In a savvy move, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell decided to host two separate Governor’s Cup receptions to recognize the state’s top wines. After all, the state receives such wonderful wine recognition, why not host a winter event to award the Governor’s Cup to a red wine (King Family Vineyards for its 2007 Meritage) and then gather for a fall award presentation that simultaneously kicks off Virginia Wine Month.

That was the agenda last evening at Monticello, a most fitting setting for any Virginia wine discussion. First Lady Maureen McDonnell was on hand to give top white wine honors to a new winery, Paradise Springs, in Clifton. The winning wine, a 2009 Chardonnay, also represents a testimony to the harmonious bond among winemakers as the Winery had numerous legal issues with the County in its determination of how the land could be used. They received legal advice from Philip Carter Strother, owner of Philip Carter Winery, and viticulture advice from another winemaker Chris Pearmund of Pearmund Cellars.

Maybe the real story of the Virginia Wine Industry is that level of cooperation among the winemakers who champion new growers as they believe that everyone benefits from a strong marketplace.

A complete list of gold, silver, and bronze medal winners is available.