'Cornus Virginicus Edition V’ Unveiled as Part of Virginia Wine Month 

and 50th Anniversary Celebrations at Barboursville Vineyards

Luca Paschina, President of Barboursville Vineyards, is very excited to announce that on October 29th the Former First Lady of Virginia Suzanne S. Youngkin unveiled at the Historic Estate the 'Cornus Virginicus Edition V' as part of Virginia Wine Month celebrations. Barboursville Vineyards, winner of the 2025 Governor's Cup, crafted this year's limited-release blend—continuing a tradition that pairs the Commonwealth's top winemaking talent with a mission to support Virginia agriculture.

A Legacy of Celebrating Virginia Agriculture

Launched in 2022 by then-First Lady Youngkin, Cornus Virginicus was created as an annual limited-release wine celebrating Virginia’s farmers, growers, and winemakers. Each edition of Cornus Virginicus – which is Latin for “flowering tree of Virginia” as a nod to Virginia’s state flower and tree, the Dogwood — brought together the First Lady of Virginia, representatives from the state’s Agriculture and Forestry Secretariat, the Virginia Wine Board, and winning winemakers.

Portions of proceeds benefit agricultural nonprofit organizations selected by the First Lady.  To date, the project has contributed more than $30,000 to organizations including the Virginia FFA Foundation, Virginia 4-H, Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom, the State Fair of Virginia Applied Youth Scholarship Program, and Wheatland Farm’s Faith and Family Foundation.

A New Chapter

In the spring of 2026, compelled by the meaningful impact Cornus Virginicus generated across Virginia's agricultural community, former First Lady Youngkin, with the help of former Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr, joined forces with the Virginia FFA Foundation to carry forward the project’s mission—honoring the people who grow, produce, and steward the Commonwealth’s agricultural heritage while investing in its next generation of agricultural leaders. 

The Youngkins established an endowment fund to provide educational scholarships to Virginia FFA members, with a unique focus on aspiring vintners, winemakers, and agricultural leaders who are helping shape the future of Virginia’s wine industry. Each year, the previous Governor’s Cup winner continues the tradition of producing a limited-run red blend of Cornus Virginicus, available exclusively through the winning winery. Proceeds from the wine support the permanent endowment, expanding the reach and long-term impact of these scholarships.

“Cornus Virginicus uniquely marries the talents of Virginia’s top vintners with programs that benefit next-gen Ag leaders,” said former First Lady Youngkin. “It shines a spotlight on an impressive and important industry and channels support to Virginia FFA, an organization making a real difference throughout the Commonwealth.”

“It is a privilege that for the second time I am involved with the blending of Cornus Virginicus, and moreover I am elated to support the next generation of the Future Farmers of America (FFA),” said Barboursville’s General Manager and award-winning winemaker, Luca Paschina. 

“While in office, the Youngkins were extremely supportive of Virginia FFA. We are grateful for the support and the awareness the former Governor and First Lady brought to our organization,” said Virginia FFA Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Armstrong. “We are so excited to partner with the Former First Lady and especially honored to have been selected to continue this program. These funds will be instrumental in continuing our programs to grow the next generation of agricultural leaders in the Commonwealth.”

About the Virginia FFA Foundation: 

Virginia FFA Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to supporting over 45,000 students enrolled in agricultural education across the Commonwealth and the over 16,000 student members of the Virginia FFA Association who are focused on learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, and living to serve. For over 100 years, Virginia FFA has been preparing the next generation of agriculturalists, innovators, and community leaders through classroom instruction, hands-on experiences, and statewide leadership development programs. Virginia FFA continues to expand opportunities that empower students to explore career pathways in agriculture, develop technical and leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. This endowment ensures that those opportunities will grow for generations to come. To learn more about the Virginia FFA Foundation, please visit www.supportffa.org. If you wish to contribute to the endowment fund, please visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/youngkinfamilylegacyfund/.

About Barboursville’s Edition V: 

This limited edition of 900 bottles is crafted from barrels originally intended for Barboursville’s flagship red Octagon. It is a blend from the 2024 and 2025 vintage, 38% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 30% Petit Verdot, all from Estate-grown fruit and aged in French oak barrels. Intense floral and blackberry aromas leap out of the glass along with a hint of spice from the oak. The wine has great concentration of fruit and already elegant tannins, giving this Bordeaux style blend stunning balance and purity of flavor. Approachable to drink now, yet with as much as two decades of ageing potential. Cornus Virginicus Edition V is available for tasting and purchase at Barboursville Vineyards and for purchase on their website Online.

“It is a great privilege to be involved with this meaningful project for the second time in five years, I strongly believe in supporting the next generation of Virginia farmers. I take this opportunity to thank the Former First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, Former Secretary Matt Lohr and my colleagues Vineyard Manager Fernando Franco and winemaker Daniele Tessaro for their contribution on crafting great wines and making it possible.” Luca Paschina

For more information, contact: Luca Paschina at grappa@barboursvillewine.com