Virginia's wine industry got a big boost Wednesday that could bring international attention.
Business magnate and celebrity Donald Trump formally opened the winery he purchased near the presidential estates of Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell joined him.
Trump paid about $8 million for the 770-acre winery near Charlottesville and the equipment on it at a public auction in April, according to WTOP.
It had been owned by millionaire socialite Patricia Kluge.
Under Trump's ownership, the business will be managed jointly by his son Eric and Kluge.
Products from the winery will be staples at Trump's properties around the world.
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"Here's the message: Watch out, California. We're coming on," McDonnell said.
Virginia's wine industry has grown from six vineyards in 1979 to about 200 now, McDonnell said.
The construction at the winery and the care for the vineyards would produce several hundred new jobs, Eric Trump said.
