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February 27, 2027
Event date:
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March 7, 2027
Event end:
Overview
The Virginia Wine Expo is a premier nine day international wine and food event that showcases the best of the Commonwealth alongside prestigious global wine regions. Now entering its 18th year, the expo has become a cornerstone of Richmond’s cultural calendar, drawing thousands of enthusiasts to celebrate the intersection of viticulture and artisan cuisine. The 2027 edition continues this tradition of excellence, blending the local charm of Virginia’s farm to table movement with a curated “international accent” that brings the world’s vineyards to the heart of Virginia.
The festival’s crown jewel is the Walk-Around Grand Tastings held at the historic Main Street Station, where hundreds of wines, spirits, and ciders are available for sampling. Each year, the expo highlights specific Regions of Emphasis; for 2027, the focus remains on the celebrated wines of Spain, Portugal, and the Central Coast of California. This strategic focus allows attendees to embark on a journey of discovery, comparing Virginia’s evolving terroir with some of the most historic and innovative wine producing areas in the world.
Beyond the grand tastings, the expo features a sophisticated lineup of signature events, including the high energy SMOKED! global whiskey and smoked cuisine experience and the elegant Sparkling & Champagne Celebration. The festival is more than just a tasting event; it is an educational hub featuring Masterclass seminars led by world class sommeliers and winemakers. By offering a meticulously curated environment where guests can meet the producers and even purchase their favorite bottles to take home, the Virginia Wine Expo provides a comprehensive and immersive look at the modern world of wine.
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Event Highlights
- The Walk-Around Grand Tastings at Main Street Station, featuring hundreds of bottles from Virginia and international guest regions.
- SMOKED!, a signature event at the Dewey Gottwald Center pairing global smoked cuisine with premium whiskies, spirits, and bold wines.
- The Sparkling & Champagne Celebration at Dover Hall, an exquisite evening dedicated to effervescent wines from France, California, and Virginia.
- Masterclass Seminars led by industry experts that provide deep dives into specific varietals, blending techniques, and viticultural history.
Why Attend
The Virginia Wine Expo is an ideal destination for seasoned oenophiles, curious newcomers, and foodies who appreciate a highly curated social and educational experience. The benefit of attending is the unique opportunity to taste high scoring, rare bottlings that are often unavailable in local retail shops, all while interacting directly with the winemakers and distillers. It is an immersive way to support local agriculture while simultaneously broadening one’s palate with world class international selections in a historic urban setting.
Attending the 2027 expo allows you to experience the best of Richmond’s culinary scene through intimate signature dinners and brunches hosted at the city’s top restaurants. The festival is designed for those who value quality and variety, offering everything from leisurely afternoon tastings to high energy evening social events. Whether you are looking to build your private cellar or simply want to enjoy a luxurious weekend of fine dining and exceptional spirits, the expo provides a sophisticated and joyful atmosphere that celebrates the very best of Virginia’s hospitality.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: February 27 – March 7, 2027
- Event Duration: 9 days (Main events concentrated on the final Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold exclusively through the official festival website; early bird sales typically begin in October of the preceding year.
- Admission Type: Paid Admission; tickets are required for all individual sessions and signature events.
- Ticket Pricing: Single event tickets typically range from $55 to $195, while full weekend VIP bundles are approximately $269 to $469.
- Special Seating Options: Seating is provided for seminars and dinners; the Grand Tastings are walk around events, though some perimeter seating is available.
- VIP Options: VIP/Early Entry tickets provide an extra hour of tasting time, access to exclusive “premium” bottles, and private hospitality lounges.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Richmond, USA
- Venue Name: Virginia Wine Expo
- Google Maps Address: 1500 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219, United States
Contact Information
- Email: info@virginiawineexpo.com
- Phone Number: +1 804-349-3043
- Official Website: https://virginiawineexpo.com/
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaWineExpo
- https://www.instagram.com/vawineexpo/
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Richmond International Airport (RIC) is approximately 9 miles east of the downtown Main Street Station venue.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Main Street Station is an active Amtrak hub, allowing attendees to arrive directly at the primary festival venue.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: The GRTC Pulse bus rapid transit system has a dedicated stop at Main Street Station, connecting the venue to the entire city.
