Stewards of Virginia Wine Trade Recognition

The Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards honor restaurants, wine bars, and retailers who have demonstrated exceptional support for Virginia Wine. From by-the-glass placements and themed flights to creative promotions, staff education, and events, these trade partners play a vital role in expanding the reach and reputation of Virginia Wine.

Award Winners

Charlottesville 1799 at The Clifton Restaurant
Arlington Arrowine Market
Judges’ Award
Richmond Barrel Thief Wine & Provisions Market
Arlington Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique Wine Bar
Fredericksburg City Vino Wine Bar
Norfolk Crystal Palate Wine & Gourmet Market
Townsend Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro Restaurant
Manakin-Sabot Dover Hall Restaurant
Judges’ Award
Ivy Duner’s Restaurant
Marshall Field & Main Restaurant Restaurant
Charlottesville Foods of All Nations Market
Roanoke Gladheart Wine & Brews Retailer
Crozet Greenwood Grocery Grocery
Judges’ Award
Hanover Hanover Mercantile Wine Bar
Norfolk Hilton Norfolk The Main Restaurant
Harrisonburg Monty’s at Hotel Madison Restaurant
Judges’ Award
Lovettsville Restaurant Foraged. at Patowmack Farm Restaurant
Judges’ Award
Paris The Ashby Inn & Restaurant Restaurant
Judges’ Award
Somerset The Market at Grelen Restaurant
Middleburg The Red Fox Inn & Tavern Restaurant
Staunton The Shack Restaurant
Reston The Wine Cabinet Market
Urbanna Urbanna Pearl Oyster Tavern Restaurant
Online VA Wine and Cider Club Online Retailer
Front Royal Vinícola Wine Bar & Bottle Shop Wine Bar
Virginia Wegmans Food Markets Grocery
Staunton Accordia Wine Bar & Shop
Richmond Amuse Restaurant (VMFA) Restaurant
Arlington Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique Wine Bar & Shop
Washington, DC Cork & Fork Fine Wine Merchants Wine Shop
Judges’ Award
Charlottesville Ethos Wine & Tea Wine Bar & Shop
Charlottesville Feast Market & Café Market & Café
Marshall Field & Main Restaurant Restaurant
Judges’ Award
White Post L’Auberge Provençale Inn & Restaurant
Charlottesville Market Street Wine Wine Shop
Staunton Maude & the Bear Restaurant & Inn
Harrisonburg Rootstock Wine Bar and Provisions Wine Bar & Shop
Virginia Beach Terrapin Restaurant Restaurant
Judges’ Award
Hot Springs The Omni Homestead Resort Resort
Arlington The Portofino Restaurant Restaurant
Judges’ Award
Charlottesville The Wine Guild of Charlottesville Wine Shop
Judges’ Award
Charlottesville The Workshop Wine Bar & Café
Weyers Cave Valley Pike Farm Market Farm Market
Dulles Vino Volo – Dulles Airport Wine Bar & Shop

Judges’ Award – Honoring the top five nominees who achieved the highest scores for excellence in promoting Virginia Wine.

Nominees Honorable Mentions

Beyond this year’s award recipients, we celebrate the many restaurants, retailers, and wine bars that exemplify a shared dedication to Virginia Wine. Their ongoing support, creative programming, and enthusiasm help strengthen our industry and introduce more people to the quality and diversity of wines grown here at home.

View the Nominees

Accordia
Amuse
Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres
Bird Girl Bottle Shop
Curio Wine Bar & Tasting Room
L’Auberge Chez François
Lovettsville Market Co-Op
Maude and the Bear
TASTE
The Inn at Little Washington
The Ivy Inn Restaurant
The River & Rail
Vinosity
Westside Produce & Provisions

How It Works

Step 1

Nominations

Submitted by wineries, distributors, consumers, or trade partners.

Step 2

Applications

Eligible businesses share details about their Virginia Wine engagement.

Step 3

Judging

A panel of professionals reviews each application using the official rubric.

Step 4

Recognition

Award recipients are recognized for their leadership and impact.

Meet the 2026 Judges

Judging Criteria

Each application is evaluated using the following five categories, with scores ranging from 1 to 5 for each.

Presence on the Wine List or Shelf

Evaluates the selection and visibility of Virginia wines, including the number of producers represented and how they’re showcased on menus, shelves, or displays.

Consumer Promotion & Storytelling

Evaluates the use of Virginia Wine in events, marketing, flights, and promotions, as well as collaboration with wineries or distributors.

Creativity & Collaboration

Recognizes originality in how businesses engage with Virginia Wine—through unique promotions, partnerships, or educational initiatives.

Staff Engagement & Education

Looks at internal tastings, staff training, and how well teams are prepared to represent and recommend Virginia Wine.

Commitment to Virginia Wine

Measures year-round support, consistency, and long-term integration of Virginia Wine in the business.

Bonus

One optional bonus point may be awarded for exceptional community impact, advocacy, or leadership in elevating Virginia Wine among peers or consumers.