for directing and producing the documentary focused on the Virginia wine industry.

Virginia Wine Board

This state organization provides support and funding to promote the growth and quality of the wine industry in Virginia.

The details

Filmmaker Chrisa Giorgi spent several months documenting various wine-producing regions, including the Shenandoah Valley, Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, and the Eastern Shore. The film captures the technical and creative processes shared among those working in the state's agricultural sector.

Giorgi attended the Virginia Wine Benefit annual auction in 2023.
Filming for the documentary began in June 2025.
Production on the film concluded in November 2025.
The documentary was released on Apple TV in September 2026.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader trend of utilizing documentary media to promote regional agriculture and local craft industries. By moving beyond traditional marketing, these films help establish a deeper cultural identity for emerging wine-producing states.

Viewers interested in local viticulture can gain insight into the collaborative processes of Virginia winemakers through the film. This documentary provides an educational look at the regional agricultural landscape for those looking to explore local wine options.

The takeaway

The documentary illustrates how collaborative networks between researchers and growers strengthen regional industries. Readers can support local winemakers by visiting regional tasting rooms to experience the outcomes of these professional partnerships.