Submissions are now closed for Virginia Living‘s 2025 Made in Virginia Awards—but what a year it’s been! Thank you to all the incredible makers who entered this year’s awards. We’re thrilled by the talent, innovation, and creativity pouring out of the Commonwealth. If you missed your chance to enter, don’t worry—we’ll be back next summer!
For 2025 Entrants:
📦 Product Samples Due by July 10
All entrants must submit a product sample to be considered for judging.
Mail or deliver samples to:
Virginia Living Magazine
c/o Made in Virginia Awards, ATT: Hope Cartwright
109 E. Cary Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Office Hours for In-Person Drop-Off:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Deadline:
Samples must arrive no later than July 10 to be eligible for judging. Judging begins July 11.
Sending perishables?
Please mark your packaging clearly.
Meet the Expert Judges
Food: Dominic Brown
Dominic Brown is the owner of TallTravelEats and a Richmond, Virginia, native. He is an award-winning food and travel blogger who has a passion for finding the most distinctive dishes both locally and worldwide. Tiramisu is Dominic’s all-time favorite dessert. TallTravelEats.com
“A food product is great to me when it has amazing flavor, quality ingredients, uniqueness and most importantly, exceptional taste,” says Brown.
Drink: Melanie Wynne
A travel and wine writer since 2008, Melanie Wynne has sipped her way across five continents. Along the way, she’s worked two wine harvests in Sonoma County, earned a degree in viticulture, and written for dozens of outlets, including Richmond Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and National Geographic Traveler. Instagram: @Wynne_Win
“A great beverage gets my attention with its balance, texture and finish, then connects me to wherever I happen to be, who I’m with, and how I feel in that moment. Basically, it resonates as a liquid memory,” she says.
Home & Lifestyle: Justine Platt
A Virginia resident for over 20 years, Justine’s career as a buyer, product designer, merchandiser, and small business mentor has taken her around the world, but Virginia remains her favorite. TheBlueBirdBarn.com
“I appreciate beautiful colors and textures, unique design, and products that bring happiness to everyday living,” Platt says.
Style & Beauty: Anne Weber
Anne is a writer and content creator based in Richmond. Her work has appeared in publications including Garden & Gun, Washingtonian, RICtoday, and The Roanoker. Passionate about all things local, Anne enjoys exploring Virginia with her husband and two Brittanys, trying new restaurants, and championing small businesses. Instagram: @AnneTate
“To me, a great style or beauty product is thoughtfully designed to be aesthetic, functional, and built to last,” Weber says. “I’m drawn to high-quality, sustainable pieces, especially those with a story behind them. That’s why I love shopping locally—it connects me to the people and places behind the products.”
🏆 Prizes & Prestige
Grand Prize Winner Will Receive:
- $1,000 in cash
- A spotlight in the December 2025 issue of Virginia Living—Virginia’s most widely read and respected magazine
- Prominent placement on VirginiaLiving.com
- A tailored social media campaign showcasing your product
- Recognition in our statewide digital newsletter
- Exclusive rights to the 2025 Grand Prize Winner’s Badge
All 20 Winners Will:
- Be featured in Virginia Living’s December 2025 issue as part of our Made in Virginia Awards print story
- Appear on VirginiaLiving.com
- Be spotlighted across our social media channels, reaching a statewide audience
- Receive official rights to the 2025 Made in Virginia Winner’s Badge—perfect for your website, product packaging, and press materials
Read Full Terms & Conditions »
For questions or more info, contact Associate Editor Hope Cartwright at [email protected].
Let’s hear it for Virginia’s makers!
