Granite Heights and the Virginia Governor’s Cup Wine Competi
The Governor’s Cup Wine Competition is considered by many to be one of the most stringent wine competitions. In the final round to determine GOLD medals, 18 judges are used. For the past two years, in the final round, one of the Judges has been British wine writer Steven Spurrier. To enter this Competition, the wine must be made from 100 % Virginia grown grapes. A GOLD medal in this competition is awarded after two rounds of judging and is given to wines that score 90 to 100 points and the wine is considered “Outstanding/Classic”.
Since 2014, Granite Heights has won 30% of the GOLD awarded to all Fauquier County wineries in the Virginia Governor’s Cup Wine Competition. In 2024, a total of 5 GOLDS were awarded to Fauquier County wineries and Granite Heights won 2 of them (we only enter 3 wines that year). In 2023, a total of 5 GOLDS were awarded to Fauquier County wineries, and GH won 3 GOLDS. In 2022, a total of 4 GOLDS were awarded to Fauquier County wineries in this competition, and Granite Heights won 3 of them. And, in 2019, a total of 3 GOLDs were awarded to Fauquier County wineries in this competition, and Granite Heights won 2 of them. An amazing accomplishment for our little winery and a testament to our efforts in producing high quality wines.
GH Wines that have won GOLD in this competition include: 2023 humility (Lagrein), 2021 humility (red blend), 2021 Petit Verdot, 2022 Oaked Chardonnay, 2019 Cabernet Franc, 2017 Cabernet Franc, 2017 Merlot, 2016 Lomax Reserve, 2012 Lomax Reserve (twice), 2012 Evening Serenade, 2012 humility, 2010 Evening Serenade, 2010 Lomax Reserve, 2012 Petit Manseng.
In addition, GH wines have won numerous Silver and Bronze medals in this competition, but GOLD is what we strive for and always will.