Since first discovering the distinct charm of Virginia wines in 2011, I’ve had the privilege of exploring the region’s history and evolving winemaking practices. Recently, I had the chance to revisit this dynamic wine scene through the 2025 Governor’s Cup®, an annual competition that highlights the best wines, ciders, and meads from across the Commonwealth. This year, over 620 entries from 87 wineries were evaluated by a team of expert judges, with 155 gold medals awarded for exceptional quality. The top 12 ranking wines make up the Governor’s Cup Case, showcasing Virginia’s diversity in varietals and styles.
I recently attended a webinar on the winning white wines, led by my friend Frank Morgan, who is the undisputed expert and advocate of Virginia wine. Frank is impressive. He holds down a career, he’s a great family man and dad, and is a wine expert. He can also be convinced to get in a car on demand. He can also be convinced to get in the car on demand (maybe not anymore).
Over the years, I had a chance to explore the region at the 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference. In 2018, the Virginia Wine Board invited me to celebrate the inaugural Harvest Party, a new tradition that was formed to celebrate the past, present, and future of Virginia wine. Created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1984 as part of Virginia’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Wine Board promotes the interests of vineyards and wineries in the Commonwealth through research, education, and marketing.
Back then, I was impressed with the history and innovation, tracing its roots back to the early 1600s when Jamestown settlers planted the first vines in North America. Despite challenges like Prohibition and native pests, the state has emerged as a premier wine region with nearly 300 wineries across eight AVAs. Known for its ability to produce both classic and lesser-known varietals.
From early colonial struggles with native grapes to Thomas Jefferson’s ambitious attempts at Monticello, the state’s winemaking history has been shaped by challenges and perseverance. Modern pioneers like Barboursville Vineyards have revitalized the industry, proving that Virginia’s unique climate and soil can produce exceptional wines. Today, with nearly 300 wineries across eight AVAs, Virginia blends Old World elegance with New World boldness, crafting wines that embody a true sense of place. The Governor’s Cup celebrates these achievements and serves as a platform to elevate Virginia wine on the national and international stage.
Since then, wine has become nearly a $2 billion industry with an annual production of approximately two million gallons of wine, and Virginia ranks as the 10th largest wine-producing state in the U.S. and the second largest on the East Coast.
The History
First, a little about the State of Virginia and its place in North American wine history, which predates our country. Planting vineyards was a state mandate at one point in time. In 1762, Charles Carter proved it was possible to grow wine grapes successfully in Virginia. Twelve years after English colonists settled in Jamestown, the Virginia House of Burgesses passed Act 12, requiring each male colonist to plant and tend at least 10 grapevines. In the 1800s, Thomas Jefferson started a vineyard and winery near Monticello. Virginia kept showing progress through the 19th century until Prohibition in 1920.
Things began to look up in the late 1950s when wineries began to plant experimental grapes with success. By the 1970s, six new wineries existed, and European winemakers started to see potential in the region. In 1976, well-known Italian Winemaker Gianni Zonin, hired Gabriele Rausse to grow and harvest grapes near Charlottesville and established Barboursville Vineyards. He is credited with helping to establish 5 more vineyards. By 1995, Virginia had 46 wineries. By 2005, there were 107. Today, Virginia is home to nearly 300 wineries.
With over 4,000 acres of grapes that span the state, Virginia is home to 10 regions and 8 distinct AVAs, including Blue Ridge, Monticello, George Washington Birthplace, Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Virginia Peninsula, Middleburg, and Shenandoah Valley.
The Wines and Wineries
2023 Barboursville Vineyards’ Vermentino claimed the Governor’s Cup® this year, a rare win for a white wine, showing Virginia’s ability to produce world-class wines that blend tradition with innovation.
Barboursville Vineyards is a historic estate and a leader in Virginia’s wine industry, renowned for its Italian-inspired varietals and the guidance of winemaker Luca Paschina. The 2023 Vermentino stands out as a benchmark for white wines in the region. This wine is vibrant and aromatic, offering notes of lemon blossom, lychee, and pear. It’s juicy yet elegantly dry, with racy acidity, a structured palate, and a long, mineral-driven finish. The subtle salinity and smooth texture make it a perfect match for seafood and Mediterranean fare.
2022 Michael Shaps Wineworks Wild Meadow Vineyard Chardonnay
Michael Shaps Wineworks is celebrated for its Burgundian winemaking approach with wineries in France and Virginia, and this wine is a testament to this philosophy. Crafted with careful attention to fruit quality, slow fermentation, and extended lees contact, this Chardonnay is complex and age-worthy.
2023 Potomac Point Winery Albariño
Potomac Point Winery has gained attention for its expressive white wines, and the 2023 Albariño is no exception. It earned a Gold Medal and a spot in the Governor’s Case. This wine is crisp and aromatic, bursting with bright citrus and grapefruit notes with a touch of minerality.
2023 Valley Road Vineyards Petit Manseng
Valley Road Vineyards specializes in expressive, single-varietal wines, and their 2023 Petit Manseng is a prime example. This wine is bright gold in color and offers powerful aromatics, including butterscotch and lush tropical fruits. On the palate, it’s rich and mouth-filling, balanced by a vibrant acidity that carries through to a long, clean finish. It’s a versatile white that can pair with spicy dishes or rich cheeses, and it earned a Gold Medal at the 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup.
2023 Veritas Winery Monticello White
Veritas Winery is one of Virginia’s most respected producers, known for blending classic varietals with modern innovations. The 2023 Monticello White is a blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Petit Manseng. I tasted notes of tropical fruits, stone fruits, floral notes, and a fresh, lively acidity.
2023 Winery at La Grange Petit Manseng
Winery at La Grange is known for crafting expressive Virginia wines from the Haymarket region. Their 2023 Petit Manseng is 100% varietal, I tasted notes of tropical fruit, honey, and citrus, balanced by natural acidity and a lingering finish.
The 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup white wine winners show the diversity of Virginia’s wine scene. Every bottle of white wine I tried — from the crisp Vermentino of Barboursville to the expressive Petit Mansengs — highlights the dedication, innovation, and unique terroir that define Virginia’s wine industry today.
