Photo courtesy of Virginia Museum of History & Culture
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture's annual festival will include wine tastings, food trucks, and live music.
The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) in Richmond will host two special events October 11 during Virginia Wine Month to showcase the Commonwealth’s growing wine industry, with a special focus on Virginia’s native grape variety, Norton.
The events kick-off with the inaugural Judgement of Richmond from 5 to 6 p.m., being held as a ticketed pre-event to the annual Virginia Vines wine festival. This exclusive tasting and competition will highlight Norton — Virginia’s native grape, which originated in Richmond — in a head-to- head judging by both industry experts and consumers.
Photo courtesy of Norton Network
The events will showcase Virginia’s native grape variety, Norton.
Norton, America’s oldest wine grape, was first cultivated in the 1820s by Dr. Daniel Norton, a Richmond physician, with vines native to the United States, rather than those native to Europe such as Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon.
During the Judgement of Richmond competition, awards will be given in two categories:
For Best of Virginia, a panel of four wine industry professionals and a seasoned consumer judge will evaluate up to twenty qualifying Norton wines to crown the top expression of Virginia Norton.
For People’s Choice, those in attendance will taste and vote on their favorite wine from participating wineries.
Photo courtesy of Norton Network
Artist Rebecca Visger of Manassas will display her works celebrating the heritage of Norton wine.
Attendees will hear insights from a wine professional who will explain the judging process and its significance for Virginia’s growing wine reputation. The event will also feature an exhibition by the official artist of the Virginia Norton Wine Tour, Rebecca Visger of Manassas, who will display works celebrating the heritage of Norton wine.
Celebrating Virginia Wine Month
The Judgement of Richmond competition will be followed by the VMHC’s fourth annual Virginia Vines wine festival, commemorating Virginia Wine Month with samples from award-winning Virginia wineries, live music, and food trucks. The event runs from 6-9 p.m., and attendees must be 21 years of age or older.
Participating wineries and vendors will include:
Broadbent Selections (hosting a Madeira tasting in commemoration of America's 250th anniversary)
Domaine Finot
Early Mountain Vineyards
Lightwell Survey Wines
Rosemont Vineyards
Star Party Winery
Veritas Vineyards
Image courtesy of VMHC
Virginia Museum of History & Culture is the site of the wine event this weekend.
The event also will feature uniquely curated educational experiences, including:
Demonstrations from Marshall Scheetz of Jamestown Cooperage.
Historic gardening experts from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.
After-hours access to the museum’s exhibitions, including “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation” and “Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865.”
In addition, there will be food trucks by Monique’s Crepes and La Bête as well as live music from John Emil.
You can purchase tickets for both events here. The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is located at 428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond.
