The 2024 Shenandoah Cup Dazzles Virginia Wine Enthusiasts From East To West

Kelly MacConomy November 10, 2024

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QUICKSBURG, VA – The 2024 Shenandoah Cup was held on November 8, celebrating the best of Virginia’s oldest winemaking region inside the spacious and eclectically elegant The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns in Quicksburg, Virginia. Eleven Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail gold medal winners presented 20 wines for tasting as they vied for the coveted Shenandoah Cup trophy.

Shenandoah Cup judge Renee Dunn and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture Matt Lohr present the Cup to Muse Vineyards’ Sally Cowal. (Photo: Kelly MacConomy)

The Cup-winning wine revealed last evening was Muse Vineyards’ Erato NV (non-vintage) white blending of Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains, Rosanne, and Marsanne upon a Vidal Blanc canvas.

The gold medal wines presented the breadth of Valley winemaking from sparkling and rosé to robust reds to winsome whites. Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail president, and winemaker at Bluestone Vineyards, Lee Hartman introduced Virginia Secretary of Agriculture Matt Lohr who spoke of the Shenandoah Valley emerging as one of the country’s most exciting wine regions.

Lee Hartman, Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail president, and winemaker at Bluestone Vineyards kicked off the Cup award celebration. (Photo Scott MacConomy)

Guest speaker and Shenandoah Cup judge Renee Dunn presented the trophy to a jubilant Sally Cowal, owner of Muse, who triumphantly carried the cup around as she enjoyed the labors of love among her fellow gold medal competitors. Sally found the Cave Ridge Vineyard and Winery 2022 Sparkling Riesling Blanc de Blanc especially captivating. We all did! This very special Blanc de Blanc earned Cave Ridge a gold at the 2024 Governor’s Cup.

Cave Ridge has won the Shenandoah Cup twice in three years – 2020 and 2022. The competition was established in 2019 to showcase the outstanding winemaking of the Shenandoah Valley. Speaking of outstanding winemaking….

The 2024 Shenandoah Cup Gala held at the Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns presented the best of Virginia wine from 20 wineries across the Valley.

Speculation among winery and wine trail insiders anticipated a Cup win by Lee Hartman for his Petit Meunier. Having tasted this delightfully complex red, which won the Best of the Best for the final East Meets West competition, it’s no surprise why he had been favored to win the 2024 Cup.

The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns brought glamorous panache and elevated wine tasting experiences together in a gentrified country milieu. (Photo: Scott MacConomy)

Kathy Kelly graciously hosted the annual event at her Yellow Barn event space located at the entrance grounds of the historic Shenandoah Caverns. Vicki Ruckman, Secretary of the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, and Stephanie Pence of Brix & Columns Vineyards welcomed Virginia wine enthusiasts from as far away as Alexandria to the expansive Blue Ridge and beyond.