Loudoun Winery Wins 2022 Virginia Governor's Cup For Best Wine Grown From Virginia Grapes

MIDDLEBURG, VA — Cana Vineyards, a winery based in Middleburg, received the 2022 Governor's Cup, Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced this week. Melanie Natoli of Cana Vineyards became the first woman to win the award.

Natoli and Cana Vineyards received the award for their 2019 Unité Reserve, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdo.

The Governor's Cup is awarded each year to the best wine made from Virginia-grown grapes. This year, a panel of judges evaluated 615 wines from more than 100 wineries across the state.

"It is an honor to present this year’s Virginia Governor's Cup® to Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg and Melanie Natoli, the first woman winemaker to receive this award," Youngkin said. "The 40th anniversary of the competition saw the most diverse selection of award-winning wines to date, demonstrating the passion and experimental spirit of Virginia driving our wine industry to new heights."

For the competition, judges evaluated wines on appearance, aroma, flavor, commercial suitability and overall quality. Cana Vineyards's 2019 Unité Reserve earned the highest average score.

Judges also evaluated Virginia's ciders in a separate category. , Albemarle Ciderworks received the top Best in Show award for its 2019 Virginia Hewes Crab.

"Virginia wines and ciders continue to cement their place in our exceptional agriculture and tourism industries and as major contributors to the Virginia economy," Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr said. "As the state’s oldest operating cidery, this year’s Best in Show Cider winner Albemarle Ciderworks has shown a dedication to bringing locally crafted cider to the table of Virginians everywhere."

More information about the Governor's Cup, including past winners, is available online.