Virginia Wine Expo Academy

In partnership with the Capital Wine School, the Virginia Wine Expo is launching the new Virginia Wine Expo Academy (VWEA), a unique and unparalleled opportunity to learn more about Virginia wine.  A two-class course, All About Virginia Wine, will be VWEA's first Certificate program.  Buy tickets to attend All About Virginia Wine here.

Mission and Primary Goal

The mission of VWEA is to be the gold standard in Virginia wine education.  VWEA will offer consumers, trade, professionals, and educators a complete educational path to learn more about Virginia wine with an in-depth annual course called All About Virginia Wine.  After taking the course, candidates will receive a Certificate and become Members of VWEA, joining an exclusive club whose membership includes discounts on select future Virginia Wine Expo events.

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

Your Ticket to All About Virginia Wine Includes the Following

• Enrollment in the two-class All About Virginia Wine, which concludes on Saturday, March 4, at historic Main Street Station
• Admission to the VIP/Early Saturday Walk-Around Grand Tasting, held on Saturday, March 4, at historic Main Street Station**

**Please note that All About Virginia Wine will conclude at 11:30 a.m., and attendees will then be able to walk directly across the hall to the ongoing VIP/Early Walk-Around Grand Tasting, which continues until 4 p.m.

VWEA Course Requirements and Faculty

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 4.  Membership in VWEA - including the Certificate - will only be granted after both classes are completed.

The first, virtual class will primarily focus on Virginia wine's history and culture, terroir, biodiversity, viticultural regions, techniques and challenges, economics, distinctive characteristics, and place in the greater wine world.  The second, live class with a will be a thorough, comprehensive tasting of Virginia's signature grape varietals and blends from select regions of the state.

The VWEA course will be team-led by Jay Youmans, Educational Director and Owner of the Capital Wine School and a Master of Wine, and Caroline Hermann, an instructor at the Capital Wine School and also a Master of Wine.  There are about 416 individuals in the world who hold the Master of Wine designation.

Tickets purchased to attend All About Virginia Wine are 100% refundable if the refund is requested fifteen days before the first online class is held.

Special Benefits For Matriculants Who Complete the Course Requirements

After completion of the two-class All About Virginia Wine course requirements and receiving the Certificate, discounts of up to 30% on select future Expo events will be offered. 

Special Discount for the Trade

The wine trade will receive a 30% discount on the cost to enroll in All About Virginia Wine.  Interested members of the trade should e-mail Alex Papajohn at apapajohn@VariantEvents.com for details on trade enrollment.

Future VWEA Courses

In the future, VWEA is likely to add courses which focus on our Guest Regions, which rotate on an annual basis, and other courses which focus on more specific topics relating to Virginia wine.

We hope you join us and become Members of the Virginia Wine Expo Academy!