The Monticello Cup Awards ceremony was held on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at the Jefferson Theater to celebrate the winning wines of the Monticello Cup, the competition of over 30 wineries from the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA). All wines were made with at least 85% fruit from vineyards in the Monticello AVA and also from wineries located within the AVA.
There were 14 gold (including the Top 3 Red, Top 3 White, and the overall Monticello Cup winner), 30 silver, and 15 bronze medals.
The Monticello Cup was presented to Cardinal Point Winery for their 2014 Union.
“We are honored to have our wine selected among so many outstanding wines produced in the Monticello AVA. This region is truly remarkable in both the quality of its terroir and depth of winemaking talent. We especially want to thank our awesome staff and invaluable vineyard crew, who make our jobs easier, and all of our wines possible,” said Cardinal Point Winery business manager Sarah Gorman.
The other two reds in the Top 3 Red category were Michael Shaps Wineworks’ 2014 Meritage, and Pollak Vineyards’ 2014 Cabernet Franc Reserve. The Top 3 Whites were First Colony Winery’s 2015 Viognier, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards’ 2015 Chardonnay Reserve, and Stinson Vineyards’ 2014 Petit Manseng.
The judging was organized and coordinated by Matthew Brown CSW, WSET Advanced, and the judges were: Jay Youmans, MW, owner of Capital Wine School and Rock Creek Wine Merchants, and competition coordinator for the Virginia Governor’s Cup; Erin Scala – sommelier at Fleurie; Neal Wavra – sommelier, consultant and owner of Field & Main restaurant; Lindsey Parris, DipWSET, MW candidate, WSET Diploma course instructor, and frequent judge for the Virginia Governor’s Cup; Frank Morgan – wine writer and blogger; Chris Parker – New Horizon Wines; Dave Mcintyre – wine writer for the Washington Post; Swati Bose – Owner Flight Wine Bar; and Nick Stengel – DipWSET and MW candidate.
Frank Morgan of Drink What You Like – A Wine Blog was the evening’s host and introduced the presenter for the Monticello Cup, Megan Seibel.
“I'm honored to be part of the 2017 Monticello Cup Awards that recognize local winemakers and their world-class wines. The history, viticultural diversity, wines, and people make the Monticello region one of the most exciting wine regions in the U.S.,” remarked Morgan.
Seibel currently serves as the Assistant Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, a role that enables her to promote two of the Commonwealth's largest private industries while addressing industry and community leadership.