Virginia is home to Wine Region of the Year

2023 Wine Region of the Year

Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Monticello AVA win the 2023 Wine Region of the Year at Wine Enthusiast’s 24th Annual Wine Star Awards.

In the world of winemaking, where tradition and innovation must meet, this victory was no small feat. Charlottesville and the Monticello AVA stood shoulder to shoulder with renowned wine-producing regions such as Italy’s Lambrusco, France’s Provence, South Africa’s Swartland, and Australia’s Victoria. Yet, it was something unique happening within Virginia that let to the prestigious win.

Wine Enthusiast shared, “For its place in American wine history and ability to move toward a future of wine-style diversity and consumer inclusivity, Wine Enthusiast is proud to honor Charlottesville as the 2023 Wine Region of the Year Wine Star Award.”

The Charlottesville area and Monticello AVA are home to more than 40 wineries and over 20 percent of Virginia’s vineyard plantings. The region’s ideal growing conditions allow for the successful production of a wide range of grapes, each expressing the character of the land.

As the winner of Wine Region of the Year, Charlottesville was featured in Wine Enthusiast magazine’s Best of Year issue and celebrated at the annual black-tie gala at the start of the year. The winemakers in the Monticello AVA continually push the boundaries of excellence, as evidenced by their impressive showing in the esteemed Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition.

In the 2024 competition, half of the Governor’s Cup case slots were awarded to wineries in the Monticello AVA. Among the case winners, the top award, the Governor’s Cup, went to King Family Vineyards, located in Crozet, for their 2019 Meritage. 

From scenic vineyard tours to wide-ranging tasting experiences, there’s no shortage of adventures awaiting in the award-winning region. Explore the Charlottesville area.

---

Wine Region of the Year Giveaway

Celebrate Virginia’s big win and enter for a getaway to the Wine Region of the Year!

One lucky winner will get to experience the award-winning wine country with: 

• A night’s stay at Quirk Hotel Charlottesville
• Private tour with Monticello Wine Tour & Coach Co. 
• $100 gift card to Feast Café & Market
• $100 gift card to King Family Vineyards, 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup Winner

Enter here by May 1.

One entry per person, no purchase required. Must be 21 or older to enter. 

---

Monticello Wine Week

Mark your calendars from April 26th to May 3rd for a week of celebrations hosted by the Monticello Wine Trail that showcase the diversity of the award-winning region. 

Monticello Wine Week events:

• Gold Medal Celebration | April 26, The Wool Factory
• Rosé Picnic | April 27, Trump Winery’s Barn & Pavilion Venue
• Rosé Sunset Sights | April 27, Hazy Mountain Vineyards
• Sparkling Brunch | April 28, Mount Ida Farm and Vineyard 
• Winemaker’s Golf Tournament |April 29, Keswick Hall
• Winemaker’s Reception at Keswick Hall |April 29, Keswick Hall
• White Wine Showcase |  May 1, Eastwood Farm & Winery
• Red Wine Showcase | May 2, Barboursville Vineyards
• Wine Week Wine Down | May 3, Veritas

---

Gold Medal Wine Trail

Explore the Monticello AVA and other award-winning producers around the state with the Gold Medal Wine Trail. The free mobile passport features 78 gold medal-winning wineries from the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition with exclusive offers and prizes along the way.  Simply sign up and receive the pass directly to your device.

---

Cheers to Virginia being home of the Wine Region of the Year! Start planning your next trip today.