Charlottesville Named World’s Best Wine Region by Wine Enthusiast
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (November 2023) – Virginia Wine & Country Life is excited to add our congratulations to the talented winemakers celebrating the exceptional award the Charlottesville area received from Wine Enthusiast. The esteemed publication named the Charlottesville area’s Monticello AVA the Wine Region of the Year in their prestigious annual Wine Star Awards. The Charlottesville region was the only North American nominee and bested beautiful vineyard regions in Italy, France, South Africa and Australia.
The Wine Enthusiast Award recognizes the region’s history, citing Thomas Jefferson’s early efforts to produce wine, and also honors the trend-setting innovations and quality of wine the region produces. Earlier this year, 58 of the total 142 gold medals at The Virginia Governor’s Cup competition were awarded to vineyards of the Monticello Wine Trail, including the prestigious cup for overall best wine. Wine Enthusiast also specifically recognized Barboursville Vineyards, nominating it as one of the top five for American Winery of the Year.
“They say overnight success takes many years to achieve and I think a lot is owed to people like Gabrielle Rausse, Felicia Rogan, Luca Paschina, Chris Hill and others for laying the foundation,” says Stephen Barnard, Winemaker and President of the Monticello Wine Trail. “That has allowed the current generation of incredibly talented individuals to tap into that knowledge base and propel this industry forward.”
The history of Virginia wine is rich and full of extraordinary stories and people. Through the early days and now, nearly 50 years into the modern wine movement, there have been great achievements for Virginia winemakers. And it is so much more than great wine and beautiful vineyards. Virginia has mastered the art of hospitality and from the 3-Michelin Star Inn at Little Washington to corner groceries serving artisan sandwiches and from Luxury country estate resorts to charming bed & breakfasts, there truly is a wine holiday perfect for everyone. Add to the excellent wine, food, lodging and experiences of Virginia Wine Country the ease of travel to a Mid-Atlantic state, it is easy to see why this region is winning international recognition.
To read about Virginia’s Great American Wine Story and the history of Virginia wine, see here: https://wineandcountrylife.com/virginia-wine-story/.
Learn more about the Wine Enthusiast awards here: https://www.wineenthusiast.com/culture/industry-news/wsa-nominees-2023/
From Ivy Life & Style Media, founded in 1998, publishers of Virginia Wine & Country Life, a semi-annual luxury magazine of Life & Style in Virginia wine country and the Virginia Wine & Country Wedding Planner, an annual art book celebrating elegant country weddings in Virginia.
