Celebrating Excellence: The Inaugural Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards
The narrative of Virginia Wine surpasses just the picturesque vineyards and tasting rooms; it intertwines with the souls of restaurants, wine bars, and retailers across the Commonwealth. These establishments play an essential role in bridging the gap between consumers and the locally sourced, meticulously crafted wines found in Virginia. To honor these dedicated businesses, the very first Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards have been established, designed to recognize those who excel in showcasing the extraordinary contributions of Virginia’s wine industry.
On November 17, 2025, the awards acknowledged 18 standout recipients for their unwavering commitment to promoting and celebrating Virginia Wines. The honored establishments have displayed exceptional creativity and community involvement by implementing innovative programs that not only enhance wine selection but elevate consumer experience. Techniques include themed tasting flights, curated by-the-glass wine lists, and meticulous staff education, all aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for the wines cultivated right in the local soil.
2025 Stewards of Virginia Wine Recipients
This year's recipients are a testament to the spirit of community and excellence in the wine industry:
Judges' Award – Honoring the top five nominees with the best scores for excellence in promoting Virginia Wine.
Desiree Harrison-Brown, Trade Specialist for the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office, expressed the importance of recognizing these establishments by stating, "When Virginia wines are featured on menus, behind bars, and on retail shelves, it strengthens the connection between our vineyards and the communities they serve." This inaugural award ceremony highlights the key role that selected businesses play in spreading the narrative of Virginia Wine, leading to expectations for further recognition in subsequent years.
Selection Process
The journey toward selecting the Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards began with nominations from various stakeholders, including wineries, distributors, consumers, and industry partners. Eligible nominees were required to submit a detailed application showcasing their engagement with Virginia Wines. An industry panel then evaluated these nominations based on a standardized rubric that encompassed five focal points: the presence of Virginia Wines on menus, consumer promotions, creativity, staff education, and commitment to Virginia wine initiatives. Additionally, an optional bonus point was offered for significant community impact or advocacy contributions.
The selected recipients demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and influence in enhancing the visibility and appreciation of Virginia Wines throughout hospitality sectors and retail environments.
About the Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards
The Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards aim to honor restaurants, wine bars, and stores that showcase remarkable dedication to Virginia-grown wines. This initiative celebrates the creativity, innovative spirit, and community engagement that fortify Virginia's stature among the United States' premier wine regions.
About Virginia Wine
Virginia is home to over 300 wineries, establishing it as one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant wine regions across the country. The Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office is committed to promoting the development and growth of Virginia's wine industry through educational activities and marketing initiatives, emphasizing the quality and diversity of wines produced within the state. As the program continues to flourish, more partners that contribute significantly to the Virginia Wine story will be recognized, enhancing the appreciation for this thriving industry.
On November 17, 2025, the awards acknowledged 18 standout recipients for their unwavering commitment to promoting and celebrating Virginia Wines. The honored establishments have displayed exceptional creativity and community involvement by implementing innovative programs that not only enhance wine selection but elevate consumer experience. Techniques include themed tasting flights, curated by-the-glass wine lists, and meticulous staff education, all aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for the wines cultivated right in the local soil.
2025 Stewards of Virginia Wine Recipients
This year's recipients are a testament to the spirit of community and excellence in the wine industry:
- - Accordia
- - Field
- - Main Restaurant
- - The Omni Homestead Resort
- - Amuse Restaurant (VMFA)
- - L'Auberge Provençale
- - The Portofino Restaurant
- - Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique
- - Market Street Wine
- - The Wine Guild of Charlottesville
- - Cork & Fork Fine Wine Merchants
- - Maude the Bear
- - The Workshop
- - Ethos Wine & Tea
- - Rootstock Wine Bar and Provisions
- - Valley Pike Farm Market
- - Feast Market & Café
- - Terrapin Restaurant
- - Vino Volo – Dulles Airport
Judges' Award – Honoring the top five nominees with the best scores for excellence in promoting Virginia Wine.
Desiree Harrison-Brown, Trade Specialist for the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office, expressed the importance of recognizing these establishments by stating, "When Virginia wines are featured on menus, behind bars, and on retail shelves, it strengthens the connection between our vineyards and the communities they serve." This inaugural award ceremony highlights the key role that selected businesses play in spreading the narrative of Virginia Wine, leading to expectations for further recognition in subsequent years.
Selection Process
The journey toward selecting the Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards began with nominations from various stakeholders, including wineries, distributors, consumers, and industry partners. Eligible nominees were required to submit a detailed application showcasing their engagement with Virginia Wines. An industry panel then evaluated these nominations based on a standardized rubric that encompassed five focal points: the presence of Virginia Wines on menus, consumer promotions, creativity, staff education, and commitment to Virginia wine initiatives. Additionally, an optional bonus point was offered for significant community impact or advocacy contributions.
The selected recipients demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and influence in enhancing the visibility and appreciation of Virginia Wines throughout hospitality sectors and retail environments.
About the Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards
The Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards aim to honor restaurants, wine bars, and stores that showcase remarkable dedication to Virginia-grown wines. This initiative celebrates the creativity, innovative spirit, and community engagement that fortify Virginia's stature among the United States' premier wine regions.
About Virginia Wine
Virginia is home to over 300 wineries, establishing it as one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant wine regions across the country. The Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office is committed to promoting the development and growth of Virginia's wine industry through educational activities and marketing initiatives, emphasizing the quality and diversity of wines produced within the state. As the program continues to flourish, more partners that contribute significantly to the Virginia Wine story will be recognized, enhancing the appreciation for this thriving industry.
Topics Consumer Products & Retail）
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