Michigan’s only statewide wine competition
This event represents Michigan’s only statewide, industry driven wine competition and is an opportunity for the Michigan wine industry to unite, engage, compete, and celebrate the premium wines representative of our wine industry.
Read the Official Press Release!
The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) is excited to the 2026 Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup Competition results. This event represents Michigan’s only statewide industry driven wine competition and is an opportunity for the Michigan wine industry to unite, engage, compete, and celebrate the premium wines representative of our wine industry.
Partnering with the Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) for the official fourth annual Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup Awards in 2026, MWC is thrilled to announce the exciting results from the competition…
2026 Taste MI Governor's Cup Winners
2026 Taste MI Governor's Cup Best of Show Winner
French Valley Vineyard’s, 2024 Dessert Riesling was the big Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup winner. This wine was the highest scored wine in the competition with a score of 97 and earning a Platinum medal. Later this year French Valley will be presented the official Governor’s Cup trophy. It will be housed in the French Valley tasting room for one year. We will announce when the trophy is at its new home for Michigan wine lovers to visit it. Until then make sure to swing into the French Valley tasting room soon to taste and stock up on their award winning Riesling and more!
NEW AWARD: Winery of the Year
The new Best Winery Award of the Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup recognizes the winery that presented the highest average score with a 5 wine minimum submission. This year’s award is proudly presented to Stoney Ridge Vineyards of Kent City. Stoney Ridge recieves exceptional scores for their following wines:
| 95 • 2021 Petite Pearl Gold Medal |
| 93 • 2022 Marquette Gold Medal |
| 92 •NV Crescent Moon Gold Medal |
| 90 • 2024 La Crescent Gold Medal |
| 89 • 2023 Itasca Silver Medal |
NEW AWARD: Winemaker of the Year
The new Best Winemaker of the Year Award of the Taste Michigan Governor’s Cup recognizes the winemaker who presented the most diverse and distinctive set of five or more 90 point scoring wines. This year’s award is proudly presented to Blake Lougheed of Bel Lago Ventures. Blake receives exceptional scores for the following wines:
| 97 • French Valley Vineyard 2024 Dessert Riesling Platinum Medal |
| 94 • Dune Bird NV Cabernet Franc Gold Medal |
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94 • French Valley Vineyard 2019 Ice Wine Riesling Gold Medal 94 • Bel Lago NV Cherry Wine Gold Medal |
| 93 • Dune Bird NV Dry Riesling Gold Medal |
| 92 • Bel Lago 2023 Chardonnay Gold Medal |
| 92 • French Valley Vineyard 2023 Chardonnay Gold Medal |
| 91 • French Valley Vineyard 2020 Reserve Cabernet Franc Gold Medal |
| 91 • Bel Lago 2025 Pét-Nat Rosé Gold Medal |
| 90 • French Valley Vineyard 2020 Merlot Gold Medal |
Best in Class Winners
BEST FORTIFIED WINE: French Valley Vineyard 2024 Dessert Riesling
BEST VINIFERA RED: Cherry Creek Cellars NV Charamar Collection Proprietors Reserve Red Blend
BEST VINIFERA WHITE: Blustone Vineyards 2025 Chardonnay
BEST HYBRID RED: Stoney Ridge Vineyards 2021 Petite Pearl
BEST HYBRID WHITE: Social Vines 2023 Vignoles
BEST SPARKLING WINE: Mawby Sparkling NV Blanc Brut
BEST ROSÉ: Verterra Winery 2025 Estate Rosé of Cabernet Franc
BEST SWEET/DESSERT WINE: Nitz Reserve 2022 Ice Wine Vidal Blanc
BEST SPECIALTY WINE: Laurentide 2024 Risque Rose
BEST FRUIT WINE: Bel Lago NV Cherry Wine
2026 Taste MI Governor's Cup Case
Indulge in a variety of the most highly rated wines from the 2026 Taste MI Governor’s Cup by collecting the wines of the official Governor’s Cup case! The wines below are the top 5 red, top 5 white, top sparkling, and top rosé from the 2026 competition. As we celebrate the start of tasting room season, Michigan wine summer, harvest 2026, and beyond. Stock your wine rack with the Governor’s case wines and pick them up for the perfect gifts for all the wine lovers in your life!
Cherry Creek Cellars NV Charamar Collection Proprietors Reserve Red Blend
Stoney Ridge Vineyards 2021 Petite Pearl
St. Julian Winery Braganini 2022 Cabernet Franc
White Pine 2022 Reserve Cabernet Franc
Dune Bird NV Cabernet Franc
Blustone Vineyards 2025 Chardonnay
Social Vines 2023 Vignoles
Filkins Vineyards 2024 Riesling
Crane’s Winery 2024 Gruner Veltliner
Chateau Fontaine 2024 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Verterra Winery 2025 Estate Rosé of Cabernet Franc
Mawby Sparkling NV Blanc Brut
OFFICIAL GOVERNOR’S CUP TROPHY WINNERS
