Virginia Governor Spanberger Honors Valley Road Vineyards with the Prestigious 2026 Governor's Cup® Award

Celebrating Excellence in Virginia Wine: 2026 Governor's Cup® Award Presentation

On the night of March 13, 2026, Richmond's Main Street Station became a hub of celebration for wine enthusiasts as Governor Abigail Spanberger presented the prestigious 2026 Virginia Governor's Cup® to Valley Road Vineyards. This annual event, now in its 44th year, showcases the remarkable quality of wines produced across the state. This year, the competition saw a record-breaking involvement, receiving over 670 entries, of which 224 medals were awarded, representing Virginia's diverse wineries and cideries.

Valley Road Vineyards, located in Afton, Virginia, emerged as the top winner with its 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve. Founded in 2015 by five couples, the winery was recognized for its commitment to innovation and quality. CEO and founder Stan Joynes, along with winemaker Corry Craighill, crafted the award-winning Cabernet Franc from grapes sourced exclusively from their own Grayson Vineyard within the revered Monticello AVA. Governor Spanberger praised the vineyard's achievement, saying, "Tonight reflects the dedication, innovation, and agricultural strength that continues to elevate Virginia as one of our nation's premier wine regions."

The Governor's Cup® serves as a benchmark of excellence in Virginia's wine industry, with the 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve setting a high standard after receiving the highest overall score from a panel of expert judges. This accolade not only distinguishes the wine in the competitive landscape but also places it among eleven other standout selections in the coveted 2026 Virginia Governor's Cup® Case, which features the top twelve wines from this year's competition.

In addition to Valley Road Vineyards, other winners featured in the 2026 Virginia Governor's Cup® Case include notable producers such as Barboursville Vineyards with their 2024 Vermentino, and Trump Winery with their 2018 Blanc de Noir. The diversity of offerings, ranging from reds to whites and bubbly, further reflects Virginia's rich winemaking heritage.

Acknowledging the integral role of wine and cider in the state's agricultural framework, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier remarked, "Valley Road Vineyards' Governor's Cup® win highlights the innovation and talent driving Virginia's wine industry forward, and winemakers like Corry Craighill continue to set new standards for quality across the Commonwealth."

As part of the ongoing endeavor to promote Virginia's wine, this year also saw the introduction of a dedicated cider category in the competition, culminating in the announcement of Blue Bee Cider as the Cider of the Year for their 2024 Hewe's Crab. Standout wines were also recognized in various categories, with awards given to the highest-scoring wines that excelled among their peers.

The Virginia Governor's Cup® Competition is a prestigious event organized by the Virginia Wineries Association in partnership with the Virginia Wine Board, aimed at celebrating the excellence of wines produced using 100% Virginia-grown fruit. Each wine is rigorously assessed through a unified scoring process by experienced judges who evaluate factors such as appearance, aroma, flavor, commercial potential, and overall quality.

The complete list of winners and more details about the Governor's Cup® Competition can be found on the Virginia Wine official website. As Virginia's wine industry continues to thrive, the recognition of formidable vineyards like Valley Road serves to amplify the state’s reputation on the national stage, showcasing the artistry and dedication inherent in the region's winemaking culture.