You Won't Believe What Governor Spanberger Just Did with the 2026 Virginia Governor's Cup®! Find Out Now!

March 13, 2026 (Richmond, VA) — The annual Virginia Governor’s Cup Gala held at Richmond’s Main Street Station witnessed an exciting highlight as Governor Abigail Spanberger awarded the prestigious 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup® to Valley Road Vineyards for its outstanding 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve. This year marks the 44th iteration of the competition, which celebrates the exceptional quality and diversity of wines produced throughout the Commonwealth. A record-breaking entry of over 670 wines was submitted, with 224 gold medals distributed among 113 wineries and cideries across Virginia.

“Tonight reflects the dedication, innovation, and agricultural strength that continues to elevate Virginia as one of our nation’s premier wine regions,” stated Governor Abigail Spanberger. She further praised Valley Road Vineyards, noting that their 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve exemplifies the high quality and craftsmanship being showcased at the event. Spanberger expressed her commitment to supporting Virginia’s vineyards over the next four years.

Founded in 2015 by five couples, Valley Road Vineyards is situated in Afton, Virginia, and is managed by CEO Stan Joynes. The winery’s winemaker, Corry Craighill, is the creative force behind the award-winning 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve, which is crafted entirely from Cabernet Franc grapes grown at the winery’s Grayson Vineyard in the Monticello AVA. This award marks Valley Road Vineyards' first time receiving the Governor’s Cup, although they had previously been selected for the Governor’s Cup® Case in 2017 and 2025 for their Petit Verdot and Petit Manseng, respectively.

“Wine and cider are important agricultural products for our Commonwealth and key contributors to our rural economy,” remarked Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier. She emphasized that the Governor’s Cup® win for Valley Road Vineyards underscores the innovation and talent propelling Virginia’s wine industry forward, with winemakers like Craighill setting new standards for quality.

The selection of the 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve as the Governor’s Cup® winner was based on its impressive average score from a distinguished panel of judges, who evaluated entries on various criteria including appearance, aroma, flavor, commercial suitability, and overall quality. This exceptional wine will be featured alongside eleven other standout selections in the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup® Case, which showcases the highest-scoring wines from this year’s competition.

The complete lineup for the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup® Case includes:

• 7 Lady Vineyards, 2023 Meritage
• Barboursville Vineyards, 2024 Vermentino
• CrossKeys Vineyards, 2024 Cabernet Franc
• Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard, 2023 Two Springs
• Glen Manor Vineyards, 2023 Vin Rouge
• Granite Heights Winery, 2024 Humility
• Michael Shaps Wineworks, 2023 Cabernet Franc
• Pollak Vineyards, 2023 Merlot Reserve
• Trump Winery, 2018 Blanc de Noir
• Valley Road Vineyards, 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve
• Winery at La Grange, 2024 Petit Manseng
• Woodbrook Farm Vineyard, 2024 Petit Manseng

In a continued celebration of Virginia’s beverage culture, this year also marked the sixth time that Virginia cider was judged in its own category, with Blue Bee Cider receiving the 2026 Cider of the Year recognition for its 2024 Hewe’s Crab. Standout wines in various categories were recognized as Best in Show, with awards given to the highest-scoring gold-medal wines in categories that received at least five entries.

The 2026 Best in Show winners include:

• 50 West Vineyards, 2024 Vidal Blanc
• Chrysalis Vineyards, 2022 Norton
• Good Spirit Farm, 2024 Albariño
• Hark Vineyards, 2022 Ember
• Knight’s Gambit Vineyard, 2023 Chardonnay
• Paradise Springs Winery, 2023 Petit Verdot
• Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards, 2024 Sauvignon Blanc
• The Barn at 678, 2024 Viognier
• Walsh Family Wine, 2021 Tannat
• WildKind Estate, 2024 WildKind White
• Wolf Gap Vineyard, 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon

The Virginia Governor’s Cup® Case not only highlights the exceptional quality of wines produced in the Commonwealth but also reflects the craftsmanship and diverse varietals that characterize Virginia Wine. This year’s selections showcase a broad mix of red, white, and sparkling wines, reaffirming Virginia's growing reputation as a vital player in the national wine industry.

About the Virginia Governor’s Cup® Competition
The Virginia Wineries Association’s Governor’s Cup® Competition, held in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board, ensures that all entries are crafted from 100 percent Virginia-grown fruit. Each wine is meticulously evaluated using a unified scoring system by a panel of experienced judges. For more information regarding the Virginia Governor’s Cup® Competition and a complete list of winners, visit Virginia Wine.