King Family Declared Top Dog in Virginia Wine

Main Street Station
Richmond, Virginia

Over 440 wines competed, but only one could be declared top dog in the Virginia Governor's Cup competition. This year's prize went to the King Family Vineyards for their elegant 2014 Meritage. This is the third time the King Family Vineyards has claimed this pretigious honor.

Governor Ralph Northam presents the Governor's Cup to the King Family Vineyards.

As Wine Dog York led the pack through the 12 outstanding wines that made the Governor's Cup case this year, the 2014 Meritage stood out. The wine is a blend of 50% Merlot, 23% Petit Verdot, 21% Cabernet Franc and 6% Malbec, aged 18 months in French Oak. It is smooth, layered, and complex.

Winemaker Mattieu Finot pours pure gold - the King Family 2014 Meritage.

The King Family Vineyard is located in Crozet, Virginia, part of the Monticello AVA. The Virginia Wine Dogs' visit in 2010 was captured on the evening news featuring Munchkin and Pomeroy.

The Virginia Governor's Cup competition is among the most preeminent in the country. Under the revamped format adopted in 2012, all wines must be from 100 percent Virgnia fruit. The judging panel is headed by Jay Youmans, one of only 45 Masters of Wine in the United States. 

York poses with King Family Winery Owner Ellen King, Winemaker Mathieu Finot, and Judging Director Jay Youmans.

Adding to the prestige, Virginia's Governor personally presents the award at the annual Governor's Cup Gala. Before announcing the winner, Governor Northam said "My ask of you tonight is can I please sign up to be a judge next year?" We'll see.

In the meantime, the Governor's Cup is returning o the King Famly Vineyards and Winery.

The Governor's Cup heads to Crozet, Virginia, with King Family Vineyards Winemaker Mathieu Finot.