What is the Best Virginia Wine?

We are often asked the difficult question: "What is the best Virginia wine?".  And in fact, Tom Wark asked me a variation of that question at the 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference -"If I had one wine to bring home from Virginia, what would it be?. And obviously there is no simple or correct answer. Palettes differ among consumers; vintages differ among wines; and some wines may be one year wonders.  Plus, has anyone actually tried every Virginia wine produced? But here goes.

On an annual basis, check out the results of the Virginia Governor's Cup - where a panel of experts determine the best Virginia wines for each year - all from wines produced from Virginia grown grapes. Instead of a vintage approach, my standard answer consists of wines that are commendable year after year.

Now, I understand everyone has different opinions and will find fault with these selections; so - what is your best Virginia wine?

Best Virginia Red Wine
Barboursville Vineyards Octagon
Linden Vineyards Avenius or Hardscrapple
Breaux Vineyards Merlot
Chrysalis Vineyards Norton
Virginia Wineworks Boxed Cabernet Franc

Best Virginia White Wine
Glen Manor Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc
Linden Vineyards Avenius or Hardscrapple Chardonnay
Veritas Vineyards Viognier
Tarara Vineyard & Winery  Charval
Horton Vineyards Viognier

Best Virginia Rosé Wine
Boxwood Winery Rosé
Linden Vineyards Rosé
Paradise Springs Winery Nana's Rosé
King Family Vineyards  Crosé

Best Virginia Sparkling Wine
Thibaut-Janisson Winery Blanc de Chardonnay, Virginia Sparkling Wine
Thibaut-Janisson Winery  Virginia FIZZ
Castle Hill Cider Levity
Trump Winery Blanc de Blanc

Best Virginia Fruit & Honey Wine
Corcoran Vineyards Apple Wine
Village Winery Elderberry Wine
Blacksnake Meadery Wildflower Honey Wine
Coltsfoot Winery Elderberry Wine
Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery  Blue Heeler

Best Virginia Dessert Wine
Potomac Point Winery Rabelos
Corcoran Vineyards USB
Fabbioli Cellars Raspberry Merlot
Horton Vineyards Vintage Port
Veritas Vineyards Othello