June 19, 2026 (Charlottesville, VA) — The Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) earned international recognition at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards, bringing home 26 medals across 10 wineries, including 4 Gold, 13 Silver, and 9 Bronze medals.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential wine competitions, the Decanter World Wine Awards are judged through a rigorous blind tasting process by an international panel of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, and leading wine experts.
“This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our growers and winemakers and the continued rise of Virginia wine on the world stage,” said Tracey Love, Executive Director of the Monticello Wine Trail. “From Cabernet Franc and Viognier to sparkling wines, rosé, Petit Manseng, Nebbiolo, Merlot, and Chardonnay, these results showcase both the quality and diversity of the Monticello AVA.”
Gold Medal Winners (95 Points)
- Chestnut Oak Vineyard — 2023 Chestnut One
- King Family Vineyards — 2024 Viognier
- Pollak Vineyards — 2022 Smuggler
- Veritas Vineyard & Winery — 2024 Cabernet Franc
Silver Medal Winners
- Blenheim Vineyards — 2024 Cabernet Franc (90)
- Grace Estate Winery — 2022 Slope of Grace Cabernet Franc (91)
- King Family Vineyards — 2021 Mountain Plains (93)
- Pollak Vineyards — 2023 Reserve Merlot (92), 2023 Nebbiolo (91), 2023 Meritage (90), 2022 Reserve Cabernet Franc (90)
- Southwest Mountains Vineyards — 2023 Cabernet Franc (91), 2023 Reserve Chardonnay (90)
- Trump Winery — 2018 Blanc de Noir Brut (93), 2018 Rosé (92), NV Presidential Reserve (91)
- Veritas Vineyard & Winery — NV Scintilla (90)
Bronze Medal Winners
- Flying Fox Vineyard — 2021 Trio Cabernet Franc–Petit Verdot–Merlot (86)
- King Family Vineyards — 2023 Cabernet Franc (89)
- Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery — 2024 Pétillant Naturel Rosé (89)
- Pollak Vineyards — 2023 Reserve Chardonnay (88)
- Southwest Mountains Vineyards — 2023 Merlot (88), 2023 Petit Manseng (88)
- Trump Winery — 2019 Blanc de Blanc Brut (88), 2021 New World Reserve (88)
- Veritas Vineyard & Winery — 2023 Monticello White (88)
Notably, Cabernet Franc accounted for seven medal-winning wines across the region, including Gold Medal recognition for Veritas Vineyard & Winery’s 2024 Cabernet Franc, reinforcing the variety’s position as a signature grape of the Monticello AVA.
The awards arrive just ahead of Monticello Wine Week (June 22–28), when many of the medal-winning wineries will participate in tastings, winemaker dinners, and special events throughout the region.
About the Monticello Wine Trail
Founded in 1984, the Monticello Wine Trail is a partnership of wineries throughout the Monticello AVA surrounding Charlottesville, Virginia. The organization promotes the region’s wines, agricultural heritage, and wine tourism experiences while supporting the continued growth and excellence of Virginia wine.
