Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Virginia Wine Expo is a curated celebration of fine wine, craft spirits, and culinary excellence, taking place from February 27 to March 7, 2027, at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia. This event features signature experiences such as the Walk-Around Grand Tastings, SMOKED!
, and the Sparkling & Champagne Celebration, showcasing benchmark wines from Virginia and around the world alongside elevated regional cuisine. Virginia Wine Expo takes place in Richmond,.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Virginia Wine Expo runs from February 27 to March 7, 2027, at Main Street Station in Richmond, Virginia.
- 2Scale and Focus: This premier wine event features over 370 wines and 160 distilled spirits across 24 unique events.
- 3Organiser: The event is coordinated by Variant Events, with more details available at virginiawineexpo.com.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include wine enthusiasts, producers, and culinary professionals.
- 5Entry: Tickets are available now, including special bundles for multiple events.
Why visit
Virginia Wine Expo week at Richmond's Main Street Station puts Virginia wineries, craft distilleries, cideries and meaderies in one historic downtown building, so a single visit covers tasting across the state's AVAs rather than one vineyard. Attendees include wine enthusiasts, producers, and culinary professionals.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors gain access to an affluent audience of wine and spirits enthusiasts, providing a platform to showcase and sell their products. The event facilitates valuable connections with potential buyers and industry professionals, enhancing brand visibility. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Virginia wineries showcasing local products, Distilleries offering craft spirits, Artisan food producers pairing with wines.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Virginia wine club members and collectors restocking Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Viognier favorites
Weekend travelers from Washington DC, Charlottesville and the Research Triangle planning a Virginia wine country trip
Sommeliers, wine directors and restaurant beverage buyers sourcing Virginia listings for by-the-glass programs
Independent wine shop owners and retail buyers evaluating new Virginia releases
Mid-Atlantic distributors and brokers scouting wineries without full national coverage
Cheesemongers, chefs and catering buyers looking for pairing partners among Virginia producers
Hospitality and event planners building Virginia wine experiences for hotels and venues
Casual enthusiasts and date-night visitors tasting Virginia wine for the first time
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Virginia farm wineries from the Monticello, Shenandoah Valley, Loudoun County and Middleburg AVAs
Guest wineries from other US wine regions pouring comparative flights against Virginia benchmarks
Virginia cideries and meaderies presenting orchard and honey-based ferments
Craft distilleries with small-batch whiskey, gin and brandy for spirit-inclusive sessions
Artisan food producers: Virginia cheese, charcuterie, chocolate and preserves built for wine pairing
Glassware, wine accessory and cellar equipment suppliers
Wine country inns, tour operators and trail associations promoting Virginia wine routes
Restaurants and caterers serving tasting plates alongside pairing demonstrations
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Virginia Cabernet Franc, the state's signature red variety
Petit Verdot and Bordeaux-style red blends
Viognier and white Rhone-style whites
Chardonnay and traditional-method sparkling wine
Virginia cider, perry and apple-based ferments
Mead and honey wine from Virginia meaderies
Small-batch Virginia spirits: whiskey, gin and brandy
Artisan cheese, charcuterie, chocolate and pantry foods for pairing
Glassware, decanters, wine accessories and cellar equipment
Vineyard travel, wine club and direct-to-consumer shipping services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Main Street Station
1500 E Main St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
Facilities
Parking
Main Street Station in Richmond typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Main Street Station in Richmond typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Main Street Station for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Variant Events
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Richmond, USA
Why it matters
On 2027-02-27 to 2027-03-07, Virginia Wine Expo in Richmond covering Virginia wines from local vineyards, Craft spirits including whiskey and gin, Artisan food products for pairing, Interna gives food buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Richmond International Airport
Closest gateway and the one referenced in the captured airfare sample. Served by the major US network carriers, with many itineraries connecting through an East Coast hub. Confirm terminal, ground transport and fares before travel
TBA
to venue
Approx. 15-20 minutes by car to the downtown venue district
by car
Washington Dulles International Airport
Alternate international gateway with more long-haul options; pair with a rental car or Amtrak onward to Richmond. Approximate distance and drive time, confirm before booking
TBA
to venue
Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours by car, depending on I-95 traffic
by car
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Useful if you are combining the Expo with a Washington DC stay; Amtrak connections from the DC area to Richmond Main Street Station are a car-free alternative. Approximate, confirm schedules
TBA
to venue
Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours by car or a train connection to Richmond
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Downtown Richmond upscale full-service hotels (Main Street Station area)
0-1 km, walkable to venue
USD 170–280 / night
Approximate nightly band for 27 February to 7 March 2027. The walkable downtown cluster is the best base for tasting sessions because no one needs to drive. Rates peak on the main Saturday; confirm with the property.
