BRIDGEWATER, VA (Rocktown Now) — Bluestone Vineyard has once again showcased the strength of Virginia winemaking on the national stage, earning top awards at the 2025 International Eastern Wine Competition and West Coast Wine Competition. The Shenandoah Valley winery walked away with four Best of Class designations, multiple Double Gold medals, and consistently high marks from judges.

The annual dual contest pits wines from across the country against one another. First, judges name winners in the International Eastern Wine Competition and the West Coast Wine Competition separately. Then, the top-scoring entries face off in the “East Meets West Taste Off,” where expert judges evaluate aroma, flavor, color, and overall quality.

Bluestone’s star performer this year was the 2023 Petit Verdot, which earned Double Gold, Best of Class, and an exceptional 98 points. Judges described the wine as “a combination of Bordeaux and grace; totally representing the best of the East Coast, with blueberry jam and sassy acids.” Sourced from hillside vineyards along Spring Creek Road and aged in French oak, the wine reflects both bold concentration and refined elegance.

Three other wines also took Best of Class honors: the 2023 Moscato, 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2023 Merlot. The Moscato scored 93 points with flavors of peaches, honey, and sour apple, while the Merlot impressed with 96 points and a plush profile of ripe plums and dried figs. The Cabernet Sauvignon, which scored 91 points, has yet to be released but is expected to arrive in Bluestone’s tasting room later this fall.

Other notable winners included:

  • Beau (2023 Vidal Blanc-Traminette blend) – Gold, 91 points
  • 2023 Cabernet Franc – Gold, 90 points
  • 2023 Houndstooth (Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot blend) – Gold, 91 points

Two additional wines, the 2023 Petit Manseng and 2023 Vidal Blanc, also earned silver medals.

Winemaker Lee Hartman credited the vineyard team for the strong showing. “The 2023 season gave us ideal conditions, and these awards reflect the incredible work of our entire team,” Hartman said. “These results aren’t just a win for Bluestone; they’re a testament to the Shenandoah Valley wine industry.”

Below is the full list of gold medal winners awarded to Bluestone Vineyard at this year’s competition. 

2023 Petit Verdot
Best of Class, Double Gold
Score: 98 | Notes: Combination of Bordeaux and grace; Totally represents the best of the east coast; blueberry jam and sassy acids

Beau
Gold
Score: 91 | Notes: Tasty, easy to appreciate, slight spice component

2023 Cabernet Franc
Gold
Score: 90 | Notes: Toasty, herbal finish, cherry cola

2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
Best of Class, Gold
Score: 91 | Notes: Dark fruit, depth of flavor, lingering finish


2023 Houndstooth
Gold
Score: 91 | Notes: Dried herbs, tobacco leaf, dusty

2023 Merlot 
Best of Class, Double Gold
Score: 96 | Notes: Ripe, juicy, crunchy blue fruits, cola, plum


2023 Moscato
Best of Class, Double Gold
Score: 93 | Notes: Powerhouse of fruit, excellent acidity