Cornus Virginicus IV Launches in Celebration of Virginia Wine Month

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- King Family Vineyards, in collaboration with the First Lady of Virginia, Suzanne S. Youngkin, proudly announces the release of Cornus Virginicus IV, the fourth edition of a special wine project that has honored Virginia's agricultural and winemaking excellence since its launch.

This release recognizes Matthieu Finot, winemaker at King Family Vineyards, who was selected for the project after earning the Virginia Governor's Cup in 2024 for the vineyard's 2019 Meritage.

"Cornus Virginicus is such a special initiative," said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. "It shines a spotlight on the artistry of Virginia winemakers and channels that celebration into support for organizations making a difference throughout the Commonwealth."

As part of Edition IV, a donation will be made to Wheatland Farm's Faith and Family Foundation, a therapeutic equestrian center and inclusive community serving children and adults with disabilities and their families. Previous editions have benefitted organizations such as Virginia FFA Foundation, Virginia 4-H, and the State Fair of Virginia Applied Youth Scholarship Program, contributing more than $28,500 to date.

"It has been an honor for King Family Vineyards to contribute to this significant project," said James King of King Family Vineyards. "As the home of Roseland Polo, our community is deeply connected to equestrian traditions, making it especially meaningful that this wine will benefit Wheatland Farm's therapeutic equestrian programs.

"Cornus Virginicus highlights the heart of Virginia agriculture," said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr. "The First Lady of Virginia's support for initiatives like Wheatland Farm reflects a strong commitment to Virginia's farming communities and to the continued growth of the Commonwealth's wine and agricultural industries."

To create the fourth edition release, Finot crafted several blends that were reviewed by a tasting panel including the First Lady. This fourth edition of Cornus Virginicus is 53% Petit Verdot, 30% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec and a total of 125 cases produced in a limited release. Cornus Virginicus is also served at the Executive Mansion in Richmond for special occasions, further highlighting its role in celebrating Virginia's hospitality and tradition.

The launch of Cornus Virginicus IV coincides with the 37th annual Virginia Wine Month, a statewide toast to an industry spanning more than 300 wineries and 5,000 acres of vineyards. Virginia's wine industry contributes $1.73 billion to the state's economy and sustains more than 10,000 jobs.

Cornus Virginicus—Latin for "flowering tree of Virginia"—pays tribute to the Commonwealth's official state flower and tree, the dogwood. Featured on the label alongside the First Lady's seal, the dogwood symbolizes the strength, tradition, and beauty found throughout Virginia.

Previous editions of Cornus Virginicus featured wines from previous winery Governor's Cup winners: Barboursville Vineyards, Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg, and Mountain & Vine Vineyards and Winery.

Cornus Virginicus IV is available for purchase online through the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) and King Family Vineyards in Crozet. Purchasers may select pickup at a Virginia ABC store or the winery, or opt for direct shipping through King Family Vineyards. For more information, visit https://pages.virginiawine.org/cv/.

SOURCE Virginia Wine