Behind the Judging of the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup®

A record-breaking 670+ wines were submitted to the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup® Competition, marking the largest field in the history of the event. Each wine was poured blind and presented to a panel of nationally recognized experts with one task: identify the finest wines being produced in the Commonwealth today.

After multiple rounds of rigorous evaluation, only 12 wines earned a place in the prestigious Virginia Governor’s Cup® Case. That level of selectivity requires an extraordinary panel and a process built on integrity.

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Judged by the Best

This year’s competition brought together a distinguished judging panel, including:

• Three Masters of Wine – a title held by only 425 individuals worldwide
• One Master Sommelier – a credential earned by fewer than 300 professionals globally

Collectively, the panel brings decades of experience evaluating wines at the highest international level and judging at leading competitions across North America and Europe.

All wines are evaluated using the 100 point scale, the same standard employed by Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine & Spirits. Judges compile comprehensive tasting notes for each entry and assign numerical scores that determine medal distinctions and progression through the competition.

Learn more about the competition.

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A Process Built on Integrity

Under the direction of Frank Morgan, Director of Judging, the Governor’s Cup® follows a structured, multi-round blind tasting process designed to ensure fairness, objectivity, and thoughtful discussion.

Wines are evaluated in organized flights by preliminary panels, with the highest-scoring selections advancing to a three-day Final Round. During final deliberations, all judges taste every advancing wine, the lowest score is dropped, and the 12 highest averages determine the Governor’s Cup® Case. One wine ultimately earns the Governor’s Cup® distinction.

Ciders are judged separately by dedicated cider experts to maintain category integrity.

“It is an honor to serve as Director of Judging for the Virginia Governor’s Cup®. This role provides a front row seat to the ambition and growth of wine quality across the state. The 2026 competition marks another record-setting year, with more wineries participating than ever before.”

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The 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup® Judges

The full judging panel included:

Together, this panel represents the breadth of the wine world, from educators and Master-level certification holders to hospitality professionals, retailers, consultants, and respected wine journalists. Their collective expertise ensures that every medal awarded reflects careful consideration and the highest professional standards.

A Governor’s Cup medal signals that a wine has earned distinction through rigorous blind tasting by nationally recognized experts. As Virginia Wine continues to gain recognition beyond state lines, the competition serves as an objective benchmark of quality, measuring wines against national and international standards and rising to meet them.

Meet this year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup® Competition judges.

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Celebrate the Winners

The gold medal winners will be celebrated at the Virginia Governor’s Cup® Gala on March 12, where the Governor’s Cup Case will be unveiled and Virginia’s top wines will take center stage.

In March, the Gold Medal Wine Trail will also launch, giving wine lovers the opportunity to visit gold-medal winning wineries, taste award-winning selections, and experience the craftsmanship behind the medals. Guests can pre-sign up now to be the first to explore the trail and plan their visits.

From the tasting room to the gala stage, the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup® is a celebration of excellence. And it all begins inside the judging room.