Virginia wine is having a moment—and we're celebrating right along with our partner wineries. The 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup put Loudoun County and its neighbors squarely on the map, showering gold medals across the region. If you’ve ever wondered where to sip the state’s top bottles or which winemakers are turning heads (and tastebuds), this roundup is for you.
Let’s pop some corks and get to know the medalists—especially a few of the standouts you can visit with Vineyard Voyages.
Virginia Wine’s Big Year: By the Numbers
The 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup, judged this March, was record-breaking: 87 wineries brought home a whopping 155 gold medals. Red blends and single-varietals especially reigned—Meritage blends alone scooped up 32 golds, while robust Petit Verdot wines earned 16.
All across Northern Virginia, and especially in Loudoun County, small family-run vineyards and boutique estates proved they can hang with the state’s most legendary labels. That means award-winning sipping experiences are closer than ever.
Our Gold Standard: The Vineyard Voyages 2025 Hall of Fame
We’re raising a glass to the 15 partner wineries that define what’s special about Virginia wine country. Whether you crave robust reds, zesty whites, or creative blends, these spots raked in awards and praise this year.
Here’s where you’ll taste true gold:
868 Estate Vineyards
Awarded for their versatile winemaking, 868 Estate’s recent vintage of Cabernet Franc wowed judges with balanced tannins and a deep, black cherry backbone. You’ll taste why in the airy tasting room—bonus points for their commitment to sustainable farming.
8 Chains North Winery
Their bold Bordeaux-style red blends are always a contender at the Governor’s Cup. Don’t miss the gold-medal Meritage release, which features dark fruit, spice, and a smoky, elegant finish—perfect for pairing with charcuterie on their dog-friendly patio.
Carriage House Wineworks
Known for putting a modern spin on historic Virginia winemaking, Carriage House earned gold with their Petit Manseng—a white that’s rich yet lively, boasting tropical fruit notes and a lingering minerality.
Casanel Vineyards & Winery
If you’re talking about buzz in 2025, Casanel is the one everyone’s whispering (okay, bragging) about. Their 2022 Carménère stormed the judges’ table, earning a gold medal for its wild berry aroma and notes of white pepper. Family-run and small-batch, Casanel nails both quality and charm. Try the Carménère alongside their estate-grown Norton for a uniquely Virginian comparison flight.
Domaine Fortier Vineyards
A rising star, Domaine Fortier’s gold-winning Viognier is a tropical daydream: apricot and honeysuckle up front, finishing with a clean citrus zing. It’s a white that whispers summer, even in winter.
Fabbioli Cellars
Doug Fabbioli is a legend in Loudoun County for a reason. This year, his signature Tannat blend received another gold, celebrated for its dark fruit character, bold structure, and savory spice. It’s a red built for slow-sipping and big laughs with friends.
Firefly Cellars
One of Loudoun’s most creative cellars, they scored with their gold medal Syrah—fragrant, plush, and just peppery enough. Try it alongside their spicy food pairings or during one of their themed tasting events.
Fleetwood Farm Winery
Fleetwood is having a banner year, taking home gold for their 2022 Chardonnay Reserve. Imagine lemon meringue, vanilla, and a whisper of toasted oak—all wrapped up in a wine as elegant as its French-inspired tasting room. Sip with a view of the rolling hills and you’ll see why Fleetwood is a must-visit on every wine lover’s list.
Good Spirit Farm Winery
Talk about making a splash—Good Spirit Farm is the definition of up-and-coming, and their 2023 Albariño took home gold on its very first entry into the Governor’s Cup. Crisp notes of green apple, grapefruit, and sea spray make this a patio-sipper's dream. Their small lot production sells out fast, so catching it on a Vineyard Voyages tour? That’s a true insider move.
Hidden Brook Winery
Their portfolio impressed with a gold-medal Chambourcin, a variety that shines in Virginia’s rich soils. Smooth, juicy, and under-the-radar—think blueberry preserves and hints of clove.
Hillsborough Winery & Brewery
Multi-talented and multi-awarded, Hillsborough’s Sangiovese scored gold for its bright cherry fruit and gentle herbs. The side-by-side winery/brewery experience is an extra treat—there’s truly something for every palate here.
