The Best Virginia Wines: 2025 Governor’s Cup Case

The 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup Case recognizes the best of the best wines in Virginia, choosing only a dozen wines to represent the 300+ wineries found throughout the Commonwealth. Now in its 43rd year, this annual wine competition has become known as one of the most stringent in the country.

Although you can sometimes find wines from these Case-winning vineyards at the local grocery store or gourmet shop, visiting the wineries allows you to see where and how these incredible vintages are produced, all against the stunning backdrop of Virginia’s wine country.

Use this 2025 Governor’s Cup Case guide to help you decide which Virginia wineries to visit this spring.

Barboursville Vineyards—Barboursville

Governor’s Cup Winner: 2023 Vermentino

This year marks the sixth time winemaker Luca Paschina and Barboursville Vineyards have walked home with the Governor's Cup. The inviting Vermentino offers flavors of flowers, lemon, and a hint of peach with a crisp, dry finish. 

Part of the Monticello American Viticultural Area, Barboursville was the home of the first successful cultivation of vitis vinifera in Virginia back in the 1960s. The winery’s 18th-century estate includes two tasting rooms, an outdoor patio space for sunny days, and an on-site restaurant and inn that offers the perfect spot for a wine lover’s weekend getaway.

50 West Vineyards—Middleburg

Governor’s Case Winner: 2021 Aldie Heights Cuvée

The lauded wine from 50 West was recognized for its depth and intensity. Combining aromas of black currant and cedar with a palate of rich fruit flavors, the bold wine comes from produce sourced from two Shenandoah Valley vineyards. 

Your visit to 50 West can include sips of classic French styles wines and views of the Bull Run Mountain range, just minutes from the town of Middleburg. Check out the Master's Series class offerings to deepen your knowledge while enjoying a full wine tasting and grazing table. 

Barboursville Vineyards—Barboursville

Governor’s Case Winner: 2017 Octagon

Earning two spots in the Governor's Cup Case, Barboursville was also lauded for its Octagon. The elegant composition of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot has aromas of red plum, cherries, and tobacco, followed by a long finish with notes of blackberry, cardamom, and earthy forest floor. 

While visiting the vineyards, don’t miss the historic Barboursville Ruins, one of Thomas Jefferson’s famed architectural endeavors, just steps away from the winery.

DuCard Vineyards—Etlan

Governor’s Case Winner: 2023 Cabernet Franc Vintners Reserve

The grapes from this winning wine come from DuCard's 1,000-ft elevation vineyard, located alongside Shenandoah National Park. The resulting Cabernet Franc is a robust yet smooth drink with notes of clove, black cherry, and pink peppercorn. 

DuCard is known for its sustainable practices as well as its awarded wines. Enjoy a tasting at the bar, made from recycled wood from a 100-year-old barn on the property, and marvel at the scenery through the cathedral ceiling window wall. The vineyard is also solar-powered and is a pioneer in using lightweight wine bottles to reduce environmental impact. 

Michael Shaps Wineworks—Charlottesville

Governor’s Case Winner: 2022 Chardonnay

This Wild Meadow Vineyard Chardonnay was vinified in the Burgundian style, pressed and fermented in oak barrels with ambient yeast. Notes of toast, spice, and pear are present with minerality and baked apple on the palate. 

With one location in the heart of Charlottesville and a second a few miles outside the city, Michael Shaps Wineworks offers tastings of both Virginia wines and wines made at Shaps’ vineyard in the Burgundy region of France. As one of Virginia’s most acclaimed winemakers, Michael Shaps crafts wines that have helped make the Commonwealth an internationally recognized wine destination.

King Family Vineyards—Crozet

Governor’s Case Winner: 2021 Mountain Plains Red

After claiming the top prize in 2024, King Family returned to the Cup Case this year with a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. The process included four to eight weeks of maceration in concrete fermentation tanks, followed by aging for 22 months in barrels from the Tronçais forest in Central France, resulting in a rich and vibrant wine with a lingering finish. 

