The Loudoun Wine Awards for 2024 recognized several local vineyards for their excellence, with Endhardt Vineyards, Bluemont Vineyard, Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, and Williams Gap Vineyard emerging as prominent winners.
In a celebration of 40 years of winemaking in Loudoun County, six judges evaluated nearly 150 entries in September to determine this year’s award recipients. Endhardt Vineyards, based in Purcellville, secured the prestigious Chairman’s Grand Award for its Upper Block Sauvignon Blanc 2023, which the judges praised for its long, mouthwatering finish and crisp minerality.
“The quality of Loudoun wine continues to be acknowledged and celebrated,” stated Beth Erickson, president and CEO of Visit Loudoun. “As we commemorate four decades of wine in DC’s Wine Country, I am incredibly proud of our creative and collaborative industry that has helped to shape and define Loudoun as a top-tier wine destination.”
Scott Spelbring from Bluemont Vineyard was honored as Winemaker of the Year for his dedication to the Loudoun wine community, along with his innovative practices and collaborative spirit. Spelbring has collaborated with Virginia Tech and Penn State to address the challenges posed by the spotted lanternfly, which threatens Northern Virginia’s vineyards.
Tremain Hatch of Zephaniah Farm Vineyard in Leesburg was named Winegrower of the Year. Hatch, who is also a research associate at Virginia Tech, has garnered statewide recognition as the Virginia Vineyards Association’s Winegrower of the Year. He works at the multigenerational vineyard owned by his father, Bill Hatch, with his sister also involved in winemaking.
Brigette Smith of Williams Gap Vineyard in Round Hill received the Wine Ambassador of the Year award for her commitment to fostering collaboration and unity within the Loudoun Wine community. As the vineyard’s tasting room manager and a board member of the Loudoun Wineries and Winegrowers Association, Smith plays a vital role in promoting local wines.
The following wines were named Best of Class at the Loudoun Wine Awards:
Best Sparkling: Iron Will Winery Sparkling Viognier 2023
Best Sweet: Walsh Family Wine Late Harvest Petit Manseng 2019
Best Hybrid White: Quartzwood Farm Chardonel 2023
Best White Vinifera: Endhardt Vineyard ‘Reverie White’ 2023
Best Albariño: Good Spirit Farm & Vineyard Albariño 2023
Best Chardonnay: Williams Gap Vineyard Chardonnay 2022
Best Sauvignon Blanc: Endhardt Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc ‘Upper Block’ 2023
Best Viognier: Kalero Vineyard Viognier 2020
Best Petit Manseng: Hillsborough Vineyard ‘Opal’ 2022
Best Rosé: Three Creeks Winery Rosé 2021
Best Cabernet Franc: Bluemont Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2021
Best Merlot: Williams Gap Vineyard ‘Black Label’ Merlot 2021
Best Tannat: Walsh Family Wine Tannat 2021
Best Petit Verdot: Three Creeks Winery Petit Verdot 2022
Best Cabernet Sauvignon: Greenhill Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
Best Bordeaux Blend: Endhardt Vineyard ‘Fevor Red’ 2021
This year’s awards highlight the thriving wine culture in Loudoun County and its continued growth as a premier wine destination.
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