Richmond’s Main Street Station buzzed with wine-fueled excitement on March 12 during the 44th Annual Virginia Governor’s Cup® Gala. Representatives for over 100 Virginia wineries and cideries were represented at the event, which celebrates the outstanding quality and diversity of wines produced across the commonwealth.
This year’s competition received a record of more than 670 entries, with 224 gold medals awarded to 113 wineries and cideries located in Virginia.
However, there can only be one recipient of the competition’s top honor — the prestigious Virginia Governor’s Cup®. Governor Abigail Spanberger presented this year’s award to Valley Road Vineyards in Nelson County for their 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve.
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"Tonight reflects the dedication, innovation, and agricultural strength that continues to elevate Virginia as one of our nation's premier wine regions," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "Valley Road Vineyards' 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve showcases the exceptional craftsmanship and quality on display tonight, and I look forward to supporting these incredible vineyards over the next four years."
The 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve features notes of violets and black cherry, followed by a spicy, peppery palate and balanced tannin for a long, pleasing finish.
The wine was crafted by winemaker Corry Craighill using 100% Cabernet Franc grown at the winery’s Grayson Vineyards in the Monticello AVA. Located in Afton, Valley Road Vineyards was founded in 2015 by five couples. It is managed by CEO and founder Stan Joynes.
To receive the Governor's Cup®, the 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve earned the highest average score from a panel of distinguished judges who evaluated entries based on appearance, aroma, flavor, commercial suitability, and overall quality. The wine will be featured alongside eleven other wines in the 2026 Virginia Governor's Cup® Case, a collection representing the competition's twelve highest-scoring wines.
The full 2026 Virginia Governor's Cup® Case includes:
7 Lady Vineyards, 2023 Meritage
Barboursville Vineyards, 2024 Vermentino
CrossKeys Vineyards, 2024 Cabernet Franc
Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard, 2023 Two Springs
Glen Manor Vineyards, 2023 Vin Rouge
Granite Heights Winery, 2024 Humility
Michael Shaps Wineworks, 2023 Cabernet Franc
Pollak Vineyards, 2023 Merlot Reserve
Trump Winery, 2018 Blanc de Noir
Valley Road Vineyards, 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve
Winery at La Grange, 2024 Petit Manseng
Woodbrook Farm Vineyard, 2024 Petit Manseng
For the sixth year, Virginia cider was judged in its own category, with the highest-scoring cider awarded Cider of the Year. Earning a gold medal in this year's competition, Blue Bee Cider received the 2026 Cider of the Year recognition for its 2024 Hewe's Crab.
Standout wines in select categories were also recognized as Best in Show, awarded to the highest-scoring gold-medal wine in categories receiving at least five entries.
This year's Best in Show winners include:
50 West Vineyards, 2024 Vidal Blanc
Chrysalis Vineyards, 2022 Norton
Good Spirit Farm, 2024 Albariño
Hark Vineyards, 2022 Ember
Knight's Gambit Vineyard, 2023 Chardonnay
Paradise Springs Winery, 2023 Petit Verdot
Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards, 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
The Barn at 678, 2024 Viognier
Walsh Family Wine, 2021 Tannat
WildKind Estate, 2024 WildKind White
Wolf Gap Vineyard, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
