CrossKeys Vineyards to be Included in the Governor’s Cup Case

(Mt. Crawford, Virginia) – One of the Shenandoah Valley’s premier vineyards is being honored as one of the best in all of Virginia.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced last night that the 2015 vintage of the Ali d’Oro dessert wine, produced by CrossKeys Vineyards, will be included in the 2018 Governor’s Cup Case®, which means it’s one of the best that was judged during the Governor’s Cup® competition.

CrossKeys learned earlier this month that the Ali d’Oro had won a Governor’s Cup Gold Medal, and was one of only four dessert wines to receive that distinction this year.  The Ali d’Oro is the one of two dessert wine to be included in the Governor’s Cup Case.  The case showcases the state’s top wines.

“This is an amazing honor,” said Babak Bakhtiar, Director of Marketing for CrossKeys Vineyards.  “It is proof that our hard work is paying off.  We’d like to thank Governor Northam and all of the judges.”

The competition for the Governor’s Cup is fierce, with 442 entries this year.  A total of 99 wines received the Gold Medal.  The top 12 red and white wines are included in the Governor’s Cup Case.

In addition to the gold medal won by Crosskeys’ Ali d’Oro, the vineyard was honored this year to receive silver medals for the 2016 vintages of its Petit Verdot, Touriga, Joy White, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.  The 2015 CrossKeys Vineyards Petit Verdot received a bronze medal.

CrossKeys Vineyards, located near Weyers Cave, will turn 10 years old later this year.  It was founded by the Bakhtiar family on what they call a “forgotten” piece of land.  The inspiration for the business is the former Cross Keys Tavern, which was near the vineyard property and served as a center of community life in the early to mid-19th century.

CrossKeys Vineyards is different from many Virginia wineries in that its vintages are 100% estate grown.  All grapes used to produce the wine are grown on CrossKeys property.

For more information on CrossKeys Vineyards, please visit crosskeysvineyards.com.

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