Sip and Savor at the Virginia Wine Expo

MILAN, ITALY - JULY 8, 2015: reproduction of a wine stand with barrels and grapes along the Decumano main street at Expo 2015, universal exposition on the theme of food in Milan.

During this week-long festival in Richmond, over fifty of the state’s wineries uncork their wines, ciders, and other libations.

Virginia vintners and oenophiles hold their annual celebration of the grape February 17–22. On Saturday and Sunday, the Walk-Around Grand Tasting features hundreds of wines, while in the run-up to the weekend, the schedule includes chefs’ dinners, pairing demonstrations, and culinary walking tours. Non-wine vendors sell specialty food, jewelry, home entertainment “must have’s,” and even wine barrel makers’ wares.

wine expo

While tickets are available at the door, many events sell out well in advance, so ordering on-line is highly recommended. There are reduced price tickets for non-drinkers. Particularly popular is the Friday evening Burger Blast which features wine pairings with artisan burgers. A combo ticket for the Blast and Grand Tasting gets you into both events at a discount.

On-line purchasing, hotel packages, and surviving-the-event tips are found at www.virginiawineexpo.com

Insight Guides | Fran Severn