After weeks of speculation about which of Virginia’s gold medal finalists would win the coveted 2011 Virginia Governor’s Cup highest honor, the honoree was announced on Friday at the Virginia Wineries Association event in Richmond. The finalists were Afton Mountain’s 2009 Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Barboursville Winery‘s 2008 Petit Verdot, Cooper Vineyards‘ 2008 Norton, Fox Meadow Vineyards‘ 2008 Le Renard Rouge Meritage, Hiddencroft Vineyards‘ 2008 Cabernet Franc, and Keswick Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc.

First Lady Maureen McDonnell, who has extensively traveled the state supporting the Virginia wine industry, presented the top  honor to Fox Meadow Winery for its Le Renard Rouge Meritage of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot. This is their fourth vintage of Le Renard Rouge, and their 2006 and 2007 vintages earned previous gold medals in this same competition. Overall, Cabernet Franc had a very good showing in wine competitions! Here are the members of the Mortland family with the First Lady.

In other news from the award ceremony, Dennis Horton won the Gordon W. Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work in developing and promoting Virginia wine. Remember that it was not that many years ago when the Virginia wine industry was a fledgling business with just a few wineries. Now there are over 190 wineries in the state making it one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors.

No Virginia wine article would be complete without mentioning the continually circulating rumor that Kluge Estates will join Donald Trump’s empire. This is a story we will continue to follow!

Congratulations to all the wineries. Virginia has a right to be proud!