Virginia Wine Expo

Virginia Wine Expo

Saturday, Mar 8, 2025 from 9:15am to 9:30pm

  804-349-6909
  Website

Schedule of Events:

9:15 AM – 11:00 AM: VWE Academy Masterclass: Does Virginia Have a Wine Identity?  A State Grape Blend?  A Virginia Wine Deep Dive.  Grand Tasting Included.

In partnership with the Erin Scala, the Virginia Wine Expo presents a two-class Virginia Wine Expo Academy Masterclass course, a unique and unparalleled opportunity to learn more about whether Virginia wine has developed a true wine identity and if so, what is it?  Can Virginia claim to have a state grape or blend?  

Please join Sommelier Erin Scala, owner of In Vino Veritas Fine Wines, named a Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40, and owner of consultancy, ThinkBev, for a fascinating, enriching and delicious seminar will educate and enlighten your understanding of Virginia wine.

This two-class courses includes admission to the Saturday VIP/Early Walk-Around Grand Tasting, mere steps away from the seminar area.

Your Ticket Includes the Following:

Class #1 - Online & Taped via Zoom on Saturday, February 22, 2025, 10AM - 11:15AM, or anytime thereafter via taped replay
Class #2 - LIVE at Main Street Station on Saturday, March 8, 2025, 9:15AM - 11:00AM: This class includes a comprehensive tasting of Virginia wine
Saturday Afternoon VIP/Early Walk-Around Grand Tasting on Saturday, March 8, 2025, 11:00AM to 4:00PM: This event is literally steps away from the Academy masterclass and begins just as the Academy masterclass concludes.

Masterclass Details

The first, virtual class will primarily focus on Virginia's wine history and culture, terroir, biodiversity, viticultural regions, notable grape varietals, techniques and challenges, economics, distinctive characteristics, and place in the greater wine world. 

The second, live class at Main Street Station with a will be a thorough, comprehensive tasting of the most relevant grape varietals and blends from Virginia and, for comparative purposes, several regions of the world in search of the answer as to whether or not Virginia has a truly defined wine identity and a state grape or blend.

You'll taste 12+ highly regarded wines

You may arrive at 9am to seat yourself

Main Street Station
1500 E Main St,
Richmond, Virginia, 23219

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10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Signature Brunch Experience at Echelon Wine Bar

Savor a Delicious Brunch and Then Amble Over to the Walk-Around Grand Tasting Across the Street at Main Street Station

The owners of Echelon Wine Bar welcome you to a festive brunch from acclaimed Chef Thomas Owens complete with a mimosa wine reception.  The brunch ends in time for you to attend the Saturday Walk-Around Grand Tasting session, starting at 12pm at Main Street Station, which is a mere steps away from Echelon.   Please join us!

With Your Ticket, You Will:

Enjoy a two-course brunch menu with a basket of muffins/bread for the table upon arrival. Menu coming soon.
Enjoy a mimosa wine reception upon arrival and a choice of a glass of wine or a wine cocktail with brunch

Important Information

All inclusive
Limited to 50 guests
You may arrive anytime after 9:45am
This is a set coursed menu so brunch seating starts at 10:00am
We can accommodate special dietary restrictions. Please contact us once you purchase tickets.
Several parking garages within one block. Please check our website for parking or call us.
21 and over

Echelon Wine Bar
1209 East Cary Street,
Richmond, Virginia, 23219

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11:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Walk-Around Grand Tasting: VIP/Early Saturday Afternoon

The Expo's Premier, Curated Wine, Spirits & Food Tasting Experience

***Advance tickets and bundles on sale now.  Save 10%.  Limited quantity available while supplies last.

If you attend only one of the Expo's 25 events, make it the Walk-Around Grand Tasting - the heart of the Expo, perfect for both passionate wine enthusiasts and novice drinkers who enjoy tasting and learning about fine wine and food.  There are five entry times for this event - see details here.

Savor 30+ Virginia Wineries, 12+ Virginia Distilleries, International Wine & Incredible Specialty Food
Virginia's wine world gathers at this marquee celebration held at beautiful Main Street Station, where you can spend an entire afternoon strolling from table to table tasting hundreds of wines from Virginia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sonoma, CA and other regions, Virginia spirits, ciders and meads, and specialty foods + enjoy artisan products.  

We're devoted to properly educating you about the drinks you taste, so every beverage is poured by knowledgeable representatives - whether they be winemakers, distributor representatives, proprietors, or experienced volunteers - capable of explaining about the drinks they are serving you.

