2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup Winners Announced!
Valley Road Vineyards has received six medals in the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition:
GOLD MEDAL: 2021 Meritage
GOLD MEDAL: 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve
GOLD MEDAL: 2024 Albariño
SILVER MEDAL: 2021 Petit Verdot
SILVER MEDAL: 2023 Cabernet Franc
SILVER MEDAL: 2023 Chardonnay
All of Valley Road Vineyard’s wines were made from fruit 100% sourced from its Afton South and Grayson Vineyards in the Monticello AVA.
The 44th annual Virginia Governor’s Cup® Competition reached a new milestone in 2026, receiving a record 677 wine, cider, and mead submissions from 156 producers across the Commonwealth. This marked the largest field of entries and one of the most competitive years in the event’s history.
Following multiple rounds of rigorous blind tasting by nationally recognized wine professionals, 224 gold medals were awarded to 113 producers. The competition’s selectivity reflects the exceptional quality required to earn a Governor’s Cup gold medal.
In total, more than 25 grape varieties across 9 vintages were represented among the gold medal winners. Among the most awarded categories were Meritage blends, earning 50 gold medals, followed by Cabernet Franc with 30, Chardonnay with 19, Merlot with 15, and Petit Manseng with 14. The full list of gold medalists can be found at www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup/awards/2026.
The Virginia Governor’s Cup® Gala will take place March 12, 2026, at Main Street Station in Richmond. Hosted by the Virginia Wine Board, the sold-out event will announce the Governor’s Cup winner, unveil the Governor’s Cup Case featuring the twelve highest-scoring wines, and name the Cider of the Year.
