Main Street Station
Richmond, VA
Richmond, VA
Before introducing Virginia's top 12 wines for 2025, a few observations.
Whites Win!
In a contest where reds once so overpowered that a special set-aside was created for whites, this year Virginia white wines are dominant. The 2025 Governor's Cup Case features six whites including the top wine, Barboursville Vineyards' 2023 Vermentino. Since the contest was revamped in 2012, only one other non-desert white has won, Horton Vineyards' 2016 Petit Manseng in 2019.
Monticello Rules
Wine Enthusiast's 2023 Wine Region of the Year continues to flex its muscle as the king of Virginia wines. Seven of the 12 wines in this year's case come from the Monticello AVA, including the Cup Winner.
Cabernet Franc Is Back
In recent years, the Wine Dogs have lamented the lack of Cabernet Franc, arguably Virginia's most distinctive varietal, in the Governor's Cup Case. This year's case features two.
Best-in-Show Wines
This year's competition saw the addition of a best-in-show category for major varietals and blends that are not represented in the case. Six wines earned this distinction and are featured at the end of this post.
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Judging Director Frank Morgan observed, "Wines of nuance showed stronger this year." |
Judging Director Frank Morgan raised the bar this year, assembling a world-class judging panel with decades of experience, including four Masters of Wine and a Master Sommelier.
Best of the Best
The Wine Dogs enjoyed an evening of tasting the top wines in Virginia. We'll lead you through the case and best-in-show winners in no particular order.
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York celebrates with Barboursville's Luca Paschina |
The Spanish grape Alberino is rising fast grape as a top wine in Virginia. Potomac Point Winery's Jordon Cleary joined with owner Skip Causey to craft a delightful example with their 2023 Alberino. Skip is passing the winemaking torch to Jordan this year.
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The Winery at La Grange loves dogs, attests General Manager Katie Lee, showing off her tattoo of her 90-pound rescue mutt Cricket. Another white grape coming into its own in Virginia is Petit Manseng. The Wine Dogs loved the 2023 Petit Manseng from the Winery at La Grange, which was bright and fresh. La Grange frequently holds K9s in the Vines events, the next one on June 21. The second Petit Manseng in the 2025 Governor's Cup Case comes from Corry Craighill of Valley Roads Vineyards. With 2.2 percent residual sugar, it is balanced by a bright acidity bringing to mind a pleasant nectar. |
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Winning Women Winemakers: Emily Hodson of Veritas (l) and Corry Craighill (r) of Valley Roads Vineyards |
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Jackie and Jessie (above) pour Michael Shaps' (below) gold medal wines. |
Michael Shaps racked up seven gold medals this years from his two wineries - namesake Michael Shaps Wineworks and Shenandoah Vineyards and is the consulting winemaker for others. Among the golds, the 2022 Wild Meadow Vineyard Chardonnay found a spot in the case. This wine is a wow on the nose and benefits from 15 months of aging on lees.
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Cellar Rat Bryce Broff shares a sample of Trump Sparkling Rose |
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Paradise Springs CEO Kirk Wiles and Winemaker Rob Cox toast a great Cabernet Franc |
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DuCard winemaker Julien Durantie produced an outstanding Cabernet Franc |
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King Family Hospitality Director Juan Delfin proudly displays the Mountain Plains Red |
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50 West Tasting Room Associate Gunner Isaksen loves pouring the Aldie Heights Cuvee'. |
Five additional wines were honored at the Governor's Cup Gala with Best-in-Show honors.
BEST IN SHOW CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Breaux Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
(shown by owner Jennifer Breaux)
BEST IN SHOW DESSERT WINE, 7 Lady Vineyards 2017 Petit Manseng(shown by Shane Patrick Crews and Peter Moore)
BEST IN SHOW MERLOT, Pollak Vineyards 2022 Merlot ReserveBEST IN SHOW PETIT VERDOT, Carriage House Wineworks 2022 Petit Verdot Reserve
(shown by Colin Campbell, Cellar Master)
BEST IN SHOW VIOGNIER, Jefferson Vineyards 2023 Viognier
(shown by Chris Ritzcovan, winemaker)
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