Main Street Station
1500 E Main St,
Richmond, Virginia, 23219

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11:45 AM – 1:00 PM: Masterclass Seminar: Discover the Brilliant Wines of South Africa with Famed Importer Bartholomew Broadbent

Taste Stunning South African Wines Curated from Broadbent Selections Extensive Portfolio

Awaken your senses and discover the delicious, terroir-driven wines of one of the world “wildest” wine regions - South Africa.  

At this seminar, led by famed importer and wine lecturer Bartholomew Broadbent, you'll taste highly-regarded examples of some of the most famous wines and hidden gems produced by the wineries that are part of Bartholomew Broadbents extensive portfolio of imported South African wines.

With Your Ticket, You Will:

Taste 9+ highly regarded South African wines
Learn about the nuances of some of the famous wines produced in various regions of South Africa

Important Information

You may arrive at 11:30 am to be checked in and seated
Only 21 years or older are permitted to enter the event.
Casual attire.
All inclusive.

Main Street Station
1500 E Main St,
Richmond , Virginia, 23229

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12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Walk-Around Grand Tasting: General Saturday Afternoon

The Expo's Premier, Curated Wine, Spirits & Food Tasting Experience

***Advance tickets on sale now.  Save 10%.  Limited quantity available while supplies last.

If you attend only one of the Expo's 25 events, make it the Walk-Around Grand Tasting - the heart of the Expo, perfect for both passionate wine enthusiasts and novice drinkers who enjoy tasting and learning about fine wine and food.  There are five entry times for this event - see details here.

Savor 30+ Virginia Wineries, 12+ Virginia Distilleries, International Wine & Incredible Specialty Food

Virginia's wine world gathers at this marquee celebration held at beautiful Main Street Station, where you can spend an entire afternoon strolling from table to table tasting hundreds of wines from Virginia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sonoma, CA and other regions, Virginia spirits, ciders and meads, and specialty foods + enjoy artisan products.  

We're devoted to properly educating you about the drinks you taste, so every beverage is poured by knowledgeable representatives - whether they be winemakers, distributor representatives, proprietors, or experienced volunteers - capable of explaining about the drinks they are serving you.

Taste & Buy Virginia Wine and Spirits and Specialty Food from Across the Region and Beyond

Load up on fine Virginia wines and top shelf Virginia spirits as well as specialty food at the Walk-Around Grand Tasting.  We'll help make your buying experience hassle-free by providing a free ‘wine-check’ service which will hold your bottle purchases until you're ready to leave.

Regions of Emphasis

While the Expo features wines from many regions of the world, Virginia wine is always emphasized along with international Region(s) of Emphasis and a national Region of Emphasis, which change each year.  In 2025, the international Regions of Emphasis will be Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and the national Region will be Sonoma, CA.  Additionally, wines from other highly regarded wine regions will be available to taste.

With Your Ticket, You Will:

Taste hundreds of highly-regarded wines, spirits and ciders throughout the three-hour session*.
 
Taste exceptional specialty food from local and national artisanal producers.
 
Enjoy the opportunity to buy most Virginia wines and all Virginia spirits to take home.
 
Enjoy an extraordinary silent Auction and bid on items with your mobile phone.
 
Receive a beautiful, crystal Stolzle wine glass to use at the event and keep to take home.
 
Be able to use the complimentary wine check and coat check services.
 
Be provided with free artisanal water throughout the tasting.
 
Be able to use tables, lounge chairs and cocktail rounds throughout the exhibit hall.

Important Information

*All wine, spirits and cider tables will end tastings at 3:45 p.m., fifteen minutes before the end of the session.  However, those tables will still remain open for bottle sales if they are a Virginia winery, distillery or cidery.
Only 21 years or older are permitted to enter the event.
Casual attire.
All inclusive except for full meal items.

Main Street Station
1500 E Main St,
Richmond, Virginia, 23219

Buy Tickets

12:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Sparkling Wine Lunch at Lillian

A Stellar, Fresh Seafood-Centric Sparkling Wine Lunch Prepared by Two of Richmond's Finest Restaurateurs

Savor scratch made, seafood-centric cuisine, paired with highly regarded sparking wines at Lillian, which offers a modern oyster hall-type vibe highlighted by a beautiful 52-foot wraparound bar.  Enjoy watching the Phelan's and their team create each course at this intimate, communal culinary experience.

