Winning Virginia Wines at the 2025 DWWA

The results are in from the 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). Wines from the United States have earned a place on the world stage, including rising stars from lesser-known regions. Winning Virginia wines took home nine medals. The results demonstrate that American wine excellence is no longer bottled up in just a few places.

For this year’s competition, 248 wine experts from 35 countries evaluated entries from 57 nations. Of the thousands of wines submitted, only 50 earned the prestigious Best in Show distinction – just 0.30% of all entries.

The United States secured 294 medals, including 20 top-tier medals, all scoring 95 points or more – two Best in Show, four Platinum, and 14 Gold – plus 122 Silver and 152 Bronze medals.

California

California continues to lead the states, with 143 total medals, including both of the U.S. Best in Show honors, two Platinum wins, and six Gold medals, from elegant Napa Valley reds to nuanced Sonoma whites. For the first time in the competition’s history, a Platinum was awarded to a sparkling wine from Los Carneros for Chandon, Etoile Brut NV.

Oregon and Washington

Oregon’s Willamette Valley added another Platinum medal to its growing collection, earning that honor for the second year in a row, a testament to the region’s cool-climate finesse.

Washington State made headlines by increasing its medal count fivefold over last year, collecting three Golds and 78 total medals.

Virginia

Nine winning Virginia wines earned medals, including Gold for Early Mountain Petit Manseng 2022, which judges described as “richly flavoured and texturally gastronomic.” The commonwealth also earned five Silver and three Bronze medals.

The complete list of winning Virginia wines

• Horton Vineyards – Suil Viognier, Silver. Score: 90
• Chestnut Oak Vineyard – One, Silver. Score: 92
• Chrysalis – Locksley Reserve Norton, Bronze. Score: 88
• Chestnut Oak Vineyard – Nebbiolo,, Bronze. Score: 87
• Early Mountain – Rise, Silver. Score: 93
• Early Mountain – Eluvium, Silver. Score: 94
• Early Mountain – Novum, Bronze. Score: 87
• Early Mountain – Petit Manseng, Gold. Score: 95
• Early Mountain – Quaker Run Cabernet Franc, Silver. Score: 94

Other winning states

Pennsylvania won Gold, two Silver and two Bronze medals. Other states that recorded medals included Colorado, Missouri, New York, and Texas.

Nationwide celebration

Beyond the big names, the 2025 DWWA results celebrate the broadening map of American wine excellence. Colorado, Missouri, New York, and Texas all appeared on the medal roster, reflecting a growing sophistication in vineyards across the U.S.

From the polished reds of Napa to the aromatic whites of the Appalachian foothills with winning Virginia wines, American wine is thriving and diversifying. With global judges raising their glasses to bottles from across the country, there’s never been a better time to explore what’s uncorking in your own backyard.

Visit awards.decanter.com for a full list of winners.

Making the Virginia Wine Dream Come True: Gabriele Rausse

Information from press release, dated June 16, 2025, embargoed till June 18, 2025.