Virginia Dare Wine Bottle Value Guide

The Virginia Dare Wine bottle is a significant piece of American viticulture history, representing one of the most popular brands produced by Garrett & Co. in the early 20th century. Named after the first English child born in the New World, these bottles are highly collectible for their patriotic embossed designs and their association with a winery that survived Prohibition through medicinal production.

What affects the value of Virginia Dare Wine Bottle?

• Condition of the glass, specifically the absence of 'sick glass' cloudiness, chips, or heavy surface scratches.
• The sharpness and depth of the embossed eagle and shield design, as crisp details command higher prices.
• Presence of original paper labels, which are rare and significantly increase value beyond the $35-$45 base range.
• Color variations or unique glass tints, though clear glass is the most common for this specific Garrett & Co. era.

How to Identify Virginia Dare Wine Bottle?

• Look for the distinct embossed eagle and shield motif prominently featured on the clear glass body.
• Verify the Garrett & Co. manufacturer mark, typically found near the base or integrated into the embossing.
• Check for a seam that stops before the lip, indicating a semi-automatic or early machine-made bottle consistent with the 1910-1930 era.
• Confirm the clear glass material, which was standard for these bottles to showcase the wine's clarity.

History of Virginia Dare Wine Bottle

Virginia Dare Wine, produced by Garrett & Co., was one of America's most popular wines in the early 20th century. Named after Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World, the brand capitalized on a patriotic and nostalgic image. Garrett & Co. was a prominent American winery, particularly active during the Prohibition era, as they were one of the few permitted to produce wine for medicinal or religious purposes, which helped them maintain their brand presence. This bottle reflects the pre-Prohibition or immediate post-Prohibition era when glass bottles often featured elaborate embossed designs that served as both branding and a way to distinguish products before widespread use of paper labels.