With Your Ticket, You Will:

Enjoy an inventive, scratch-made four-course lunch with a focus on fresh seafood and oysters - all paired with sparkling wines
Chefs Patrick Phelan and Megan Fitzroy-Phelan will educate you about the cuisine and the sparkling wines
Savor an up-close, intimate experience

Important Information

All-inclusive
Only 35 seats
You may arrive anytime after 12:15pm
Casual attire
21 and over

Lillian
3001 W Leigh St. Suite A,
Richmond, Virginia, 23230

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1:15 PM – 2:30 PM: Masterclass Seminar: Icons of New Zealand presented by Sommelier Erin Scala

Savor New Zealand's Iconic, Terroir-Driven Wines

Along New Zealand's stunning coastline and rugged inland, vintners have revived age-old viticultural techniques - often in geologically dramatic and extreme conditions - to produce some of the world's most delicious wines.  Please join Sommelier Erin Scala and learn how the alchemy of ancient soils, unforgiving landscapes, age-old growing practices, and passionate winemaking influence the flavor profiles of the luscious New Zealand wines you'll taste.

With Your Ticket, You Will:

Taste 10 highly regarded New Zealand wines
Learn about New Zealand's signature grape varietals and iconic wines and what influences their flavor profiles

Main Street Station
1500 E Main St.,
Richmond, Virginia, 23219

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2:45 PM – 4:00 PM: Masterclass Seminar: Journey Through Australia with Famed Importer Bartholomew Broadbent & Australian Wine Expert Chuck Hayward

Taste Brilliant Australian Wines and Enjoy the Insights Provided by Famed Importer Bartholomew Broadbent and America's Foremost Authority on Australian Wine, Chuck Hayward

Australia is a vast and beautiful country with breezy summer days, cool nights, varied terroir and old vines, producing an exciting array of styles ranging from exotic Chenin Blanc and Rousanne to steely Riesling and Semillon to big, bold Shiraz's and Cabernet Sauvignons.  

At this seminar, led by famed importer and wine lecturer Bartholomew Broadbent and Chuck Hayward, America's leading expert on Australian wine, you'll taste highly-regarded wines from different regions of Australia taken from Bartholomew Broadbents extensive portfolio.

With Your Ticket, You Will:

Taste 10+ highly regarded Australian wines
Learn about different styles and signature grape varietals that originate from the diverse regions of Australia
Enjoy the wit, wisdom and insight of Bartholomew Broadbent and Chuck Hayward

Important Information

You may arrive at 2:30 am to be checked in and seated
Only 21 years or older are permitted to enter the event.
Casual attire.
All inclusive.

Main Street Station
1500 E Main St,
Richmond, Virginia, 23219

Buy Tickets

4:30 PM – 5:45 PM: Masterclass Seminar: Virginia’s Wine History in 12 Iconic Wines presented by Sommelier Erin Scala

Taste Virginia's Iconic Wines

The burgeoning Virginia wine industry counts over 300 wineries and has divided into three tiers: elite level, mid-level, and everyday.  Led by Ms. Erin Scala, Sommelier and owner of Vino Veritas Fine Wines in Keswick Virginia, this seminar offers a very special opportunity for you to taste twelve elite-level, iconic Virginia wines while taking you on a unique historical tour of Virginia's wine roots.  This seminar is held in the Head House of beautiful Main Street Station.

With Your Ticket, You Will:

Enjoy an all-inclusive, interactive, immersive seminar
Taste 12 extraordinary, iconic Virginia wines
Learn why these wines are so exceptional and about Virginia wine history

Important Information

You may arrive anytime after 4:00 pm
Street parking is available for free on Saturday
Casual attire
21 and over

Main Street Station
1500 E Main Street,
Richmond , Virginia, 23219

Buy Tickets

6:00 PM – 7:15 PM: Masterclass Seminar: A Brilliant Tasting of Stunning Sake with Master Sommelier & Certified Sake Advisor Robert Jones.  Grand Tasting Included.

Enjoy a Rare Opportunity to Savor a Selection of Highly Regarded Sake

***Your ticket includes the Masterclass Seminar and the Saturday Evening Walk-Around Grand Tasting, just steps away from the seminar area.

This is the first Masterclass seminar in the history of the Virginia Wine Expo which has focused on world-class sake.  Master Sommelier Robert Jones will lead you through an enlightening experience, covering the origins of sake, what it is made from, the various levels of quality and, of course, how they taste.  This seminar is appropriate for sake enthusiasts or novice drinkers looking to expand their palate and understanding of this legendary craft beverage that is made with rice, brewed like beer, and drinks like a light distilled spirit.

