Every year, the Maryland Governor’s Cup Wine Competition celebrates the very best of the state’s wine industry. Organized by the Maryland Wineries Association, the competition highlights outstanding wines made with locally grown fruit and showcases the diversity and craftsmanship of the region. In Montgomery County, Maryland, the awards shine a spotlight on wineries and cideries on the Tastemakers Trail who placed in the competition.
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
A long-standing MoCo favorite, Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard took home an array of awards multiple categories in this year’s competition. The 2025 Circe Red Blend earned Best in Class and Double gold, while the 2025 Petit Manseng and 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve and the 2023 Comus each recieved Double Gold. The 2023 Evoe earned gold while the 2025 Unoaked Chardonnay recieved the Bronze.
Windridge Vineyards
Windridge Vineyards in Darnestown captured the Best In Class | Governor’s Cup Award and multiple medals this year. Their 2025 White Blend was the showstopper in Best in Class for a red varietal and Best in Show, which showcases the county’s unique terroir that led to the winning bottle. Its Double Gold winners were the 2023 Peit Verdot and 2025 Portrayal. For Silver, the 2021 Black Label Blanc de Blancs took home a medals, while their 2025 Albarino and 2023 Chardonnay took home a bronze.
The Crossvines
More than a winery, The Crossvines is also a teaching hub with its own custom grape-crushing facility and bistro. The NV Hit It Hard Cider “Strawbidie” took home the Best in Class and Double Gold winner award. The Silver Winners were their 2024 Merlot and 2025 Hit it Hard Cider each won a medal.
61 Vineyard
Family-owned and focused on sustainable practices, 61 Vineyard in Damascus impressed the judges with Silver-Winning honors for its 2024 Rolling Ridge and 2024 Perit Verdot and 2025 Pleasant Plains. And in the Bronze category, their 2025 Drytown, and 2025 Pleasant Plains took home medals.
Metzger Winery
A boutique winery that sells its wine through pop-ups throughout Poolesville earned a bronze medal for its 2024 Autumn’s Revenge.
