How to Explore the Gold Medal Wine Trail This Spring

Spring breathes new life into Virginia’s vineyards. As buds break and the days grow brighter, the entire state begins to stir with energy and color. It is the perfect moment to sip, explore, and celebrate what Virginia wine has to offer.

The 2026 Gold Medal Wine Trail makes that journey easy, inviting you to discover this year’s award-winning wines with a free mobile tasting pass. With more than 100 wineries featured along the trail, the possibilities are as exciting as they are expansive, so knowing where to start can feel like the hardest part.

Each region across Virginia offers something distinct, from rolling mountain views to coastal charm. Ready to map out your adventure? Start exploring the regions below.

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Plan Your Adventure By Region

The Gold Medal Wine Trail spans multiple regions, each offering its own landscapes, climates, and standout wines. Instead of trying to see it all at once, explore one region at a time and let it set the pace. Start here:

• Filter by region to narrow the trail based on where you want to travel
• Select your region to see all participating wineries in that area
• Use the map view to understand proximity and plan a logical route
• Choose a few stops that match your interests, whether that’s scenic views, specific varietals, or tasting experiences
• Build your trip with enough time to enjoy each stop

Regions to Explore

Central Virginia
Home to the most wineries on the 2026 Gold Medal Wine Trail, Central Virginia is ideal for a full day of wine tasting.

Plan your visit:

• Mix in a few must visit wineries, then take time to explore and discover something new.
• Look for food options or picnic spaces
• Explore beyond the tasting room with vineyard walks or extended seating areas

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Chesapeake Bay / Hampton Roads
Closer to the coast, this region offers a more relaxed atmosphere and wines that pair well with warmer spring days.

Plan your visit:

• Start earlier in the season as spring arrives sooner here
• Look for by-the-glass options and outdoor seating
• Plan for a slower afternoon at one or two locations

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Northern Virginia
Easily accessible and well-suited for day trips, Northern Virginia combines convenience with a memorable tasting experience.

Plan your visit:

• Plan to visit multiple wineries nearby
• Start earlier in the day to avoid crowds
• Pair a well-known stop with a smaller winery nearby

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Shenandoah Valley / Blue Ridge
Known for its elevation and scenic overlooks, these regions are a great choice for a more focused tasting experience.

Plan your visit:

• Enjoy the scenic mountain views
• Ask questions and engage with staff
• Seek out varietals that are unique to the region

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Southern Virginia
A more spread-out region with a sense of discovery, Southern Virginia offers a mix of emerging wineries and open landscapes.

Plan your visit:

• Let the journey unfold with scenic drives between wineries
• Focus on a few thoughtfully chosen stops
• Enjoy a quieter, more personal tasting experience

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Turn Your Visits Into Rewards

The Gold Medal Wine Trail is best explored one region at a time, with each visit offering a new perspective on Virginia Wine in the spring. Along the way, collect points at each stop and redeem them for Virginia Wine prizes, giving you even more reason to keep exploring.

Keep in mind check-ins are available once per month at each stop, making it easy to revisit favorites throughout the season. More points can be earned at wineries recognized with top honors at the 2026 Governor’s Cup® Competition, including Governor’s Cup Case, Cider of the Year, and Best in Show.

Looking for more tasting passes? Check out the Virginia Cider Trail and the Norton Wine Trail.