Chateau Morrisette captures "Best In Show" in State Fair of Virginia
Wine Competition
Competition is largest in Fair history, 199 entries from 37 wineries across the state

August 26, 2002
Contact: Dick Harman (804) 569-3228

RICHMOND, VA — Chateau Morrisette 2001 Virginia Chardonnay was named "Best In Show" in the State Fair of Virginia Wine Competition. The competition, now in its 11th year, was the largest ever in State Fair history, with 199 entries coming from 37 Virginia wineries.

A panel of 12 sommeliers, winemakers, proprietors and industry experts from Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia judged the competition, which included a variety of categories. Only wines made from 100 percent Virginia-grown grapes were eligible for the competition.

"It's exciting to see such a continued growing interest among Virginia wineries to enter the State Fair's wine competition," says Marilyn Wetton, director of programs for the State Fair of Virginia. "This demonstrates the Virginia wine industry's commitment to produce award-winning wines that are recognized nationally - and around the world."

In addition to the "Best in Show" category, the State Fair awarded 22 gold medals, 20 silver medals and 20 bronze medals. Winners from this year's wine competition will be on display at the State Fair of Virginia, held in Richmond September 26 October 6 at the Richmond Raceway Complex. For more information on the State Fair, please call 1-800-LUV-FAIR (588-3247) or visit www.statefair.com.

A list of the winners of the 2002 State Fair of Virginia wine competition follows.

Best In Show
Chateau Morrisette - Virginia Chardonnay 2001

Gold Medal
Afton Mountain Vineyards - Michael Shaps Cabernet Franc Monticello 2000
Afton Mountain Vineyards - Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2001
AmRheins Wine Cellars - Chardonnay 2001
AmRheins Wine Cellars - Pinot Grigio 2001
AmRheins Wine Cellars - Vidal Blanc 2001
Autumn Hill Vineyards - Horizon Rouge 5th Edition NV
Barboursville Vineyards - Phileo NV
Burnley Vineyards - Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
Chrysalis Vineyards - Petit Manseng 2001
Chrysalis Vineyards - Viognier 2001
First Colony Winery - Chardonnay 2001
First Colony Winery - Chardonnay Reserve 2001
Horton Vineyards - Spotswood Trail Tennat 2000
Ingleside Plantation Vineyards - Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Naked Mountain Vineyard - Raptor Red 2000
Naked Mountain Vineyard - Riesling 2001
Oakencroft Vineyard & Winery - VC-Classic 2001
Rappahannock Cellars - Chardonnay 2001
Rappahannock Cellars - Veramar Chardonnay 2001
Rockbridge Vineyard - DeChiel Merlot 1999
Rockbridge Vineyard - Vd'Or 2001
Unicorn Winery - Viognier 2001

Silver Medal
Afton Mountain Vineyards - Michael Shaps Viognier 2000
Barboursville Vineyards - Octagon IV NV
Barboursville Vineyards - Viognier Reserve 2000
Burnley Vineyards - Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2001
Chateau Morrisette - Black Dog Blanc NV
Horton Vineyards - Cotes d'Orange 1999
Jefferson Vineyards - Chardonnay-Viognier 2001
North Mountain Vineyard and Winery - Riesling 2001
Oakencroft Vineyard & Winery - Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Prince Michel Vineyards - Rapidan River Semi Dry Riesling 2000
Rappahannock Cellars - Vidal Blanc 2001
Rockbridge Vineyard - DeChiel Chardonnay 2000
Rockbridge Vineyard - White Riesling 2001
Sharp Rock Vineyards - Chardonnay Reserve 2001
Shenandoah Vineyards - Shenandoah Blanc 2000
Tarara Winery - Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Tarara Winery - Virginia Viognier 2001
The Williamsburg Winery, Ltd. - Cabernet Reserve 1999
Veritas Vineyard & Winery - Chardonnay Estate Bottled Monticello 2001
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards - Traminette 2001

Bronze Medal
Afton Mountain Vineyards - Michael Shaps Merlot 2000
Chateau Morrisette - Virginia Pinot Noir 2000
Chrysalis Vineyards - Chardonnay 2000
Farfelu Vineyards - Chardonnay 2001
James River Cellars - Chardonel 2001
Jefferson Vineyards - Klevner 2001
Jefferson Vineyards - Pinot Gris 2001
North Mountain Vineyard and Winery - Chardonnay 2001
Oasis - Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Old House Vineyards - Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2001
Rappahannock Cellars - Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
Rockbridge Vineyard - Red Wine 1998
Rockbridge Vineyard - DeChiel Pinot Noir 1999
The Williamsburg Winery, Ltd. - Merlot Reserve 1998
Veritas Vineyard & Winery - Kenmar Late Harvest Viognier Monticello 2001
White Hall Vineyards - Reserve Chardonnay 2000
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards - Cabernet Franc 2000
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards - Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
Wintergreen Winery, Ltd. - Chardonnay Monticello 2000
Wintergreen Winery, Ltd. - Riesling 2001