We are proud to announce launch of the Commonwealth Quality Alliance. The CQA is a quality assurance and marketing program for Virginia wines.
There are many reasons to join and participate.

 

 

• The CQA seal may be placed on all approved bottles of Virginia wine, distinguishing Virginia's    quality wines to the consumer.
• The CQA seal assists with consumer choice – ultimately selling more wine and Virginia grapes as    well as driving more visits to Virginia's wineries.
• The CQA seal ensures that the wine is made with 100% Virginia grapes.
• Competitive cost analysis – your wines will receive both a chemical analysis and a sensory panel    evaluation for $170.
• You will receive your results from the analyses in a week or less.
• Bottled or pre-bottled wines may be submitted for analysis, allowing time for adjustments, if needed.
• The CQA is wine specific, not winery specific. Therefore, a winery can submit a portion of their    wines for CQA approval if they so choose.
• CQA dues are waived for 2011-2012 if you submit a wine by March 31, 2012.
• CQA wines enter the Virginia Wineries Association's Governor's Cup at no charge.
• The CQA program is endorsed by the Virginia Vineyards Association, Virginia Winery Distribution    Company and brought to you by the Virginia Wineries Association.
• The Virginia Winery Distribution Company (VWDC) is going to include a sort feature for CQA wines    in their online ordering system for retailers.
• The CQA website will list each approved wine.
• The CQA website will list each of CQA's participating wineries.
• The CQA program will provide additional marketing for Virginia wines made from Virginia grapes.
• The CQA program will create buzz and excitement for Virginia wines in the local and national press.

 

We have enclosed the materials you need to get started in CQA:
1. The membership application – please return with your submission. No payment is required for 2011-2012 as long as you submit at least one wine before March 31, 2012.

2. The submittal form – please return a copy to (1) CQA, (2) The Art Institute of Washington, (3) The Enology Services Lab. Keep a copy for your records. * Please note, wines submitted should be made from 100% Virginia grapes, protein stable and made with no commercial concentrates.

3. The analysis payment form – please return a copy to CQA with payment for the chemical and sensory analyses.

4. Instructions – these should address your questions about entry.

Please visit the website at www.CommonwealthQualityAlliance.org for more information. If you have any questions, please contact us. We look forward to your submittals.

 

PDF Downloads:
1. CQA Brochure
2. CQA Membership Application
3. CQA Submittal Forms
4. CQA Instructions for submitting wine
5. CQA Program Overview

 

A thriving wine industry is a growing one, so the VWA favors the industry's continued expansion statewide.