RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) –Virginia wineries continue to gain national and international recognition, and 10 vineyards recently won awards at the 2012 San Francisco International Wine Competition.
The competition, held in June 2012, is the largest international wine competition in America, with more than 4,500 wines from 26 U.S. States and 29 countries competing.
“Just as last year, a number of Virginia wines scored highly against more than 4500 other wines and were awarded double gold, gold, silver, and bronze medals,” said Governor Bob McDonnell in a press release. “The First Lady and I congratulate all of our wineries and wine makers for their accomplishments and for helping raise the Virginia wine industry to higher levels.”
Luca Paschina and Barboursville Vineyards won the ‘Best of Show’ for their 2007 Malvaxia Passito. Doug Flemer and his team at Ingleside Vineyards won ‘Best of Varietal’ for their 2007 Petite Verdot.
Both of those vineyards have been “outstanding ambassadors for the Virginia wine industry for years, so it is incredibly gratifying to see their efforts so highly recognized by the discerning judges at the San Francisco International Wine Competition,” said McDonnell.
Virginia, with more than 200 wineries statewide, is fifth in the nation for wine grape production.
According to a press release from the Gov., a recent economic impact study shows that the state’s burgeoning wine industry contributes almost three-quarters of a billion dollars – or $747 million – to Virginia’s economy, annually.
More information from the Governor’s office claims that Va. wineries and vineyards support 4,800 jobs, which provide $156 million total in wages. Almost two million visitors include a visit to a Virginia winery on a trip; in addition, wine travel to the state has gained many recent accolades, with the state named as one of the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world for 2012 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Here are the vineyards and award that were garnered at the 2012 San Francisco International Wine Competition.
Barboursville Vineyards – Best of Show Dessert Wine
- Best of Show Dessert Wine, Double Gold Medal Barboursville Vineyards 2007 Passito, Malvaxia, Virginia $30.
- Silver Medal Barboursville Vineyards 2009 Petit Verdot, Reserve, Virginia $25.
- Bronze Medal Barboursville Vineyards 2009 Nebbiolo, Reserve, Virginia $22.
- Bronze Medal Barboursville Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc, Reserve, Virginia $23.
Ingleside Vineyards – Best Petit Verdot
- Best Petit Verdot, Double Gold Medal Ingleside Vineyards 2007 Petit Verdot, Virginia $20.
- Gold Medal Ingleside Vineyards 2007 Petit Verdot, Reserve, Virginia $27.
- Silver Medal Ingleside Vineyards 2007 Red Blend, Virginia Gold, Virginia $35.
- Gold Medal Gray Ghost Vineyards 2011 Late Harvest Vidal, Adieu, Virginia $24.
- Silver Medal Gray Ghost Vineyards 2011 Vidal Blanc, Virginia $13.
- Bronze Medal Gray Ghost Vineyards 2010 Chardonnay, Reserve, Virginia $25.
- Double Gold Medal Keswick Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Monticello $40.
- Silver Medal Keswick Vineyards 2011 Verdelho, Monticello $18.
- Bronze Medal Keswick Vineyards 2010 Viognier, Reserve, Monticello.
- Bronze Medal Keswick Vineyards 2010 Merlot, Monticello.
- Bronze Medal Michael Shaps 2009 Viognier, Virginia $24.
- Silver Medal Narmada Winery 2010 Chambourcin, Namada Vineyard, Virginia $25. [12%]
- Silver Medal Narmada Winery 2011 Viognier, Virginia $23.
- Bronze Medal Narmada Winery 2010 Red Bordeaux Blend, Yash-Vir, Virginia $23.
- Bronze Medal Narmada Winery 2010 Tannat, Virginia $38.
- Silver Medal Paradise Springs of Clifton 2011 Petit Manseng, Virginia $25.
- Gold Medal Pollak Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Reserve , Smuggler Vineyard, Monticello $35.
- Bronze Medal Pollak Vineyards 2009 Premium Bordeaux Blend, Estate, Monticello $25.
- Bronze Medal Philip Carter Winery 2010 Meritage, Virginia $29.
- Bronze Medal Veramar Vineyard 2011 Seyval Blanc, Virginia $19.