With Your Ticket, You Will:

Learn about the origins, history, brewing process, and quality designations of sake
Taste 8+ excellent sake's

Important Information

After the seminar concludes you may attend the Saturday evening Walk-Around Grand Tasting
21 or over
Attire is casual

Main Street Station
1500 E Main St,
Richmond, Virginia, 23219

Buy Tickets

6:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Walk-Around Grand Tasting: General Saturday Evening

The Expo's Premier, Curated Wine, Spirits & Food Tasting Experience

***Advance tickets and bundles on sale now.  Save 10%.  Limited quantity available while supplies last.

If you attend only one of the Expo's 25 events, make it the Walk-Around Grand Tasting - the heart of the Expo, perfect for both passionate wine enthusiasts and novice drinkers who enjoy tasting and learning about fine wine and food.  There are five entry times for this event - see details here.

Savor 30+ Virginia Wineries, 12+ Virginia Distilleries, International Wine & Incredible Specialty Food

Virginia's wine world gathers at this marquee celebration held at beautiful Main Street Station, where you can spend an entire evening strolling from table to table tasting hundreds of wines from Virginia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sonoma, CA and other regions, Virginia spirits, ciders and meads, and specialty foods + enjoy artisan products.  

We're devoted to properly educating you about the drinks you taste, so every beverage is poured by knowledgeable representatives - whether they be winemakers, distributor representatives, proprietors, or experienced volunteers - capable of explaining about the drinks they are serving you.

Taste & Buy Virginia Wine and Spirits and Specialty Food from Across the Region and Beyond

Load up on fine Virginia wines and top shelf Virginia spirits as well as specialty food at the Walk-Around Grand Tasting.  We'll help make your buying experience hassle-free by providing a free ‘wine-check’ service which will hold your bottle purchases until you're ready to leave.

Regions of Emphasis

While the Expo features wines from many regions of the world, Virginia wine is always emphasized along with international Region(s) of Emphasis and a national Region of Emphasis, which change each year.  In 2025, the international Regions of Emphasis will be Australia, New Zealand and South Africa and the national Region will be Sonoma, CA.  Additionally, wines from other highly regarded wine regions will be available to taste.

With Your Ticket, You Will:

Taste hundreds of highly-regarded wines, spirits and ciders throughout the three-hour session*.
 
Taste exceptional specialty food from local and national artisanal producers.
 
Enjoy the opportunity to buy most Virginia wines and all Virginia spirits to take home.
 
Enjoy an extraordinary silent Auction and bid on items with your mobile phone.
 
Receive a beautiful, crystal Stolzle wine glass to use at the event and keep to take home.
 
Be able to use the complimentary wine check and coat check services.
 
Be provided with free artisanal water throughout the tasting.
 
Be able to use tables, lounge chairs and cocktail rounds throughout the exhibit hall.

Important Information

*All wine, spirits and cider tables will end tastings at 9:15 p.m., fifteen minutes before the end of the session.  However, those tables will still remain open for bottle sales if they are a Virginia winery, distillery or cidery.
Only 21 years or older are permitted to enter the event.
Casual attire.
All inclusive except for full meal items.

Main Street Station
1500 E Main St,
Richmond, Virginia, 23219

Buy Tickets

7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: The Perfect 10 Signature Wine Dinner, ‘Omakase’ Style at Shoreline with Chef Josh Loeb

You'll Cherish This 10 Course ‘Omakase’ Wine Pairing Dinner Featuring a Fresh, Artisan-Made Tasting Menu

This 10 course, ‘Omakase’ style wine pairing dinner experience will be a unique opportunity to enjoy the shared dining experience perfected in Japan and other parts of the world.  Executive Chef Josh Loeb will lead the 10 lucky diners - yes only ten seats are available - on a chef-driven, inventive dinner, where a progression of dishes are personally selected and prepared based on what is fresh that day at Shoreline. 

This culinary experience is more than just a dinner. It is a customized, communal experience where each course celebrates the season's delicacies in a uniquely memorable manner. Please join us!

With Your Ticket, You Will:

Enjoy an amazing 10-course ‘Omakase’ style wine pairing dinner
Sit at a beautiful semi-circular dinner counter overlooking the chef and fresh seafood

Important Information

Only 10 tickets available
Menu will not be posted in advance; it depends on what's fresh at the time of the dinner
21 or over
All-inclusive
You may arrive at 6:45pm

Shoreline
10614 Patterson Ave,
Richmond, Virginia, 23238


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