Overview: The Virginia Wine Board has announced the 2026 Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards, recognizing 26 businesses for their commitment to local viticulture. The program celebrates restaurants, wine bars, and retailers that actively support Virginia Wine through selections and educational efforts. Now in its second year, the initiative received twice as many nominations as the inaugural year, highlighting a growing dedication to regional wines.
The Full Story
RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Virginia Wine extends well beyond the vineyard. The Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards recognize restaurants, wine bars, retailers and other businesses that actively support Virginia Wine through their wine selections, educational efforts, events and promotions. The honorees include businesses outside Virginia, reflecting support for the state’s wines beyond its borders.
Recipients include The Clifton, Duner’s, Arrowine, Field & Main Restaurant, Wegmans Food Markets, and others. Selection criteria included wine list presence, consumer promotion, creativity, staff education, and overall commitment to Virginia Wine. A Judges’ Award honors the top five nominees for excellence in promoting Virginia Wine. Applications were evaluated by an industry panel using a standardized rubric, with an optional bonus point recognized for exceptional community impact or advocacy.
Brand & Industry History
The Stewards of Virginia Wine Awards honor restaurants, wine bars, and retailers that demonstrate exceptional dedication to Virginia-grown wines. The program celebrates the creativity, leadership, and community spirit that help strengthen Virginia’s place among the country’s leading wine regions. Home to more than 300 wineries, Virginia is one of the most dynamic and fastest-growing wine regions in the country.
What This Means
The response to this year’s program shows how deeply restaurants, retailers, and hospitality leaders believe in Virginia wines, both throughout the Commonwealth and beyond state lines. These Stewards are some of the most important voices for Virginia Wine. They introduce guests to producers and regions and keep local stories front and center.
Consumer Takeaway
This release highlights the availability of diverse selections through wine lists, by-the-glass offerings, and creative programming. The recognition emphasizes staff education and overall commitment to Virginia Wine, ensuring guests are introduced to producers and regions while keeping local stories front and center.
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