Record-Breaking Year: Announcing the Winners of the Virginia Governor’s Cup Wine Competition

At the annual Governor’s Cup Gala held at Richmond’s historic Main Street Station, Governor Abigail Spanberger awarded the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup to Valley Road Vineyards for their exceptional 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve. Valley Road, which boasts a scenic location in Nelson County, has been gaining recognition in recent years, but this is a landmark achievement, marking both the first Governor’s Cup for the vineyard and its winemaker, Corry Craighill.

During the March 12 ceremony, Gov. Spanberger highlighted how Virginia’s dedication, innovation, and agricultural strength continue to elevate the state as a prominent wine region. This was the 44th annual Governor’s Cup competition, which exclusively celebrates wines made from Virginia-grown fruit. This year’s competition saw a record 677 entries from 155 wineries, cideries, and meaderies, a testament to the growing quality of Virginia’s wines.

Judges awarded an unprecedented 224 gold medals across 113 participants, demonstrating the impressive rise in quality within the state’s wine sector. Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Katie Frazier, emphasized the importance of wine and cider as agricultural products that significantly contribute to the rural economy.

Valley Road Vineyards was founded in 2015 by Stan and Barbara Joynes alongside four other couples. Corry Craighill, who previously worked at several noted vineyards both domestically and abroad, expressed gratitude for the award, stating that it holds special significance after years of hard work in the industry. The revival of the Cabernet Franc, once absent from top honors for a decade, is noteworthy, as it is becoming increasingly popular for its ability to thrive in Virginia’s climate.

The Governor’s Cup competition employs a rigorous two-round judging process, where wines initially assessed by panels scoring above 90 points advance to a final round including distinguished experts from the wine industry. The highest-scoring wine garners the Governor’s Cup, while the next top wines featured in the Governor’s Case, an annual selection promoting Virginia’s finest.

The 2026 Governor’s Case includes standout wines from various esteemed wineries, showcasing the diverse range of Virginia viticulture. Additionally, the top cider was awarded to Blue Bee Cider from Richmond for its 2024 Hewe’s Crab blend, marking a significant recognition for the small team behind the cidery.

The Governor’s Cup Competition, in collaboration with the Virginia Wine Board, underscores the vibrant and conscientious efforts being undertaken within Virginia’s wine and cider industries.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!