Charlottesville, Virginia, and the Monticello American Viticultural Area, or AVA, have been named Wine Region of the Year in Wine Enthusiast’s 2023 Wine Star Awards. This accomplishment establishes the Charlottesville area as one of the top winemaking regions in the world and showcases the region's significant contributions to the global winemaking industry, marking a milestone in its journey towards excellence.
Competing against renowned wine-producing regions such as Italy’s Lambrusco, France’s Provence, South Africa’s Swartland and Australia’s Victoria, Charlottesville and the Monticello AVA have emerged victorious, emphasizing its exceptional quality, innovation and steadfast commitment to producing world-class wines.Â
The Charlottesville area's prominence in the wine world stems from its robust viticultural landscape. Home to more than 40 wineries and over 20% of Virginia’s vineyard plantings, the region's Monticello AVA stands as a testament to its rich winemaking history.
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The annual Virginia Governor’s Cup competition consistently shines a spotlight on the region's prowess. In the 2024 competition, half of the esteemed Governor’s Cup case slots were awarded to wineries in the Monticello AVA. Additionally, the top award, the Governor’s Cup, went to King Family Vineyards, located in Crozet, for their 2019 Meritage.
Wine enthusiasts are invited to immerse themselves in the diversity and excellence of the Charlottesville area by exploring events and offerings along the Monticello Wine Trail.
The Gold Medal Wine Trail is another way for wine lovers to explore the Monticello AVA or other award-winning producers around the state. The mobile passport features 78 gold medal-winning wineries from the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition with exclusive offers and prizes along the way. Simply sign up and receive the pass directly to your device. With a record number of entries in the competition, the 2024 pass guarantees tastes of Virginia's best wines.
Signing up unlocks exclusive prizes, one-of-a-kind offers and seasonal raffles along the way. Select wineries are offering their own deals, too. From free tastings of gold medal-winning wines to discounts on bottle purchases, the trail opens the door to exclusive Virginia Wine experiences.
For those eager to dive deeper into Virginia wine, your adventure awaits. With personalized itineraries tailored to individual preferences, visitors can plan immersive experiences including tastings, vineyard tours and culinary delights throughout the Commonwealth. The Virginia Wine guide provides a convenient map of the state’s wineries, available upon request. Or download the Virginia Wine app which offers event details and regional maps on your mobile device for on-the-go access and spontaneous planning.
For more information on Virginia Wine and to see wineries in the award-winning Charlottesville area, visit virginiawine.org.