Charlottesville and the Monticello American Viticultural Area Officially Accept Wine Star Award for Wine Region of the Year

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau (CACVB) and the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA) have officially accepted the Wine Star Award for 2023 Wine Region of the Year. The award was presented by leading wine publication Wine Enthusiast at a gala attended by hundreds in Miami, Florida on Monday, February 5. Courtney Cacatian, Executive Director of the CACVB, accepted the award on behalf of the region. The CACVB’s new wine tourism video played as part of the award acceptance. Several wineries from the Monticello AVA were in attendance, plus representatives from the CACVB and the Virginia Wine Marketing Office, and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Matthew Lohr. Wines from the Monticello AVA were featured and served throughout the evening.

The Charlottesville area was just one of five wine regions nominated around the world for this prestigious award and was the only nominee located in North America. Wine Enthusiast’s executive media team made its winning selections based on many factors, but specifically highlighted the Monticello AVA’s collaborative spirit and its inclusive approach in making wine approachable and accessible for everyone. The CACVB is leveraging this major accomplishment through Historic Vines New Roots, a marketing initiative which tells the story of the region’s rich history through the lens of wine. By showcasing the region as a welcoming destination for all, Charlottesville and the Monticello AVA will continue to attract new audiences and wine lovers for years to come.

“This recognition reinforces what we’ve always known about our winemakers and grape growers: we belong on the world stage,” said Courtney Cacatian, Executive Director of the CACVB. “Not only does our region produce phenomenal wine, we’re intentionally disrupting the wine world and tearing down barriers. Wine Enthusiast recognizes the importance of this work to the future of wine with this award.”

The region’s history with wine dates to the days of Thomas Jefferson, who believed Charlottesville and Albemarle County’s terroir to be ideal for growing grapevines. The first grapevines were planted near Jefferson’s Monticello estate in 1774 by Italian winemaker Philip Mazzei, with 2024 marking the 250th anniversary of the arrival of viticulture to the area. After several failed grape-growing experiments, the region did not see successful vineyard ventures until the mid-1970s, when winemakers began experimenting with grapes better suited for the land. Since that time, the Monticello Wine Trail was created and has flourished, currently boasting more than 40 vineyards within a 25-mile radius of Charlottesville. The Monticello Wine Trail regularly receives major accolades in the annual Virginia Governor’s Cup wine competition and in 2023, won nearly half of all the gold medals awarded.

"This award is a spotlight on the collective passion that has fueled our region's winemaking, and our region's commitment to expanding the conversation in and around wine," said Reggie Leonard, Co-Founder of the Oenoverse. "As we grow in recognition, inclusion and experimentation are what will propel us in a dynamic environment. Plus, who doesn't love a good underdog story? We are breaking barriers with every vintage and we'd love to have you join us for business and for pleasure."

Click here for a selection of high-resolution images of wineries from the Charlottesville area and the Monticello AVA, in addition to a group photo from the awards gala. (Photo credit: Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau or www.visitcharlottesville.org)

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About the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau (CACVB) welcomes thousands of visitors to the region each year from all over the world who are seeking a variety of unique experiences in history, food, wine, spirits, and adventure. The CACVB serves as the global resource for marketing the tourism assets of the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle, and assists tour operators, meeting planners, and other groups in planning visits to the destination. The CACVB’s mission is to enhance the economic prosperity of the people of the City and County by promoting, selling, and marketing the area as a destination, in pursuit of the meetings and tourism markets.