Numerous local wines are among those receiving medals in this year’s Governor’s Cup competition with two receiving spots in the coveted Governor’s Cup Case.
Held annually by the Virginia Wineries Association in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board and the Virginia Vineyards Association, the Governor’s Cup pits wines from across the state against each other, with judges sampling each to find the best. This year, judges sampled 670 wines, ciders and meads with each being tasted by six judges over the course of three days. Judges only know the grape or category of wine, not the vintage, winery or name. Individual judges’ scores are averaged into one score with the lowest score eliminated. The highest ranking wines then advance to the three-day, 12 judge final round. Each judge samples each wine, with a final average score determined after the lowest score is dropped. The 12 red and white wines with the highest average are identified as the Governor’s Cup Case with the highest ranking wine named the Governor’s Cup winner. Ciders are judged in their own category with the top six identified. Those six are then re-tasted and ranked with the highest ranked earning the Best in Show Cider award.
Wines are given scores from 100 with gold winners receiving an average score of 90-100 points, silver 85-89 points and bronze 80-84 points.
The Governor’s Cup Case and overall Governor’s Cup winners are identified at a gala held at The Main Street Station in Richmond.
Valley Road Vineyards received the top prize, winning the Governor’s Cup with its 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve. Orange County wineries Barboursville Vineyards and Woodbrook Farm Vineyard placed in the Governor’s Cup Case with their 2024 Vermentino and 2024 Petit Manseg, respectively. The Barn at 678, also located in Barboursville, received a Best in Show for its 2024 Viognier.
Barboursville Vineyards received gold medals for its 2019 Octagon; 2020 Octagon and 2024 Vermentino. The Barn at 678 received gold for its 2021 Reserve Red, 2023 Estate Merlot and 2024 Viognier. Woodbrook Farm Vineyard received gold for its 2023 Overnight Hero Estate Reserve Red, 2024 Petit Manseng and 2024 Pinot Gris. Etlan-based DuCard Vineyards received gold for its 2023 Cabernet Franc, 2023 Cabernet Franc Vintners Reserve and 2023 Triskele. Madison’s Early Mountain Vineyards received gold for its 2021 Eluvium and 2022 Novum; Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery for its 2024 Petit Manseng and Revalation Vineyards for its 2023 Cabernet Franc.
The Barn at 678 also received three silver medals; Barboursville Vineyards three; Blue Quartz four; DuCard three; Early Mountain two; Prince Michel two; Revalation Vineyards two and Reynard Florence five. Prince Michel received one bronze medal.
