Sparkling & Champagne Celebration VIP/Early Access. Includes Walk-Around Grand Tasting VIP/Early Sunday.
Details
An Unparalleled Celebration of Great Sparkling Wine & Champagne and Exquisite Cuisine at Stunning Dover Hall
This VIP/Early Access ticket permits entry to an ultra-exclusive ‘quad-plate’ wine and food pairing experience at the new 7 Lady Vineyards Tasting Room adjacent to Dover Hall Estate an hour earlier than General Access ticket holders.
Tickets to the Sparkling & Champagne Celebration also include tickets to the Walk-Around Grand Tasting: VIP/Early Sunday Special on Sunday, March 7, 2027, at Main Street Station
We can't wait to share this special experience for those who love sparkling wines, Champagnes and delicious food. Please join us at gorgeous Dover Hall for this thoughtfully crafted wine and food celebration featuring the cuisine of acclaimed Executive Chef Leah Randolph, who won “Chef of the Year” in 2023 from the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association.
Please scroll down for photos from last year's Celebration.
Emphasis on Champagne and Sparklers from France, California, Virginia, and Spain + Additional Regions of the World
Savor a curated, international lineup of sparklers and Champagnes with an emphasis on France, Virginia, California, and Spain. All of these bottles will be poured by experienced servers whether they be long-time volunteers or winery/distributor representatives who can discuss and educate you about what you're sampling.
This walk-around experience takes place in numerous rooms inside stunning Dover Hall, which is full of incredible art, statues, mounted wild game, ornate architecture and more. Seating will be available in some of the rooms.
Refreshed Menu in 2027
Expect a French- and Virginia-inspired menu in 2027!
Leah Randolph, Dover Hall's brilliant Executive Chef, who was “Chef of the Year” in 2023 as awarded by the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association, will present a stunning menu of delicious bites crafted to pair well with the wines offered.
The sparkling wine and champagne selections will be curated by a collaboration between the Expo team, Chad Hornik, co-owner of Dover Hall and a certified Sommelier, and representatives from organizations such as Jackson Family Wines, the Sparkle-ist, owned by Champagne Master Level Lieven De Geyndt, who will be participating in the event, and others.
Regions of Emphasis
While the Sparkling & Champagne Celebration features sparkling and still wines from around the world, Virginia sparklers will be well represented along with bottles from the Expo's 2027 International Region of Emphasis, France.
With Your VIP/Early Ticket, You Will:
Experience an exclusive and unique quad-plate wine and food pairing experience at the new 7 Lady Vineyards Tasting room just steps away from beautiful Dover Hall one hour. There is a limit of only 40 VIP tickets.
Gain entry to the Sparkling & Champagne Celebration at Dover Hall AND entry to the Walk-Around Grand Tasting: VIP/Early Sunday Special on Sunday, March 7, 2027, at Main Street Station.
Taste 35+ highly regarded sparkling wines and champagne, premium still wines, and savor French- and Virginia-inspired artisan bites to enhance your tasting experience. There will be plenty of fine food for a full meal.
Receive and keep a beautiful Stolzle crystal wine glass
- Be permitted to park for free in the Dover Hall parking lot.
- Stroll through beautiful Dover Hall.
- Be able to use the complimentary coat check.
- Some seating will be available.
See Menu from 2026 Below. 2027 Menu TBA.
Stationary Display: Mediterranean Board
Canapes
Smoked Salmon Cucumber Cups
Smoked Salmon Mousse, Dill
Whipped Brie Tart
Red Pepper Jelly & Candied Pecan Soil
Stations
Oyster Rockefeller
Spinach, Fontina, Mozzarella
Szechuan Chicken Karaage
Yuzu Aoli, Pickled Fresno
Duck Confit Endive Cups
Cranberry Maple Vinaigrette, Honey Roasted Slivered Almonds, Feathered Leeks
Coconut Red Curry Shrimp Skewers
Bell Peppers, Onion & Ginger
About Chef Leah Randolph
Leah is an Indiana native who moved to Virginia in elementary school. She started working in commercial kitchens at the age of 16, but it wasn’t until 2015 that her true passion for culinary was revealed when she began her fruitful career with Salisbury Country Club. Under the leadership of her Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef, she learned a different style of culinary that sparked a passion like never before. Leah spent four years at Salisbury Country Club learning and growing before bringing her talents to Dover Hall in 2018. After two years as the Sous Chef, she was promoted to Executive Chef because of her attention to detail, leadership in the kitchen, and of course, her delicious food! In 2023, only two years after becoming Executive Chef, the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging, and Travel Association awarded Executive Chef, Leah Randolph, the prestigious title of "Chef of the Year" at their Ordinary Award Ceremony. The staff, work environment, and access to local ingredients are a few of her favorite parts about leading the Dover Hall culinary team. A signature dish by Leah will most likely include plenty of herbs, seasonal produce, and a hint of citrus! In her free time, you will find Leah cooking, trying out new restaurants in Richmond, sipping on a beer at Strangeways Brewery, or skydiving!
