POP ITALIA! Global Sparkling & Champagne Celebration

Celebrate the World's Love of Great Sparkling Wine & Champagne

Calling all sparkling wine and Champagne lovers - plus still wine enthusiasts - to join us at this thoughtfully crafted wine and food fete celebrating Virginia's and the world's love affair with bubbly. Savor an elite lineup of sparklers from Italy, Champagne, France, Virginia, Portugal, Oregon, Washington State, Spain, California, South Africa and more. Highly regarded still wines from Virginia, Italy and Oregon will be available too.  Enjoy inventive, regionally-sourced Virginia- and Italian-inspired bites to enhance your tasting experience.

Expect to taste an expanded and stunning array of sparklers and champagnes from legendary producers considered among the best in the world, with prominent inclusions from Italy and Oregon since they are the Regions of Emphasis in 2024 in addition to Virginia.  The number of sparkling and champagne tables will be increased and more dispersed at our beautiful and expansive new venue, the Dewey Gottwald Center.  

Enjoy Top Scoring Bottlings from Legendary Producers From Around the World

This exceptional tasting will feature premium bottles from producers including Taittinger, Bollinger, Roederer, Nomine Renard, Zardetto, Gusbourne, Gosset, Thibaut-Janisson, Schramsburg, Grand Moraine, Veritas, Ferrari Perle, Domaine Carneros, King Family, Early Mountain, Mumm Napa, Perriet-Jouet, Graham Beck, Domaine Carneros, Ruinart, Barboursville, and many more.  Experience an elite and curated bubbly tasting party that's both fun and enriching!

We're devoted to properly educating you about the drinks you taste, which is why we insist that every beverage at POP ITALIA! 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. 

Regions of Emphasis

While POP ITALIA! features sparkling and still wines from around the world, Virginia sparklers will be well represented along with bottles from the Expo's two 2024 guest regions, Italy and Oregon.   The cuisine will also have a decidedly Italian and Virginian accent.

Ticket Package Availability and Build Your Own Package

This event can be purchased a la carte or as part of three discounted ticket bundles, ‘First Weekend’, ‘Sparkling Grand’, and ‘SUPER PASS’, which you can check out on the Ticket Packages page.  Alternatively, to curate your own experience, you can buy tickets to this event using our “build your own package” and save 15% on 3 events or save 20% on 4.

With Your Ticket, You Will:

• Taste 60+ highly regarded sparkling wines and champagne, premium still wines, and savor artisan bites to enhance your tasting experience.  Note that this is primarily a beverage event so please be sure to have a light meal before you arrive.  
   
• Receive and keep a beautiful Stolzle crystal wine glass
   
• Be permitted to park for free in the Dewey Gottwald Center parking lot.  
   
• Be able to use the complimentary coat check.
   
• Be provided with free artisanal water throughout the tasting.
   
• Be able to use tables, chairs and cocktail rounds throughout the exhibit hall.

Important Information

• All wine tables will end tastings at 9:30 p.m., fifteen minutes before the end of the event.  
• Only 21 years or older are permitted to enter the event.
• Smart casual or smart chic attire recommended.
• All inclusive.
• Cost of admission is $5.  The remaining costs cover the privilege to consume sampled food and drinks (excluding complimentary water) and the crystal wine glass.