Shockoe Slip and James Center business hotels
1-2 km, 15-25 minute walk to venue
USD 140–235 / night
Cobblestone historic district with restaurants and bars, a short rideshare or walk from Main Street Station. Approximate band for the Expo week.
Richmond airport corridor hotels near RIC
Approx. 12-16 km, 15-20 minute drive to venue
USD 85–145 / night
Value option for early flights; budget a rideshare or GRTC trip into downtown for each tasting session. Approximate, confirm shuttle availability.
Short Pump and West End suburban hotels
Approx. 20-25 km, 25-35 minute drive to venue
USD 95–170 / night
Practical if you are pairing the Expo with vineyard visits west of Richmond and have a car. Approximate range; confirm parking policy.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Airport connection bus (GRTC)
Estimated costUSD 2.50-6 single metro/light-rail journey (contactless)
Best forRichmond International Airport connection to downtown Richmond
Greater Richmond Transit Company operates the airport connection service.
Rail (Amtrak)
Estimated costUSD 12-28 airport or regional rail single journey
Best forRichmond Main Street Station (RVM) served by Amtrak
Main Street Station is an active Amtrak station, convenient if arriving by rail.
Taxi / rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forRichmond International Airport to Main Street Station, 1500 E Main St
Taxi and airport shuttle services are listed for Main Street Station.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from RIC to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forRichmond International Airport (RIC) to Main Street Station
Approx. 15-20 minutes by car to the downtown venue district; Closest gateway and the one referenced in the captured airfare sample. Served by the major US network carriers, with many itineraries connecting through an East Coast hub. Confirm terminal, ground transport and fares be
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from IAD to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forWashington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Main Street Station
Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours by car, depending on I-95 traffic; Alternate international gateway with more long-haul options; pair with a rental car or Amtrak onward to Richmond. Approximate distance and drive time, confirm before booking.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from DCA to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forRonald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Main Street Station
Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours by car or a train connection to Richmond; Useful if you are combining the Expo with a Washington DC stay; Amtrak connections from the DC area to Richmond Main Street Station are a car-free alternative. Approximate, confirm schedules.
Weather
Late February into early March is late winter in Richmond, Virginia: daytime highs commonly sit around 48-58 F (9-14 C) and overnight lows around 30-37 F (-1 to 3 C), with a real chance of rain or a wet snow shower on any given day. The tasting halls are indoors, but the walk between downtown hotels and the Main Street Station venue district is outdoors, so pack a waterproof layer and shoes with grip. This is an approximate climatological band rather than a forecast - check the Richmond forecast within a week of travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or a local SIM for business visitors to the United States.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tasting-room etiquette
Pours are small and dumping is normal: use the dump buckets, keep your glass between tables, and pace one or two producers per hour rather than racing the hall. Ask before photographing a winemaker's table and never reach across a pouring station.
Age checks and Virginia alcohol rules
Virginia tasting events check photo ID at the door and enforce a 21-and-over cutoff, and service can stop before the hall closes. The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (ABC) governs sampling, onsite bottle sales and shipping, so each winery will ask where you live before promising a case.
Dress and atmosphere
This is a consumer wine festival rather than a corporate convention: smart-casual, comfortable shoes for standing at tasting bars, and a warm layer for the walk between halls and downtown hotels. Trade sessions are informal, so business casual is enough.
Buying and shipping bottles
Many Virginia wineries sell bottles at consumer wine events and ship direct where state law allows. If you are flying home from RIC, use a padded bottle shipper or the winery's shipping option instead of checking loose glass in a suitcase.
Food, tipping and hydration
Expect Virginia cheese, charcuterie and restaurant tasting plates alongside the wine, plus cider, mead and spirits in some sessions. Tipping is customary at food and bar stands; drink water between flights, and eat before the afternoon session rather than after it.
Getting around without driving
Downtown Richmond is compact enough that a hotel near Main Street Station removes the car question entirely. GRTC buses cover the wider city, rideshare is widely used, and Amtrak serves Main Street Station (RVM) if you are arriving from Washington DC or further up the East Coast.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: RIC
Richmond International Airport (RIC) is the closest gateway, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car from the downtown venue district, and the airport is served by the major US network carriers, so most itineraries from outside the East Coast involve one connection. A sample capture for a 27 February 2027 departure showed New York JFK to RIC from about USD 349 one way in economy with Delta Connection, taxes and fees included for one adult and optional bag fees extra. Domestic fares for late February generally firm up inside six weeks of departure, so compare two or three itineraries and book once your session tickets are confirmed. Prices fluctuate - verify live fares, baggage rules and connection times before purchase.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Richmond International Airport (RIC): Approx. 15-20 minutes by car to the downtown venue district; Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours by car, depending on I-95 traffic; Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Approx. 2 to 2.5 hours by car or a train connection to Richmond. Allow road or rail time to Main Street Station; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Main Street Station: Downtown Richmond upscale full-service hotels (Main Street Station area); Shockoe Slip and James Center business hotels; Richmond airport corridor hotels near RIC.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Richmond; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) runs the local bus network, including an airport connection service, with maps and schedules published on ridegrtc.com. Main Street Station at 1500 E Main St is also an Amtrak rail stop (RVM), so downtown arrival by train is possible.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Main Street Station; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027
Temperature: Approx. 30-58 F (-1 to 14 C) across 27 February to 7 March 2027: daytime highs typically 48-58 F (9-14 C), overnight lows typically 30-37 F (-1 to 3 C). Late-winter swings are large, so pack a warm mid-layer plus a shell. This is a climatological band, not a forecast - confirm Richmond conditions within a week of travel.
Seasonality: Late winter is one of Richmond's wetter stretches, with roughly 8 to 11 days of measurable precipitation per month in February and March, falling mostly as rain and occasionally as wet snow. The Expo halls are indoors, but you will walk between hotels, parking and the Main Street Station venue district, so bring a compact umbrella or waterproof shell and shoes that handle wet pavement. Approximate climatology; check the actual forecast before you fly.
Packing: Approx. 30-58 F (-1 to 14 C) across 27 February to 7 March 2027: daytime highs typically 48-58 F (9-14 C), overnight lows typically 30-37 F (-1 to 3 C). Late-winter swings are large, so pack a warm mid-layer plus a shell. This is a climatological band, not a forecast - confirm Richmond conditions wi
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Virginia Wine Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-14
Confirm the 27 February to 7 March 2027 dates and decide which sessions you want, whether a single tasting session, a seminar or a multi-day pass, on virginiawineexpo.com.
T-12
Book flights into Richmond International (RIC), which sits roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car from the downtown venue district, and compare fares across a couple of East Coast connection options.
T-12
Reserve a downtown Richmond hotel within walking distance of Main Street Station so nobody in your group has to drive after tasting.
T-10
Decide the transport plan for the return trip: GRTC bus, rideshare or a designated driver who is not tasting.
T-8
Buy tickets online rather than at the door; Saturday sessions at Virginia consumer wine events routinely sell out.
T-7
Download or print the session schedule, note seminar times, and check whether trade-only hours require credentials.
T-7
Build a short target list from the exhibitor directory, starting with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Viognier and traditional-method sparkling producers.
T-5
Check the carry and shipping rules for any state you want bottles sent to; Virginia ABC rules apply at the point of sale.
T-3
Pack photo ID for the 21-and-over check at the door, plus a tote or bottle shipper if you plan to carry wine home.
T-2
Look at the Richmond forecast and pack layers; late February mornings can sit near freezing while afternoons reach the mid 50s F.
T-1
Plan a food stop inside the hall, set a meeting point with your group, and keep the evening free because a three-hour tasting session is a full day out.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Main Street Station
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Virginia Wine Expo registration concourse
Main Street Station
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Main Street Station
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Virginia Wine Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Virginia Wine Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Virginia wines from local vineyards and Craft spirits including whiskey and gin solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Virginia Wine Expo in Richmond.
Min. budget
$710.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Virginia wines from local vineyards and Craft spirits including whiskey and gin products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$3,195.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Richmond show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is the Virginia Wine Expo in 2027?
The 2027 edition runs from 27 February to 7 March 2027 in Richmond, Virginia. The programme spans multiple days and sessions rather than a single hall day, so check virginiawineexpo.com for the venue address, session times and which days are consumer tastings versus trade-focused.
Is the Virginia Wine Expo a trade show or a consumer wine festival?
Both formats appear in the programme. Virginia wine events of this kind typically combine consumer tasting sessions with a trade tasting where wineries meet distributors, retail buyers and restaurant beverage staff. Confirm which sessions require trade credentials on the organiser site before you book travel.
Do I have to be 21 to attend the Virginia Wine Expo?
Yes. Virginia tasting events check photo ID at the door and enforce a 21-and-over cutoff, and service can be stopped before the hall closes. Bring a government-issued ID even if you look well over the age limit.
Can I buy bottles at the show and take them home?
Many Virginia wineries sell bottles at consumer wine events, and Virginia ABC rules allow onsite purchase and sampling under the exhibitor's licence. Ask each winery what it can legally ship to your state, because direct-to-consumer shipping rules differ by destination.
How do I get to the Richmond venue from the airport?
Richmond International Airport (RIC) is the closest gateway, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car from the downtown venue district. GRTC runs local bus services including an airport connection, and taxi or rideshare from RIC to downtown is the simplest option with luggage; confirm current fares and schedules before travel.
Is parking available near the venue?
The Main Street Station area of downtown Richmond has parking, and several downtown garages sit within a few blocks. Rates and event-day availability vary, so check the venue or organiser page and arrive early on busy Saturday sessions.
Should I book a hotel within walking distance?
Yes if you plan to taste. Downtown Richmond hotels around Main Street Station and Shockoe Slip are walkable to the venue district, which removes the designated-driver problem entirely. Book early, because Expo weekends tighten the downtown inventory.
What should I wear to a Virginia wine tasting?
Smart-casual with comfortable shoes, since you will stand at tasting bars for a few hours. Late February in Richmond swings from near-freezing mornings to the mid 50s F, so bring a layer for the walk between hotels and halls.
Will there be food and non-wine drinks at the Expo?
Virginia wine events pair tastings with artisan food exhibitors, cheese and charcuterie plates and restaurant stands, and the programme usually includes non-wine options such as cider, mead and spirits. Check the exhibitor list for the specific sessions you book.
How many wineries will pour at the 2027 edition?
The organiser publishes the exhibitor list per edition and per session, and pour counts vary between consumer and trade formats. Rather than relying on a fixed number, check the current exhibitor directory on virginiawineexpo.com in the weeks before the show.
Can I bring a non-drinking guest or a designated driver?
Many consumer wine festivals offer a designated-driver or non-tasting admission option, but the 2027 policy is set by the organiser. Check the ticket page for designated-driver tickets and any age restrictions for accompanying guests.
Glossary
- AVA (American Viticultural Area)
- A grape-growing region defined by the US government for labelling purposes. Virginia labels commonly reference AVAs such as Monticello, Shenandoah Valley, Loudoun County and Middleburg, and each carries its own elevation and soil story.
- Cabernet Franc
- A Bordeaux red variety that has become the benchmark Virginia red: leafy and red-fruited in cool vintages, plusher when the late summer holds. Expect it poured heavily at the Expo, both as a varietal wine and in blends.
- Petit Verdot
- A late-ripening Bordeaux variety that Virginia growers use for colour, spice and structure; look for it as a single-varietal bottling and as a component of Virginia Bordeaux-style blends.
- Viognier
- A white Rhone variety with apricot and honeysuckle aromatics, widely planted in Virginia and often the state's most awarded white. Serve it lightly chilled rather than ice cold.
- Virginia Governor's Cup
- An annual competition that recognises top-scoring Virginia wines. Bottles carrying the medal are a useful shortcut when you are scanning a tasting list for what the state considers its best.
- Traditional-method sparkling
- Sparkling wine made by secondary fermentation in the bottle, the same technique used in Champagne. Virginia producers use Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for these wines; they are usually poured last in a tasting flight.
- Norton (Cynthiana)
- A grape native to North America and part of Virginia's wine heritage, producing deep-coloured, earthy reds. It is a useful counterpoint to the European varieties in the room.
- Terroir
- The combined effect of soil, slope, altitude and climate on a wine. In Virginia the conversation usually turns on mountain-site vineyards versus Piedmont and coastal plain sites, and on humidity-driven vintage variation.
- Vintage
- The year the grapes were harvested, shown on the label. Virginia vintages swing widely with late-season rain, so tasting the same variety across two or three years at the Expo is the fastest way to understand the state.
- Residual sugar / dry versus off-dry
- The sugar left after fermentation. A wine labelled dry has little perceptible sweetness; off-dry styles keep a few grams per litre, which is why Virginia Viognier and Riesling-style whites often taste rounder than expected.
- Tasting flight
- A set of small pours, usually three to five wines, chosen to compare varieties or vintages. Flights are the practical way to work through a large Virginia wine hall without over-serving.
- Dump bucket and spit cup
- Standard tasting-room equipment. Pouring out what you do not want to drink is normal etiquette and lets you taste more producers responsibly.
- Mead and cyser
- Honey wine, and the apple-juice variant cyser. Virginia meaderies pour these alongside grape wine, usually as a sweeter, higher-aroma counterpoint.
- Virginia ABC
- The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, which regulates sampling, bottle sales and shipping in the state. It is the reason exhibitors will ask where you live before promising to ship a case.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Virginia Wine Expo 2027
- Virginia Wine Expo Richmond 2027
- Richmond USA
- Virginia wines from local vineyards
- Craft spirits including whiskey and gin
- Artisan food products for pairing
- International wines from guest regions
- Trade show B2B Trade Expo Richmond
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.