2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup: And the Winner Is…​

The 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition once again showcased the excellence and innovation of Virginia’s wine industry. This year, more than 600 entries were evaluated, with 155 gold medals awarded to 87 producers across the Commonwealth.

Gold medals were earned in eight of Virginia’s wine regions, but Central Virginia continued to lead the way, producing just over 50% of the gold medal winners. Northern Virginia followed with 29%, and the Shenandoah Valley claimed 12%. Red wines dominated, securing 61% of the total gold medals, with Meritage blends standing out as the most-awarded category, earning 32 gold medals. Petit Verdot impressed with 16 golds, while Cabernet Franc (14) and Petit Manseng (13) also saw strong performances. On the white wine side, which accounted for 32% of total medals, Chardonnay, Albariño, and Sauvignon Blanc reinforced Virginia’s growing reputation for expressive white wines.

A Night of Celebration at the Governor’s Cup Gala

Just weeks after the gold medal announcement, Virginia wine lovers gathered at Main Street Station in Richmond for the highly anticipated Virginia Governor’s Cup Gala. Governor Glenn Youngkin revealed the Governor’s Cup Winner and the Governor’s Cup Case, featuring the 12 highest-scoring wines of the competition.

For the first time, the event also introduced the Best in Show categories, further recognizing excellence across wine styles. Additionally, Cider of the Year was announced, honoring the best Virginia cider of 2025.

2025 Governor’s Cup Case Winners:

• 50 West Vineyards, 2021 Aldie Heights Cuvée
• Barboursville Vineyards, 2023 Vermentino (Winner of the Virginia Governor’s Cup)
• Barboursville Vineyards, 2017 Octagon
• DuCard Vineyards, 2023 Cabernet Franc Vintners Reserve
• King Family Vineyards, 2021 Mountain Plains Red
• Michael Shaps Wineworks, 2022 Chardonnay
• Paradise Springs Winery, 2023 Cabernet Franc, Brown Bear Vineyard
• Potomac Point Winery, 2023 Albariño
• Trump Winery, 2018 Sparkling Rosé
• Valley Road Vineyards, 2023 Petit Manseng
• Veritas Winery, 2023 Monticello White
• Winery at La Grange, 2023 Petit Manseng

2025 Cider of the Year:

• Daring Wine & Cider Company, Crab Apple Blend

A Historic Win for Barboursville Vineyards

Luca Paschina, Estate Director and Winemaker at Barboursville Vineyards, accepted the Governor’s Cup for their 2023 Vermentino, which received the highest average score from the panel of esteemed judges. The wines were evaluated based on appearance, aroma, flavor, commercial suitability, and overall quality.

Since 1976, Barboursville has been a leader in Virginia wine, continuously experimenting with new grape varieties suited to the state’s diverse terroir. This marks the sixth time Barboursville has won the prestigious Governor’s Cup, with past victories for their 1988 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, 1997 Cabernet Franc, 1998 Cabernet Franc Reserve, and 2009 Octagon.

Paschina, along with Vineyard Manager Fernando Franco and Assistant Winemaker Daniele Tessaro, has played a key role in shaping Barboursville’s approach to winemaking—crafting expressive white wines and age-worthy reds that have gained national and international acclaim. 

Pairing Award-Winning Wines with Culinary Excellence

Capping off an evening filled with exciting reveals and award-winning gold medal wines, guests indulged in expertly crafted small bites and snacks curated by talented local chefs. Explore the full menu below:

• Acacia, Chef Dale Reitzer: Seared Rare Tuna with Cucumber Seaweed Salad and Key Lime Panna Cotta
• Alewife, Chef Lee Gregory: Meatballs with Polenta
• Heritage, Chef Joe Sparatta: Virginia Peanut Butter Pie and Strawberry Pâte de Fruit
• Keya & Co, Chef Keya Wingfield: Bombay Spice Chip Chaat and Cardamom Berry Saffron Cake
• Lehja, Chef Sunny Baweja: Virginia Peanut Chaat
• Manny Eats: Chef Manny Baiden: Beef Suya Skewer and Mushroom and Squash Taco
• Midlothian Chef’s Kitchen, Chef David Dunlap: Lamb Wellington and Blood Orange Cake
• Olive Major, Chef Olivia Wilson: Spring Pavlova
• Rappahannock, Chef Paul Jowless & Chef Travis Croxton: Rappahannock Oysters
• The Roosevelt, Chef Leah Branch: Fried Chicken & Crab and Foie Gras Doughnut      
• Truckle Cheesemongers, grazing table

As the evening unfolded, guests had the opportunity to do more than just celebrate Virginia wine, they played a role in shaping its future. The exclusive auction, benefiting the Winemakers Research Exchange, gave attendees the chance to bid on remarkable wines and experiences, with all proceeds supporting vital research to advance winemaking across the state. From prestigious past Virginia Governor’s Cup Cases to signed bottles of Cornus Virginicus, immersive vineyard getaways, and VIP wine and culinary experiences, every auction item was a tribute to Virginia’s thriving wine culture. Between exceptional wine, chef-curated pairings, and the excitement of award announcements, the 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup Gala was a night to remember. 

Want to experience the best of the Governor’s Cup winners? Hit the road with the Gold Medal Wine Trail, a free mobile passport that guides you to Virginia’s gold medal-winning wineries. Along the way, unlock access to exclusive prizes and special offers as you sip and explore the best that Virginia wine country has to offer.