October 28, 2026 (Bridgewater, VA) — Bluestone Vineyard’s 2023 Estate-Grown Cabernet Franc earned a Double Gold medal, 96 points, and Best of Class honors for Cabernet Franc at the 2026 San Francisco International Wine Competition. The international recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for the family-owned Shenandoah Valley winery and highlights the quality and character of Virginia-grown wine.
Founded in 1980, the San Francisco International Wine Competition is among the longest-running international wine competitions. Its judging panels bring together experienced wine-industry professionals to evaluate wines from around the world. For Bluestone, the Best of Class distinction is especially meaningful: it places the winery’s Cabernet Franc at the forefront of its varietal category on the international stage.
Cabernet Franc is one of Virginia’s signature red grape varieties, and Bluestone’s 2023 vintage has consistently attracted recognition. It received a gold medal and 90 points at the 2025 East Meets West International Wine Competition, a 90-point rating from wine critic James Suckling, and a gold medal at the 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup. The latest double gold and Best of Class honors continue that momentum as the wine continues to age.
Vibrant and spice-driven, the 2023 Cabernet Franc offers notes of cherry and raspberry within a structured, expressive profile. With time in the glass, its layered fruit and savory character become more pronounced. In his review, Suckling highlighted black raspberry and cherry aromas, earthy notes, and a spiced, tannic palate.
“We put a lot of heart into the wines we make here at Bluestone, so to see our Cabernet Franc receive this kind of recognition is really special,” said Lee Hartman, winemaker at Bluestone Vineyard. “Cabernet Franc is a grape that does incredibly well in Virginia, and we’re proud to show what we can produce right here in the Shenandoah Valley.”
Beyond the top honor, six additional Bluestone wines earned silver medals at the 2026 competition, demonstrating strength across the winery’s full portfolio. The 2024 Chardonnay, 2024 Stainless Steel Chardonnay, 2025 Petit Manseng, 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2023 Houndstooth (red blend), and 2023 Petit Verdot earned silver medals.
This announcement comes as Virginia Wine Month draws to a close in October, offering another reason to celebrate the wines and winegrowers of the Commonwealth. From its vineyards near Bridgewater, Bluestone Vineyard is helping showcase the Shenandoah Valley as a destination for wines with a distinct sense of place. Visitors can discover Bluestone’s award-winning wines in its tasting room while taking in views of the surrounding mountains.
About Bluestone Vineyard
Bluestone Vineyard is a family-owned winery located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia in Bridgewater, Virginia with 26 acres of vines. Since opening in 2011, Bluestone has focused on producing distinctive Virginia wines while offering visitors a memorable experience overlooking the vineyard and surrounding mountains.
