And the winner of the Governor's Cup is...

Crimson Lane vertical tasting: On Saturday, March 28, Crimson Lane Vineyards will showcase the 2019 and 2022 vintages of their flagship Bordeaux-style red blend, Parral.

⭐️ Unreleased vintages at Afton Mountain: Afton Mountain Vineyards will host a Barrel Cave tasting on March 28, featuring a behind-the-scenes tour and samples of unreleased vintages.

Ashton Creek’s spring fling: On March 19, Ashton Creek Vinyard’s head winemaker Alan Thibault is hosting a special Viognier vertical tasting with live music and hors d’oeuvres.

Merrie Mill winemaker’s tasting: Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard is hosting their 2nd Annual Owner & Winemaker’s Guided Tasting and Lunch in honor of Women’s History Month on March 27.

King Family vintage tasting: King Family Vineyards is hosting a vintage tasting on March 22. The event includes tasting three award-winning red wines, featuring a current vintage, a library vintage, and a preview of a future release.

Stone Tower wine and cheese: Stone Tower Winery is hosting a wine and cheese tasting event led by sommelier Sam Miller on March 26.

Walsh Family blends tasting: Walsh Family Wines is hosting a tasting event on March 27 focused on white and red blends, guided by winemaker Nate Walsh.

‘Merlot Madness’ and a Nebbiolo Vertical: Breaux Vineyards is hosting two red-wine experiences: Merlot Madness throughout March, and a Nebbiolo Vertical tasting on April 18.

‘Flights & Flowers’ at Chrysalis: Enjoy a wine flight and create a floral arrangement with Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District on April 25.

Dog Days at Breaux: Breaux Vineyards is hosting 'Dog Days' on May 23, inviting pet owners to bring their dogs for a day of fun. Admission is free for both dogs and their owners.

⭐️ CrossKeys’ first NA wine: CrossKeys Vineyards announced their first-ever nonalcoholic release, Joy White Zero, an alcohol-removed white wine blend.

Last week, Virginia’s best wineries gathered in Richmond to celebrate the 44th Virginia Governor's Cup, the most stringent wine competition in the state. It’s the competition that all Virginia winemakers mark on their calendars.

Valley Road Vineyards was the overall winner of the Governor’s Cup with its 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve (review below). "Valley Road Vineyards' 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," said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier.

Here are also the 12 wines with the highest average scores that make up the "Governor's Cup Case."

Afton, VA • Cabernet Franc • $41.95

Barboursville’s sale: Nearing it’s 50th anniversary, Barboursville Vineyards has been sold to an undisclosed investor group. Earlier this year, the 2017 vintage of its signature red blend, Octagon, earned a place among the Top 50 U.S. Wines of the Year in Decanter — a first for Virginia wines. Head winemaker Luca Paschina will remain as president of CEO.

A harsh winter: Jim Law, founder of Linden Vineyards, speaks with Decanter about the effects of this particularly cold winter: “If this happened in early March, we would be in trouble. Temperature fluctuations are the real problem, especially with young vines.”

A new executive chef at Williamsburg Winery: Chad Bergeron, who previously worked at the winery as a sous chef, will return as head of the winery’s restaurant and catering events.

Walsh Family Wine is looking for harvesting interns: Walsh Family Wine is looking for harvest interns for 2026 season from early August to early November. Pay is $16 ‍−‌ $19/hour.

⭐️ Chatham‘s wine & oyster weekends: Chatham Vineyards is hosting Wine & Oyster Weekends, offering guests a half dozen oysters paired with a glass of wine for $20. The next event is April 4–6.

Chrysalis‘ wine tasting discount: Chrysalis Vineyards invites visitors to take advantage of a $5 discount on their Gold Medal Wine Tasting when they download their “mobile passport.” The winery is featured as a stop on the Gold Medal Wine Trail.

Small barrels from Blue Ridge: Blue Ridge Winery has small barrels available for purchase at their winery in Saylorsburg. Priced at $53 each — first come, first serve.

Barrel Oak’s event space giveaway: Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery is hosting a giveaway for a complimentary private event space rental for up to 35 guests. The event must take place before May 2026.