Signature Events

Unique Experiences • Extensively Curated • All-Inclusive • Enriching & Immensely Enjoyable

The events below are considered the Virginia Wine Expo's signature events because they offer exceptional, unparalleled experiences, are extensively curated, offer a wide breadth of highly-regarded craft beverage content, and are held at unique, beautiful venues.

At the Walk-Around Grand Tastings and Sparkling & Champagne Celebration you will receive a beautiful Stolzle crystal wine glass to use and take home.

At SMOKED! you will be given a choice between the Stolze crystal wine glass and the Stolzle crystal nosing glass.

Walk-Around Grand Tastings at Spectacular Main Street Station

The Expo's premier, most popular, curated wine, spirits and food tasting experience
Three entry times on Saturday, March 7, and two entry times on Sunday, March 8
VIP and General Admission sessions available
Featuring hundreds of wines from Virginia, Spain, Portugal, Central Coast, CA and other wine regions, Virginia spirits and ciders, and artisan specialty food
Most Virginia wines and all Virginia spirits will be available to sample and for purchase to go
Enjoy a silent Auction and bid on items
Specialty food sampling included; free artisan water available for all attendees; some seating available
Artisan food vendors available to sell full meals (sold separately)

SMOKED! - A Whiskey, Wine & Global Smoked Cuisine Experience at the Dewey Gottwald Center

VIP and General Admission entry times on Friday, March 6
A walk-around style event with available seating
Features 75+ whiskeys from Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and other U.S. states
Features 20+ aged tequilas from Mexico
Also features about 30+ highly-regarded wines from Virginia, Spain, Portugal, California and other regions
Savor a refreshed menu of global smoked cuisine inspired by food traditions from various regions of the U.S. and the world. Vegetarian options will be available
NEW in 2026 - A food- and non-alcoholic-only ticket option. Mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
Enjoy a live and silent Auction and live music

Sparkling & Champagne Celebration at Beautiful Dover Hall

A celebration of sparkling and champagne wines from Virginia, Champagne, France, Spain, California, Oregon, Washington State, and more regions paired with inventive cuisine created by Leah Randolph, Executive Chef at Dover Hall
This extraordinary tasting will include an exceptional selection of sparklers and Champagnes from legendary producers from around the world curated by Sommelier and Co-owner of Dover Hall, Mr. Chad Hornik
A walk-around event in multiple rooms of a Gothic-style mansion with live music and available seating
NEW in 2026 - expect sparkling wines from Jackson Family Wines, one of the premier wine groups in the U.S.
NEW in 2026 - expect Lieven de Geyndt, Champagne Master, to be serving his extraordinary Champagnes

Bacchanalia Reception & Dinner at Historic The Mill at Fine Creek presented by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

A brilliant, sinfully delicious, multi-course sit-down wine dinner - completely refreshed for 2026 - featuring 5 chefs, a keynote speaker, and preceded by a sparkling reception
Reserve one of 13 charming cottages at The Mill at Fine Creek as part of your experience. The cottages are a short, 3 minute walk from the dinner venue. For more information about the cottages, please click here.
Held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at stunning The Mill at Fine Creek. You may arrive at 6pm.
Highlights highly regarded elite wines from Oregon and Washington State paired with outstanding seasonal Virginia cuisine