Kalero Vineyard
Don’t miss this scenic gem—Kalero’s gold-winning Cabernet Sauvignon blend is a velvet-textured stunner with notes of black currant and cedar. Their historic barn-turned-tasting-room is the perfect backdrop for such an exceptional bottle.
Otium Cellars
Specializing in German grape varietals, Otium brought home the gold for its estate-grown Blaufränkisch—a peppery-meets-plush red with vibrant acidity. It’s a palate-awakening alternative to your typical Cab or Merlot.
Williams Gap Winery
Their Bordeaux-inspired Reserve Red is a recurring favorite at the Cup, earning gold for its deep complexity and age-worthiness. Enjoy it with hearty fare on the wraparound deck, taking in panoramic vineyard views.
October 1 Vineyards
Still one of Loudoun's best-kept secrets, October 1 wowed with its limited-production Petit Verdot—packed with violets, blackberry, and that telltale Virginia earthiness. Small but mighty, this label sells out fast each year.
A Closer Look: Standouts of 2025
Good Spirit Farm Winery: The Fresh Face with a Gold Touch
Winning gold in your first Governor’s Cup is no small feat, and Good Spirit Farm did just that. Their sustainable practices and innovative techniques have fast-tracked them to must-try status. Their 2023 Albariño is all about zesty refreshment—perfect for sunny days and seafood snacks.
Curious about their story or ready to taste? Join us for a tour that puts Good Spirit’s star wines front and center.
Casanel Vineyards & Winery: Family Craft, International Flair
Grown with care and finished with French oak, Casanel’s gold-winning Carménère is a testament to their family’s passion and the potential of Virginia’s terroir. It’s a wine that combines wild vibrancy with elegant depth. If you haven’t yet tasted Carménère in the New World, this is where to start.
A visit to Casanel means warm hospitality, beautiful vineyard vistas, and authentic, lovingly crafted bottles. Discover their award-winning wines on an upcoming Vineyard Voyages experience.
Fleetwood Farm Winery: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Fleetwood’s 2022 Chardonnay Reserve brings together old-world tradition and modern winemaking. The result? A gold medal and a wine that stands out for sophistication and balance. The elegant ambiance at Fleetwood’s tasting house, paired with this superstar white, makes for a dreamy afternoon out (and some Instagram-worthy shots to boot).
Skip the crowds and let Vineyard Voyages introduce you to Fleetwood’s golden touch. Explore tour options here.
How the Governor’s Cup Picks Its Winners
Virginia’s Governor’s Cup isn’t just any wine show—it’s a blind tasting, judged by panels of industry pros who don’t know which glass is which. That leads to real excitement and unexpected standouts, instead of the same old faces every year.
The 2025 competition saw reds and white wines from across the state enter the ring. Each entry gets scored on aroma, balance, varietal character, and overall impression. The top 12 bottles make the exclusive Governor’s Cup Case—earning instant bragging rights.
For Loudoun wine country, it means that every bottle you sample on a Vineyard Voyages tour has a chance to surprise and delight, with world-class quality behind every pour.
Plan Your Own Gold Medal Sip Trip
Want to sample these award-winning bottles? Vineyard Voyages makes it easy. Our curated wine tours take you straight to the source, with an ever-rotating lineup of celebrated wines and behind-the-scenes access at our partner estates. Book a private or public adventure and let us guide you through the best sips Northern Virginia has to offer.
Tasting award winners is only the beginning—the real magic is in the personal stories, passionate winemakers, and gorgeous surroundings you’ll encounter along the way.
Start your journey here.
The Wines Everyone’s Talking About—And You Can Taste Them First
With entries from over 140 wineries and dozens of grape varieties, the Governor’s Cup proves something locals have long known: Virginia wines seriously stack up. This year, our partner wineries—from rising stars like Good Spirit Farm and October 1 Vineyards to legends like Fabbioli and Casanel—are proving that the next great glass is waiting, just over the hill.
Ready to find your new favorite? Reserve your seat, raise your glass, and let’s toast to a golden year together.
Explore more wineries and wine tour options on the Vineyard Voyages site.
