The 2026 honorees include a diverse range of establishments, from local markets like Greenwood Grocery to culinary destinations such as The Shack and The Red Fox Inn & Tavern. This year’s selection process involved an industry panel evaluating applicants on wine list diversity, staff training, and creative promotional efforts. Beyond standard categories, the program awarded special distinction to five businesses—including 1799 at The Clifton, The Market at Grelen, and Wegmans Food Markets—for achieving the highest scores in excellence.

Desiree Harrison-Brown of the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office noted that these businesses act as vital voices for the Commonwealth’s wine scene. By prioritizing local producers in their by-the-glass offerings and events, these stewards keep regional stories at the forefront of the hospitality experience. The initiative serves to bolster Virginia’s reputation as one of the fastest-growing wine regions in the country, where over 300 wineries now operate.