Virginia Aquaculture Oyster Growers in Region
#4. Upper Bay Western Shore

Use this regional flavor guide for Virginia Aquaculture Oysters to choose just the right oyster for the occasion.

The table at the end of this list below expresses the salinity of the growing region, as well as providing a scale rating for saltiness, sweetness, and buttery/creaminess.

Image of Oyster Growing Regions: 1. Seaside, 2. Upper Bay Eastern Shore, 3. Lower Bay Eastern Shore, 4. Upper Bay Western Shore, 5. Middle Bay Western Shore, 6. Lower Bay Western Shore, 7. Tidewater, 8. Tangier/Middle Chesapeake Bay

See only acquaculture oyster growers in a region: or return to the full list of acquaculture oyster growers.

Company NamePhone NumberWebsiteLocationMore Contact Info
Bevans Oyster Co., Inc.804-472-2331www.bevansoyster.comKinsaleMore Contact Info
Chesapeake Bay Oyster Co.804-338-6530www.bayoyster.comWakeMore Contact Info
Cowart Seafood Corp.804-529-6101 LottsburgMore Contact Info
Deltaville Oyster Company, LLC804-357-1931deltavilleoystercompany.comDeltavilleMore Contact Info
Fat ‘N Happy Oyster Company804-761-0908crabbescharterfishing.comHeathsvilleMore Contact Info
J&W Seafood of Virginia, Inc.804-776-9740jandwseafood.comDeltavilleMore Contact Info
Lighthouse Oysters804-453-3510lighthouseoysters.comReedvilleMore Contact Info
Little Wicomico Oyster Company, LLC804-436-5962https://app.barn2door.com/e/9rXnQ/allHeathsvilleMore Contact Info
Oyster Company of Virginia, LLC804-405-8460oysterva.comNorthMore Contact Info
Purcell’s Seafood, Inc.804-453-3300 BurgessMore Contact Info
Rogue Oysters804-577-8590http://www.rogueoysters.com/LancasterMore Contact Info
Sapidus Farms, Inc.443-864-3600 HeathsvilleMore Contact Info
The Great Wicomico Oyster Co.301-526-7503greatwicomicooyster.comHeathsvilleMore Contact Info
Windmill Point Oyster Co., LLC804-577-3179 White StoneMore Contact Info

Virginia Aquaculture Oyster Regional Flavors

Scale:
1-2 : Barely Perceptible
3-4 : Slightly
5-6 : Moderate
7-8 : Very Noticeable
9 : Strong

Region Salinity Range Saltiness Buttery/Creamy Sweetness Comments
#1 Seaside 28-32 9 3 3 Initial bold saltiness mellowing into a taste of sweet butter/cream at the finish.
#2 Upper Bay Eastern Shore 16-18 5 1 3 Classic Virginia bay oyster flavor with balanced salt and sweet with a savory finish.
#3 Lower Bay Eastern Shore 18-22 7 3 3 Salty and Creamy with mellow sweetness and a quick finish.
#4 Upper Bay Western Shore 10-17 5 2 2 Sweetwater oyster with a light cream taste.
#5 Middle Bay Western Shore 16-18 5 3 3 Lightly salty with easily distinguished cream or butter and a pleasant slight minerality.
#6 Lower Bay Western Shore 16-18 5 2 2 Mild saltiness moving to a sweet finish.
#7 Tidewater 16-30 8 2 2 Salty oyster with a sweetness and a smooth finish.
#8 Tangier/Middle Chesapeake Bay 16-18 5 5 4 Traditional Virginia Bay Oyster flavor with a balance of salt and sweet, and a savory butter/cream finish.