2023 Wine Region of the Year Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Monticello AVA win the 2023 Wine Region of the Year at Wine Enthusiast’s 24th Annual Wine Star Awards. In the world of winemaking, where tradition and innovation must meet, this victory was no small feat. Charlottesville and the Monticello AVA stood shoulder to shoulder with renowned wine-producing regions such as Italy’s Lambrusco, France’s Provence, South Africa’s Swartland, and Australia’s Victoria. Yet, it was something unique happening within Virginia that let to the prestigious win. Wine Enthusiast shared, “For its place in ..read more

2024 Reveal After receiving 752 entries, judges awarded 138 gold medals to 79 wineries, cideries and meaderies located across the Commonwealth. Central Virginia wineries earned the highest number of gold medals, claiming an impressive 48% of the awards. Virginia red wines took the lead, winning over 55% of the total gold medals. Within this category, Red blends rose to the top, securing 19% of total gold medals, making it the most awarded category, followed by Petit Verdot at 13%. White wines followed suit, earning a substantial portion at a little over 31%, with Virginia Chardonnay earning 14 ..read more

The 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup medalists are here! After evaluating over 750 entries, world-class judges, led by competition director Frank Morgan, awarded 138 gold medals to 79 wineries, cideries and meaderies across the Commonwealth.  This year’s gold medals show the diversity and range of wines being produced in the Commonwealth. Gold medals were awarded across seven regions, spanning seven vintages and twenty-six grape varieties, all grown in Virginia. Look into this year’s outstanding line-up… Red blends emerged as frontrunners with an impressive tally of 31 gold medals, closely f ..read more

Annually, the Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition is an opportunity to highlight Virginia’s top wines and celebrate the impressive work of winemakers across the state.  As we look forward to the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup, read along for a glimpse at the history and structure of the competition— now celebrating its 42nd year. To close the competition, the winners are unveiled and celebrated at the Gala, a must-attend event for wine enthusiasts everywhere. History of the Virginia Governor’s Cup The Governor’s Cup competition has a long-standing legacy of recognizing Virginia’s top wines ..read more

In the heart of Virginia’s wine country, you’ll discover wines that honor tradition and others that take a daring turn. In both instances, Virginia’s winemakers have taken classic grape varieties and crafted wines with distinctive Virginian character. With a rich tapestry of over thirty varieties cultivated, winemakers and viticulturists have become fluent in the language of the land. By carefully selecting and planting grapes that harmonize with Virginia’s diverse soils, they consistently yield high-quality fruit, forging a path toward excellence year after year. Few people would approach a C ..read more

As the holidays approach, celebrate by sharing the gift of Virginia Wine. From one-of-a-kind experiences to special bottles and unforgettable events, the #vawine holiday gift guide has the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Tickets to Taste the Best Experience the best of Virginia’s winemaking at the Governor’s Cup Gala—an exclusive evening showcasing 100+ top wines from across the Commonwealth. Savor the flavors crafted by local chefs and witness the unveiling of the 2023 Governor’s Cup Case, Cup & Best in Show Cider winners.  Give someone special an unforgettable night in Rich ..read more

Through Virginia Wine’s evolution, winemakers have discovered the grape varieties and wines that are defining the state. Crafting wines that could not have come from any other time or place. Wines that are elegant, expressive, and unmistakably Virginia. With over thirty 30 varieties planted, winemakers and viticulturists have become fluent in the language of the land, planting grapes that are well suited to Virginia’s varied soils and farming quality fruit year after year.  Many of the note-worthy grapes you’ll find here are unsung heroes who have grown to greatness. Grapes like Viognier ..read more

This year, from November 10 to 19, marks Virginia Cider Week – a time of celebration that invites cider lovers everywhere to dive into the world of Virginia cider. With a legacy that dates back centuries, cider was initially imported from England as a means of staying hydrated when clean water was scarce. Today, it has evolved into a thriving industry with 50 cideries in the Commonwealth crafting an array of outstanding ciders. Virginia is the sixth-largest apple producing state in the U.S., proving that our cider makers are dedicated to bringing out the best in their apples. This week, we com ..read more

October marks the annual celebration of Virginia Wine Month, a time to raise a glass and honor the community of winemakers and wine lovers that set Virginia apart. Since the original proclamation of Virginia Wine Month in 1988, Virginia Wine has seen incredible growth. October serves as a time for all Virginia Wine lovers to toast to the bounty.  To celebrate 35 years of Virginia Wine Month, read along for 35 things to know about Virginia Wine:  35 Years  Three and a half decades ago, the inaugural Virginia Wine Month was formally announced by Governor Gerald Baliles in the Ro ..read more

October marks the 35th year of Virginia Wine Month. Autumn has a way of highlighting Virginia’s ever-changing landscape. The magic of the season surrounds you. As harvest winds down, the foliage adorns itself in vibrant colors, and a refreshing chill flows throughout the region. This time of the year calls for celebration, and as October approaches, so does Virginia Wine Month — a tradition inaugurated in 1988. Plan Your Visit Autumn is an awe-inspiring time to set foot in Virginia’s wine country. Experience it for yourself—select a vineyard or plan a weekend getaway. Map out the perfect itine ..read more