NOMINATION FORM

LWWA is excited to announce a new awards format for the 2026 wine awards dinner. Please see the listing of awards below. We will be accepting nominations through Monday, September 14th, 2026. The nomination guidelines and nomination form are below.

Loudoun Wine Excellence Award

Top annual honor

Recognizes an individual whose work over the past year has made a meaningful impact on the Loudoun wine industry through leadership, wine quality, vineyard excellence, business innovation, collaboration, education, hospitality, advocacy, or elevating the region’s reputation. This award is intended for the person people look at and say, “Loudoun wine is stronger this year because of what they did.”

Eligible recipients may include a winemaker, winegrower, owner, general manager, educator, industry organizer, vineyard consultant, or another individual who has meaningfully moved Loudoun wine forward.

Selection: Board-selected from member nominations
Recipient: Individual only

Rooted in Loudoun Award

For vineyard, land, farming, and stewardship excellence

Recognizes excellence in the vineyard and honors the people, teams, or wineries whose work reflects the belief that great Loudoun wine starts with the site, the fruit, the farming, and the long-term care of the land.

Eligible recipients may include a vineyard manager, grower, vineyard crew, winery, or estate team demonstrating excellence in vineyard practices, site stewardship, fruit quality, sustainability, regenerative practices, resilience, or meaningful investment in Loudoun-grown wine.

Selection: Board-selected from member nominations
Recipient: Individual, vineyard team, or winery

Hospitality Excellence Award

For the people who make visitors fall in love with Loudoun wine

Recognizes an individual or team that creates exceptional guest experiences and deepens the connection between visitors and Loudoun wine.

Eligible recipients may include a tasting room associate, hospitality manager, events lead, wine educator, wine club manager, guest-facing team, or full hospitality team whose collective work elevates the guest experience.

Selection: Member nominations; membership vote
Recipient: Individual or team

Behind the Vines Award

For behind-the-scenes excellence

Recognizes an individual whose essential work forms the foundation of a winery, vineyard, event, or the broader Loudoun wine community. This award honors the person whose work may not always be visible to guests, but whose contribution is essential to excellence.

Eligible recipients may include cellar staff, harvest crew, vineyard crew, bottling support, administrative staff, operations, compliance, facilities, event setup, logistics, delivery, bookkeeping, production support, or an all-purpose problem-solver.

Selection: Board-selected from member nominations
Recipient: Individual only, preferably non-owner/non-executive

Loudoun Wine Champion Award

For collaboration, partnerships, and regional momentum

Recognizes an individual, business, organization, or partner that has helped connect Loudoun wine to new audiences, partnerships, trade relationships, tourism opportunities, media attention, or community support.

Eligible recipients may include a person, winery, restaurant, retailer, tourism partner, event organizer, educator, journalist, community organization, or business that has strengthened the visibility, reputation, or reach of Loudoun wine.

Selection: Member nominations; membership vote
Recipient: Individual, business, organization, or partner