The Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, comprised of wineries in the Shenandoah Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), the oldest and largest in the state, presented the Sixth Shenandoah Cup trophy to the top-rated wine submitted in its competition at a Celebration held on November 8 at The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns in Shenandoah County. Muse Vineyard’s Non-Vintage Erato, a blend of 82% Vidal Blanc, 7% Picpoul, 4% Muscat and a bit each of Albarino, Marsanne and Roussanne, won the Cup with the highest point score.
In addition to Erato the top six wines are in order: 540, a collaborative blend of 1/3 each Petit Verdot from Bluestone and The Winery at Kindred Pointe and Cabernet Sauvignon from Wolf Gap; CrossKeys Chardonnay; Bluestone Blanc de Blanc; Bluestone No Such Thing As Normal; and Brix & Columns Chardonnay.
59 wines were entered, and Gold medals were awarded to:
- Barren Ridge Vineyards 2021 Petit Verdot
- Barren Ridge Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Franc
- Bluestone Vineyard 2017 Blanc de Blancs
- Bluestone Vineyard 2023 No Such Thing As Normal
- Bluestone Vineyard 2023 Pinot Meunier
- Briedé Family Vineyards 2023 Marquette
- Briedé Family Vineyards 2023 Traminette
- Briedé Family Vineyards 2023 Arandell Special Reserve
- Brix & Columns Vineyards 2021 Chardonnay
- Brix & Columns Vineyards 2021 Cabernet Franc
- Cave Ridge Vineyard 2022 Sparkling Riesling Blanc de Blanc
- CrossKeys Vineyards 2023 Chardonnay
- CrossKeys Vineyards 2023 Sauvignon Blanc
- Great Valley Farm Winery 2022 Panoramic
- Muse Vineyards Non-Vintage Erato
- Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail Collaboration 540
- The Winery at Kindred Pointe 2020 Picasso
- Wisteria Farm & Vineyard 2023 Aphrodite
- Wolf Gap Vineyard 2022 Cabernet Franc Reserve
- Wolf Gap Vineyard 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve