Academy

Virginia Wine Expo & Sommelier Erin Scala Present an Incredible Course Which Includes Admission to the Saturday, VIP/Early Walk-Around Grand Tasting

In partnership with Sommelier Erin Scala, the Virginia Wine Expo presents the Virginia Wine Expo Academy Masterclass (VWEA), a unique and unparalleled opportunity to learn more about Virginia wine!

A two-class Certificate course, Does Virginia Have a Wine Identity? A State Grape or Blend? A Virginia Wine Deep Dive, will be offered. The course includes admission to the Saturday VIP/Early Walk-Around Grand Tasting (details below).

After taking the course, candidates will receive a Certificate.

VWEA's primary goal is to foster a network of Knowledgeable Wine Ambassadors, who will promote, support, and champion wine, especially Virginia wine, throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia and well beyond.

Your Ticket to Does Virginia Have a Wine Identity? A State Grape or Blend? A Virginia Wine Deep Dive. Includes the Following

Enrollment in the two-class Does Virginia Have a Wine Identity? A State Grape or Blend? A Virginia Wine Deep Dive., which concludes on Saturday, March 8, at historic Main Street Station
- The first online class will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, starting at 10 a.m.. A video replay of the class will be available shortly thereafter if you can't join the class at 10 a.m.
- The second LIVE class will be held on Saturday morning, March 8, starting at 9:15 a.m. at Main Street Station and will conclude at 11:00 a.m. just as the Saturday VIP/Early Walk-Around Grand Tasting begins
Admission to the VIP/Early Saturday Walk-Around Grand Tasting, held on Saturday, March 8, at historic Main Street Station

NOTE: Does Virginia Have a Wine Identity? A State Grape or Blend? A Virginia Wine Deep Dive., are held in the same building - Main Street Station - as the Walk-Around Grand Tastings, making it extremely convenient to attend the Academy class and then the Walk-Around Grand Tasting literally steps away.

VWEA Faculty and Course Details

The VWEA course will consist of two classes: the first class will be held online (via Zoom) a few weeks before the main Expo week and the second class will be held live at beautiful Main Street Station during the Expo's biggest weekend on Saturday, March 8.

The first, virtual class for each course will primarily focus on Virginia's wine history and culture, terroir, biodiversity, viticultural regions, notable grape varietals, techniques and challenges, economics, distinctive characteristics, and place in the greater wine world. The second, live class at Main Street Station with a will be a thorough, comprehensive tasting of signature grape varietals and blends that are relevant to the subject matter of the Academy Masterclass.

The course will be led by Erin Scala, a sommelier, wine writer, podcaster, and owner of ThinkBev, an innovative drinks consultancy.

Special Discount for the Trade

The wine trade will receive a 20% discount on the cost to enroll in the course. Interested members of the trade should e-mail Alex Papajohn at apapajohn@VariantEvents.com for details on trade enrollment.