The Williamsburg Winery Takes Gold Three Times at Governor’s Cup

Williamsburg, Virginia — The Williamsburg Winery earned a trifecta— three Gold medals in the 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup Wine Competition — and a first on Tuesday.

While the Williamsburg Winery has a history of excellence in the Governor’s Cup, achieving three golds in a singular year is a first.

The three award-winning wines are the 2019 Petit Manseng, the 2017 Virginia Trianon, and the 2019 Wessex Hundred Petit Verdot — all signature varietals at the Williamsburg Winery.

“We’re appreciative of the Governor’s Cup continuing to recognize the role the Williamsburg Winery has played in elevating the state’s reputation for producing high quality wine,” said Patrick Duffeler, founder of the Williamsburg Winery.

The Williamsburg Winery planted its first grapes and sold its first bottle of wine in 1987, back when only a few wineries existed in Virginia. Today, wine is a burgeoning industry in the Commonwealth that is home to more than 200 wineries.

The Governor’s Cup, in its 40th year, is among the most stringent wine competitions in the nation. All wines submitted in the Governor’s Cup must be made from 100% Virginia fruit. Each of the 100-plus gold medal-winning wines from the competition will undergo further tasting with the 12 highest ranking red and white wines culminating in the Governor’s Cup Case, with one bottle taking home the coveted Governor’s Cup. For the first time ever, the Governor’s Cup Celebration, a ticketed event on March 24 in Richmond, will be open to the public.

The Williamsburg Winery won the Governor’s Cup in 1989 and again in 2014.

“The 2022 medals represent all three of our tiers of wine,” said Kenny Bumbaco, Vice President of Direct Wine Sales at the Williamsburg Winery. “Our Virginia tier, more of our large-production tier sourced from all over Virginia, is where our Petit Manseng falls. Our Petit Verdot is from the Wessex Hundred tier, which features only grapes grown here on our farm. The Trianon, which is our reserve Cabernet Franc, represents our reserve tier, wines produced in small quantities made only in select years with high quality grapes.”

The distinction for the Petit Manseng is one of several for the white wine varietal that delivers a tropical fruit vibe and finishes with a floral impression. Last month, it earned a rating of 91 points from James Suckling, among the world’s most renowned wine critics, and received a Platinum Medal and 94 points from the 2021 Winemaker Challenge International Wine Competition.

The Governor’s Cup competition is sponsored by the Virginia Wineries Association, in partnership with the gubernatorial-appointed Virginia Wine Board and the Virginia Vineyards Association.

The Williamsburg Winery will be offering a special 3-pack of its 2022 Governor’s Cup Gold Medal winning wines starting today and while supplies last. The 3-pack, priced at $120, is comprised of one bottle each of 2019 Petit Manseng, 2017 Virginia Trianon, and 2019 Wessex Hundred Petit Verdot. The 2017 Trianon and the 2019 Wessex Hundred Petit Verdot will only be available in this special pack due to very limited quantities remaining. No additional Wine Club Member or volume discounts will apply. The winery will offer $10 Flat Rate shipping on orders $120+ with coupon code CELEBRATE. This coupon code will be valid through Sunday, March 13.

The 3-pack will also be available at the retail shop at the Williamsburg Winery.