At a ceremony in February at the John Marshall Ballroom in Richmond, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe presented the 2016 Governor’s Cup to the team at Keswick Vineyards for their 2014 Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve.
“I am honored to award the 2016 Governor’s Cup to Keswick Vineyards’ winemaker Stephen Barnard and owners, Al and Cindy Schornberg,” Governor McAuliffe said at the annual Governor’s Cup Gala. “Their work at Keswick Vineyards embodies those characteristics that are imperative for Virginia farmers and winemakers: an entrepreneurial spirit, a drive to excel, a healthy tolerance for risk and a desire to see what Virginia’s land and terroir can do.”
The Keswick Cabernet Franc bested 432 other wines from 95 wineries entered in this year’s Governor’s Cup competition. This year’s win marks the second year Keswick has won the coveted Governor’s Cup and the third year winemaker Stephen Barnard made the winning wine.
“Being recognized as the Governor’s Cup winner is a big honor for Keswick Vineyards and for me as a winemaker,” Barnard said. “Winemaking at Keswick is a team effort. Everyone, from the vineyard team to the tasting room staff, contributes to our success and this Governor’s Cup win.”
Along with the other 11 highest scored wines in this year’s competition, Keswick’s Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve will be part of the ‘Virginia Governor’s Case’ used to showcase and promote Virginia’s top wines to wine media over the next year.
By Frank Morgan
Author: VisitVirginia
