The first annual Virginia Wine Summit—hosted by Governor and First Lady McDonnell—will bring wine experts and industry leaders from around the country to Richmond October 2 to discuss the exciting state of Virginia’s wine and culinary offerings. Panels, tastings, and discussions will be held throughout this day-long event, featuring keynote speaker and British wine authority Steven Spurrier. Spurrier will be joined by some of the nation’s foremost influential wine professionals, including: Anthony Giglio of Food & Wine, wine importer Bartholomew Broadbent, sommelier Charlie Berg of Bourbon Steak in Washington D.C., master of wine Jay Youmans, cheese expert Liz Thorpe, and owner of Grassroots Wine, Harry Root, among others. These experts will inform an audience filled with winemakers, restaurateurs, sommeliers, connoisseurs, media, wine-shop owners, and other industry professionals.
It's been an exciting year for Virginia Wines, most notably with Wine Enthusiast’s recognition of the state as one of the 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations of 2012 and Andrew Harper’s inclusion of Virginia on his list of Top 10 Wine Regions in America.
“There has been an incredible momentum surrounding Virginia wines and Virginia as a culinary destination,” says Rock Stephens, chairman of the Virginia Wine Board. “We are thrilled to partner with the Governor to create an open forum for food and wine professionals. Our goal is to encourage and empower others to learn about Virginia wines and food and exchange ideas.”
Summit attendees will take part in panel discussions with topics ranging from uncommon food and wine pairings to local wine and food trends and an in-depth analysis of Virginia varietals—like Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and others.
A blind tasting of Virginia Wines led by a team of wine professionals will provide an open discourse on this ever-growing wine region. In addition, guests will enjoy a carefully selected food and wine pairings to demonstrate how the right wine can enhance a dish to perfection.
The Virginia Wine Summit will be held October 2 at the Richmond Marriott Hotel located at 500 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
