RICHMOND, VA, USA (August, 4 2025) – Virginia's thriving wine industry has earned a prestigious spotlight on the international stage, with nine of its wines medaling at the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), including a coveted Gold Medal. Decanter's report also recognized Virginia alongside the United States' most celebrated wine regions as one of the nation's “excelling” producers.

This year's competition evaluated more than 18,000 wines from 57 countries, judged by 248 international experts, including 22 Master Sommeliers and 72 Masters of Wine. The results solidify Virginia's reputation as a competitive force in the global wine arena.

Virginia's 2025 DWWA Highlights

• Gold: Early Mountain Vineyards – Petit Manseng 2022 (White, 95 pts)
• Silver: Five in total from wineries Chestnut Oak, Horton Vineyards, and Early Mountain
• Bronze: Three in total from Chrysalis Vineyards, Early Mountain, and Chestnut Oak

Virginia Wine Country on the Rise
Virginia is home to more than 300 wineries, stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic Coast, offering a diverse range of varietals and an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts. International recognition for the region continues to grow, with Charlottesville named Wine Enthusiast's “Wine Region of the Year” in 2023.

The success at the Decanter World Wine Awards adds to this momentum, positioning Virginia as a must-visit destination for global wine travelers seeking distinctive, high-quality wines in an unforgettable setting.

About the Decanter World Wine Awards
Founded in 2004, the Decanter World Wine Awards is the world's largest and most influential wine competition. Its rigorous judging process is conducted by top international experts, providing one of the most trusted benchmarks for wine excellence worldwide.

Learn More

• Explore the 2025 award-winning wines: Decanter World Wine Awards
• Discover Virginia Wine Country: Virginia Wine | Virginia Is For Wine Lovers

About Virginia Tourism Corporation
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and visit. Learn more at virginia.org.