- Parking Availability: Numerous public parking lots and decks are located within a three block radius of Main Street Station and the Dewey Gottwald Center.
- Directions by Car: Access the downtown area via I-95 (Exit 74B for Franklin St) or I-64, following signs for the Historic Main Street Station.
What is this event?
The Virginia Wine Expo is an internationally recognized nine day celebration of wine, spirits, and artisan cuisine. It features a massive grand tasting at a historic train station alongside intimate dinners, masterclasses, and themed spirits events.
The expo focuses on showcasing Virginia’s premier vintages alongside rotating international guest regions to promote cultural exchange. It serves as a major destination for wine tourism and educational discovery in the Mid Atlantic region.
Why is it popular?
The event is popular because it offers a highly curated and sophisticated experience that blends education with luxury. Its location in historic Richmond venues provides a stunning backdrop for tasting hundreds of different beverages in a single weekend.
It is also favored for its unique “Take Home What You Taste” feature, allowing guests to purchase Virginia wines and spirits directly at the event. The diversity of programming, from casual tastings to high end dinners, ensures there is something for every type of enthusiast.
Tips before you go
- Purchase your tickets early during the October “Early Bird” window, as popular sessions and VIP weekend bundles frequently sell out months in advance.
- Utilize the complimentary “Wine Check” service at the Grand Tastings so you can purchase bottles from multiple vendors without having to carry them all day.
- Book a hotel in the Shockoe Bottom or Downtown neighborhoods to stay within walking distance of Main Street Station and avoid the need for driving.
- Eat a substantial meal before attending the Grand Tastings, as while there are specialty food samples, the primary focus is on wine and spirits.
- Dress in “smart casual” or “business casual” attire, as the venues are elegant and the atmosphere is more sophisticated than a standard outdoor festival.
Attendee Experiences
- Being able to walk off an Amtrak train and directly into a world class wine tasting at Main Street Station was the ultimate travel convenience.
- The SMOKED! event was a revelation for me; the way they paired peaty whiskies with local barbecue was absolutely brilliant.
- I learned more about Spanish and Portuguese wines in one masterclass than I have in years of reading about them on my own.
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FAQ
What are the Regions of Emphasis for the 2027 Expo?
The 2027 Virginia Wine Expo will highlight the international regions of Spain and Portugal, along with the national emphasis on the Central Coast of California. While the dominant content remains Virginia wine and spirits, these guest regions provide a significant number of additional bottles for tasting. This allows attendees to compare local viticulture with some of the world's most established and trending wine regions.
Is there a way to attend without drinking alcohol?
The expo offers "Non-Alcoholic" tickets for certain events like SMOKED! and the Grand Tastings at a significantly reduced price point. These tickets allow guests to enjoy the artisanal food, live music, and educational atmosphere without participating in the wine or spirits sampling. This is a popular option for designated drivers or those who simply wish to experience the culinary side of the festival.
How does the VIP/Early session differ from the General session?
VIP and Early Entry ticket holders are granted access to the Grand Tastings and SMOKED! one hour before the general public sessions begin. This "Power Hour" allows for more intimate conversations with winemakers and provides the first opportunity to taste limited production bottles that may run out later. VIP tickets also often include access to exclusive lounges with upgraded seating and private restroom facilities.
Are children or pets allowed at the festival venues?
Due to the nature of the event and the presence of alcohol, the Virginia Wine Expo is strictly for adults aged 21 and older. All attendees must present a valid government issued photo ID at the entrance, and no exceptions are made for infants or toddlers in strollers. Similarly, pets are not permitted inside the venues, although service animals specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities are allowed.
Can I buy bottles of wine to take home at the event?
One of the most unique features of the Virginia Wine Expo is the "Take Home What You Taste" program at the Grand Tastings. Many of the participating Virginia wineries and distilleries are permitted to sell bottles for off site consumption directly from their booths. The festival provides a convenient wine check service where you can store your purchases and pick them up at the end of your session.
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