Colorado Announces 2026 Governor's Cup Wine Winners
The Colorado Wine Industry Development Board has unveiled the 12 top-rated wines selected for this year's collection.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Wine
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Do you prefer buying wines produced within your own state over national brands?
The Colorado Wine Industry Development Board recently announced the 12 winners of the 2026 Governor's Cup. The selections were chosen from a pool of 251 entries submitted by 43 wineries across the state.
Why it matters
The board organizes this annual competition to help identify and promote high-quality wine options for consumers. By spotlighting top producers, the initiative aims to highlight the growing standard of viticulture within Colorado.
A panel of 16 experts evaluated 251 wines from 43 different wineries to determine the final 12-bottle collection. These top honors were distributed among just four unique wineries.
The players
Colorado Wine Industry Development Board
This state organization oversees the growth and promotion of the Colorado wine industry.
The Storm Cellar
Based in Hotchkiss, this winery is known for its high-altitude viticulture and recent success in statewide competitions.
Bookcliff Vineyards
Located in Boulder, this producer focuses on estate-grown wines and has earned recognition for its traditional varietals.
The details
The Storm Cellar in Hotchkiss earned Best in Show for its 2024 Reserve Riesling, which also secured the title of Best White Wine. Additional top awards went to The Storm Cellar for its 2025 Rosé of Chambourcin and Bookcliff Vineyards in Boulder for its 2025 Mourvèdre.
Timeline
The 12 winning wines were revealed during the Colorado Uncorked event on October 17-18, 2026.
Culture Shift
This selection process reflects a growing focus on regional identity in the American wine market as consumers move away from mass-produced options. The move follows the established criteria set by the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board's annual quality assessment program.
Consumers looking to update their wine collections can now seek out the specific bottles included in the 2026 Governor's Cup collection at local retailers. These wines represent the highest-rated selections from the recent expert panel and offer a curated guide for local shoppers.
The takeaway
Readers can use this list as a reliable benchmark when purchasing regional products at local liquor stores or tasting rooms. Supporting these award-winning vineyards often leads to a deeper appreciation of the specific grape varietals thriving in the state's unique climate.
Further reading
Discover more about local viticulture and upcoming events on the Colorado Wine section page.
Live Poll
Do you prefer buying wines produced within your own state over national brands?
