Numerous local wines are among those receiving medals in this year’s Governor’s Cup competition.
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. For the first time, wineries were limited to just six entries each, ensuring only the finest bottlings were included. This year, judges sampled 620 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 will be identified at this week’s gala held at The Main Street Station in Richmond, but several local vineyards are among the medal winners.
Barboursville Vineyards received gold medals for its 2017 Cabernet Franc; 2017 Nebbiolo; 2017 Octagon; 2021 Nebbiolo; 2021 Octagon and 2023 Vermentino. The Barn at 678 received a gold for its 2019 Meritage; DuCard Vineyards for its 2021 Triskele, 2022 Cabernet Franc Vintners Reserve and 2023 Cabernet Franc Vintners Reserve; Horton Vineyards for its Suil and 2017 Stonecastle Red; Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery for it Tres Bien; Reynard Florence Vineyard for its 2023 Merlot; and Woodbrook Farm for its 2023 Viognier.
The Barn at 678 also received five silver medals; DuCard three; Honah Lee Vineyard five; Horton one; Keswick three; Prince Michel one; Revalation Vineyards, two; Reynard Florence four and Honah Lee also received one bronze.
Many of the local wineries will have representatives at Thursday’s gala in Richmond as the case and overall cup winner are unveiled.
