Virginia Wines Win Big at National Wine Competition in California

May 14, 2002
Contact: Pam Jewell
(804) 786-0481
pjewell@vdacs.state.va.us

Virginia wines crushed the competition at the prestigious San Diego National Wine Competition held April 28-29. Thirteen Virginia wines garnered awards including the coveted Best of Show and two Best of Class.

Chrysalis Vineyards in Leesburg won Best in Show for white wines and a Best of Class for their 2001 Viognier. Only five wines -- Red, White, Rosé, Sparkling and Dessert -- may be awarded Best in Show. Adieu, a late harvest Vidal Blanc from Gray Ghost Vineyards near Warrenton, also won a Best in Class for dessert wines. A total of 2,050 wines from around the U.S. were entered in the competition. Virginia's other award-winning wines include:

Silver:
Barboursville Vineyards Brut NV
Barboursville Pinot Gris 2001
Chrysalis Vineyards Lockley Reserve 2000

Bronze:
Rapidan River Harmony NV
Barboursville Reserve Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
Barboursville Reserve Cabernet Franc 2001
Prince Michel Cask 99 Cabernet Sauvignon
Afton Mountain Vineyards Gewürztraminer-Dry 2001
Chrysalis Vineyards Mariposa 2001
Chrysalis Vineyards Whole Cluster Presses 2001
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards Traminette 2001

The San Diego National Wine Competition was established to recognize winemaking in the United States. Only wines produced by US wineries from American-grown grapes can participate. In 2001, 389 wineries from 29 states entered wine in the competition. The 33-person judging panel was comprised of masters of wine, winemakers, winery owners, wine writers and other wine aficionados. The competition also provides public service through charitable contributions.

Virginia is ranked 6th among vinifera wine growing states. It is home to 75 wineries and more than 250 vineyards. In 2001, 254,687 cases of wine were sold, up 6.9 percent over 2000. The estimated sales value of these cases is nearly $40 million.

Virginia's wineries are open to the public for tours and tastings, and most have special events planned year-round. To find out more about Virginia's award-winning wineries, visit www.virginiawines.org. To receive a free copy of the 2002 Virginia Wineries Festival and Tour Guide, contact the Virginia Wine Marketing Office at (800) 829-4637 or write VDACS, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA. 23218, Attn: Winery Tour Guide.