The Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association recently announced the medal winners of the 10th Annual Loudoun Wine Awards. A record number of wineries entered the 2025 competition, underscoring the growth and quality of the Northern Virginia wine region.
For the first time, entries were restricted to wines made from 100% Loudoun County fruit — an increase from the previous 75% requirement — making this year’s medals a reflection what Loudoun winemakers can create from the county’s specific terroir.
This year saw a record number of submissions from Loudoun wineries, resulting in 24 Gold medals and 120 Silver medals representing 35 participating wineries.
The Grand Awards for each varietal category — and the individuals honored as Winemaker of the Year, Winegrower of the Year and Wine Ambassador of the Year — will be revealed at the Loudoun Wine Awards Dinner on Friday, Oct. 24 at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg.
The resort, located at 44050 Woodridge Parkway, is about an hour's drive northwest of Alexandria.
You can find a complete list of all the medal-winning wines on the Loudoun Wine Awards website.
“What an exciting year for Loudoun wines,” said Aimee Henkle, chair of the Loudoun Wine Awards Committee. “In our 10th year, the quality is truly exceptional. Having required 100% Loudoun fruit this year makes it even more meaningful. This competition is exactly what we wanted all along: a showcase of Loudoun County wines, grown, made, and produced right here.”
Henkle added that Loudoun wineries continue to find success with Bordeaux-style blends as well as single varietals like Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Chardonnay. At the same time, new grape varieties such as Albariño and Tannat are thriving in the Northern Virginia region, and sparkling wines are also taking hold.
Loudoun County is home to more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms. An easy drive west from
Alexandria, it’s know at “DC’s Wine Country” because of its proximity to the nation’s capital. The Middleburg American Viticultural Area (AVA) lies within Loudoun and neighboring Fauquier counties.
“These wines show the breadth and promise of Loudoun as a world-class wine destination,” Henkle said.
Celebrate the Best of Loudoun Wines
The 2025 Loudoun Wine Awards were overseen by Competition Director Neal Wavra, who has guided the judging process for nine years. The owner of Field & Main Restaurant in Marshall, Wavra is a nationally recognized sommelier and restaurateur whose wine program has been praised for its commitment to Virginia wines.
This year’s judging panel included six wine professionals representing restaurants, retailers, wholesalers, educators, and advocates:
- Erin Scala DWS, owner of Charlottesville’s Market Street Wine Shop.
- Booth Hardy, proprietor of Richmond’s Barrel Thief Wine & Provisions.
- Travis Vernon, founder of Well Crafted Wine & Beverage Co. in Warrenton.
- Michael Scaffidi, a sommelier with experiences ranging from The French Laundry to The Greenbrier to The Jefferson.
- Kenny Grandon, Master Sommelier candidate with previous experience at Goodstone Inn and The Inn at Little Washington.
- Kasia White, DipWSET, educator at the Capital Wine School in Washington.
Wine lovers, producers, industry members and the general public are invited to attend the grand tasting of the award-winning wines, followed by the awards dinner at Lansdowne Resort on Friday, Oct. 24, where the Grand Award winners and the persons of the year will be honored.
Tickets are available now for $150 per person, and you can purchase them here.


