Virginia Wine’s biggest night of the year delivered a historic win. From a record-breaking field of more than 670 entries in the 2026 Governor’s Cup® Competition, one wine rose to the top. On March 12 at Richmond’s Main Street Station, the Virginia Wine community gathered to celebrate the industry’s highest honors and reveal this year’s winner.
This Year’s Governor’s Cup® Winner
Valley Road Vineyards earned the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup® for its 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve, taking home the Commonwealth’s highest wine honor.
Located in Afton, Valley Road Vineyards has been gaining momentum since its founding in 2015 by five couples. Under the leadership of CEO and founder Stan Joynes, the winery continues to distinguish itself in the Monticello AVA. The winning wine, crafted by winemaker Corry Craighill from 100 percent Cabernet Franc grown at the estate’s Grayson Vineyard, reflects both site and skill in equal measure.
Craighill’s achievement also marks a significant milestone. She is just the third woman winemaker to earn the Governor’s Cup®, adding an important chapter to the competition’s history.
The evening itself carried a heightened sense of anticipation. For the first time, even the Governor’s Case winners were not told whether their wine would take the top honor. As Governor Abigail Spanberger revealed the winner to a packed room, the moment landed with a sense of surprise and celebration that carried throughout the night.
The 2026 Governor’s Case showcases 12 wines that together represent the depth and range of Virginia Wine:
- 7 Lady Vineyards, 2023 Meritage
- Barboursville Vineyards, 2024 Vermentino
- CrossKeys Vineyards, 2024 Cabernet Franc
- Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard, 2023 Two Springs
- Glen Manor Vineyards, 2023 Vin Rouge
- Granite Heights Winery, 2024 Humility
- Michael Shaps Wineworks, 2023 Cabernet Franc
- Pollak Vineyards, 2023 Merlot Reserve
- Trump Winery, 2018 Blanc de Noir
- Valley Road Vineyards, 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve (Winner of Governor’s Cup)
- Winery at La Grange, 2024 Petit Manseng
- Woodbrook Farm Vineyard, 2024 Petit Manseng
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Katie Frazier, revealed the 2026 Cider of the Year:
- Blue Bee Cider, 2024 Hewe’s Crab
Standout wines in select categories were also recognized as Best in Show, awarded to the highest-scoring gold-medal wine in categories receiving at least five entries. This year’s Best in Show winners include:
- 50 West Vineyards, 2024 Vidal Blanc
- Chrysalis Vineyards, 2022 Norton
- Good Spirit Farm, 2024 Albariño
- Hark Vineyards, 2022 Ember
- Knight’s Gambit Vineyard, 2023 Chardonnay
- Paradise Springs Winery, 2023 Petit Verdot
- Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards, 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
- The Barn at 678, 2024 Viognier
- Walsh Family Wine, 2021 Tannat
- WildKind Estate, 2024 WildKind White
- Wolf Gap Vineyard, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
Explore all Governor’s Cup® Winners.
The evening also highlighted Virginia’s vibrant culinary scene, with leading chefs and sponsors, including Wine & Beer Supply, Classic Party Rentals, and AHSomm, contributing to the experience. Explore the full menu:
- Acacia: Seared Rare Tuna and Key Lime Panna Cotta
- Conjeo: Cochinita Pibil and Aguachile de Camarón Negro
- Gearharts: Dark Chocolate Caramels
- Keya & Co: Golden Ranch Flavor Bomb and Bombay cookies
- Lehja: Ragda Dahi Puri Chaat and Tuna Puffed Rice Avocado Chaat
- Manny Eats: Fried Chicken Slider and Fluke Crudo
- Midlothian Chef’s Kitchen: Short Rib Strudel and Strawberry Lemon Curd
- Mockingbird: Redneck Egg Roll and Banana Pudding Parfait
- Pinky’s: Braised Pork Belly, Scallop Aguachile, and Roasted Beets
- Rappahannock: Oyster Display
- The Roosevelt: Journey Cakes and Buttered Crab Leg
- Truckle Cheesemongers: Grazing Table
For those looking to experience these award-winning wines, the 2026 Gold Medal Wine Trail offers the perfect opportunity. Visit participating wineries, earn points, and redeem them for prizes while exploring some of the best wines Virginia has to offer.
For additional perspectives on this year’s competition, DMV Wine Line offers a recap of the evening’s highlights, while Drink What You Like explores the results in a detailed, data-driven analysis.
The celebration doesn’t end here, as the Virginia Wine community continues to raise a glass to another remarkable year!
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