Virginia Wine Summit comes to Middleburg

by Len Shapiro

Loudoun County again will be a destination for wine experts when the Virginia Wine Summit comes to the Salamander Resort and Spa in Middleburg this spring.

Last year, the National Wine Tourism Conference was held at Lansdowne Resort, the first time the event was held on the East Coast.

The summit location was announced by Governor Terry McAuliffe’s office. “We are pleased to host this annual event to showcase our world-class Virginia wines, and invite national and international opinion leaders to see and taste the recent developments in the Virginia wine industry,” McAuliffe stated in the announcement.

The full-day program takes place April 5. In its fourth year, the summit brings industry leaders and wine enthusiasts together to discuss the state’s burgeoning wine industry, and celebrate Virginia’s wine and food culture.

The summit will feature remarks by keynote speaker Jon Bonné, one of the leading American voices on wine. About 20 other influential wine professionals will join talented winemakers to discuss regional and vintage differentiations that continue to raise the profile of the Virginia wine industry. Those expected to attend the summit include restaurateurs, sommeliers, wine-shop owners, winemakers, wine enthusiasts, media representatives and other industry professionals.

Virginia is the nation’s fifth largest wine producer. Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore said the governor’s priority is to continue to improve and expand the Virginia wine industry, raising its profile and recognition around the world.

Registration for the wine summit is $225, and includes lunch and post-event reception. To register or for more information on individual panel topics and speakers, go to virginiawinesummit.com.