For Immediate Release
Sep 27, 2010
Media Contact: Lisa Stites, 434-984-7529
Charlottesville, VA.&— The Virginia Wine Board hosts the Governor's Cup for White Wines, Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at 6:30 p.m., on the West Lawn of Monticello, as part of the kick off celebration of October Virginia Wine Month.
Thomas Jefferson wrote to Charles Philibert Lasteyrie-du Saillant in 1808, "We could, in the United States, make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good."
Today, Jefferson's dreams of an American wine industry have been realized. Virginia's wine industry is booming; there are now more than 160 wineries in the Commonwealth.
The Governor's Cup at Monticello kicks off October Virginia Wine Month, themed "Discover Your Local Crush," which promotes locally-produced wine. First Lady of Virginia Maureen McDonnell and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore will help with the awards presentation.
One Virginia winery will be awarded the coveted Governor's Cup (White Wines). Two hundred white wines, from 58 wineries, were entered in the 2010 White competition. A total of 131 medals were awarded -€“ 16 Gold, 50 Silver and 63 Bronze.
Thirty-eight wineries will present their entries at the event. The evening will include complimentary walk through tours of Monticello, including the newly restored Dining Room, Wine Cellar, and the new Crossroads Exhibit.
Sponsored by the Virginia Wineries Association, the Governor's Cup competition was founded in 1982 to highlight the caliber of Virginia Wines, which are highly acclaimed by wine critics worldwide. The Virginia wine industry has grown to fifth in the nation in both production and number of wineries. Due to the increase in popularity of Virginia wines and the number of entries, the Governor's Cup was divided into two competitions in 2010 - the judging of red wines was held in February and the judging of white wines was held in August. Entries have soared from fewer than 50 in 1982 to more than 400 in 2010.
Space is limited, so please RSVP as soon as possible. Upon response, your name will be added to the guests list (you will check in at Monticello - there will be no hard copy tickets or media passes issued).
The Virginia Wine Board and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation are proud sponsors of this event. For more information about Virginia Wine Month events and the Governor's Cup, visit virginiawine.org
Credentials: Annette Boyd (804) 402-1896 Cell.
Photo Requests: Karen Batalo (804) 337-3045 Cell.
All media must RSVP by noon Sept.28, and show media credentials at VIP check in. Unable to attend? Email or call Karen Batalo (kabatalo@aol.com or 804-337-3045) with your photo requests. Please include your publication name, email and phone number with area code.
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