Looks like Governor McDonnell sure likes his wine, as long as it’s from Virginia. In an open letter to Virginia businesses, McDonnell announced his “Choose Commonwealth” initiative, which asks business owners to feature locally, Virginia-produced food and beverage products in their day-to-day operations. “Virginia is known far and wide for our high quality food and beverage products, and Virginia’s top-tier wines are gaining well-deserved recognition from wine connoisseurs around the globe,” said McDonnell in the letter. He adds, “whether it is a family dinner or a reception for a foreign dignitary, I make it a point to serve Virginia food and beverages.”

The initiative includes the the “Virginia Finest” and “Virginia Grown” programs, which labels Virginia agricultural products for consumers and retailers. The AP also reports that McDonnell will be traveling to Europe to promote Virginia wine and food exports.

Unfortunately, it appears that the main impetus of the initiative is to support the state’s economic growth, rather than to foster and spotlight Virginia’s specialty food industry. Sure, Virginia’s wines aren’t as highly regarded as those from California’s Sonoma County or Oregon’s Willamette Valley, but shouldn’t we raise a little more pride in our products, rather than cash money?