Located in the gorgeous foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains just 15 minutes from Charlottesville, King Family is the perfect place to sip, with expansive lawns that beckon visitors to put down a picnic blanket, grab a glass of wine, and stay awhile. Come on Sundays from Memorial Day through October to watch polo matches as you savor the delicious wines.

Paradise Springs Winery—Clifton

Governor’s Case Winner: 2023 Cabernet Franc, Brown Bear Vineyard

Paradise Springs Winery earned a spot in the Governor’s Cup Case for their 2023 Cabernet Franc that shows of the terroir of the Shenandoah Valley. Medium-bodied with notes of black cherry, licorice, and a hint of white pepper spice, the wine has a silky texture and pairs well with a variety of dishes. 

Paradise Springs is the first bicoastal winery in the United States, with one location in Northern Virginia and the second in Santa Barbara, California. The Northern Virginia location borders the Bull Run River and is the closest Virginia winery to Washington, D.C. Originally part of a land grant from Lord Fairfax in 1716, the winery has a rich history—don’t miss seeing the 1700s log cabin, which was restored and renovated in 1955.

Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard—Stafford

Governor’s Case Winner: 2023 Albarino

Composed of 95% Albarino and 5% Viognier, the 2023 Albarino from Potomac Point has a light body and refreshing flavor profile of grapefruit, lemon zest, apricot, and sweet melon. A touch of salinity keeps things in balance. 

Founded in 2007, Potomac Point welcomes guests to its grounds for tastings, panoramic views, and charming architecture. Make a reservation to enjoy a meal at Le Grand Cru Bistro along with a bottle, glass, or flight of wine. 

The Winery at La Grange—Haymarket

Governor's Case Winner: 2023 Petit Manseng

This aromatic and vibrant Petit Manseng is fermented in neutral 100% French oak barrels. The tropical palate of pear and fruit nectar make it ideal to pair with flavorful dishes like spicy seafood, fresh mango salsa, ceviche, or a slice of lemon meringue pie. 

The Winery at La Grange grows more than six acres of different grape varieties on its property, located near Silver Lake Regional Park. Reserve space at a picnic table or on the BBQ or Manor patios to sip and savor views of the property. Check the calendar to see when special events are coming up, including afternoons with free live music. 

Trump Winery—Charlottesville

Governor's Case Winner: 2018 Sparkling Rosé

This sparkling wine is aged 48 months, leading to bright aromas of fresh strawberry and cherry and citrus notes in the finish. The composition is 88% Chardonnay and 12% Pinot Noir. 

Located in the Monticello AVA, Trump Winery includes wine and cider tasting rooms. There's also an on-site hotel, the Albemarle Estate, which features expansive gardens and luxurious accommodations.

Veritas Vineyard and Winery—Afton

Governor's Case Winner: 2023 Monticello White

Composed of Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Petit Manseng, this stylish blend offers a vibrant and charming complexity. Expect aromas of honeysuckle, orange blossom, and acacia, along with peach, stone fruit, and toasted almond flavors. 

Take in the beauty of the Blue Ridge by setting up a lawn picnic at Veritas, or reserve a table in the tasting room, on the covered veranda, or at a private picnic area. Take in all the winery has to offer with a stay at The Farmhouse at Veritas, a bed and breakfast with luxurious amenities and an on-site restaurant with a seasonal menu. 

Valley Road Vineyards—Afton

Governor's Case Winner: 2023 Petit Manseng

Valley Road was honored for the inaugural vintage of this single-varietal Petit Manseng, which is made from fruit grown in the Mountain Glen Vineyard in Lovingston. The tropical fruit on the palate and bright acidity in the finish make it a more versatile Petit Manseng than many. 

You'll find Valley Road Vineyards just north of the Nelson 151 craft beverage trail, making it ideal for starting or capping off a trip through the Blue Ridge. Enjoy a self-guided tasting flight or schedule a private tasting for an in-depth journey into the winemaking process. 

These wineries were recognized in the 2025 Governor’s Cup Case, but there are dozens of wineries that earned bronze, silver, and gold medals for their wines; check the complete list and visit these remarkable vineyards to experience the absolute best of Virginia vino!