Walk-Around Grand Tasting: VIP/Early Saturday Afternoon

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

***Early Bird tickets and bundles on sale October 17.  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.

VIP/Early Ticket-Holder Entry One Hour Early & Additional Privileges

VIP ticket-holders will receive a special ID and enjoy the privilege of entering the Grand Tasting one-hour early and gain exclusive access to highly-regarded VIP wines THROUGHOUT the duration of the afternoon session (from 11am-3:45pm).

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.