The Eastern Winery Exposition (EWE) is the premier wine industry conference and trade show for the Eastern United States. It brings together winemakers, vineyard managers and industry professionals each year. The EWE is the largest wine event of its kind outside the West Coast. It offers a dynamic platform for education, innovation and collaboration, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities facing wineries in regions like Virginia, New York and beyond.
The Eastern Winery Exposition Comes to Virginia
The EWE made its Virginia debut in 2026 by coming to Richmond for the first time, transforming the city into a central gathering place for East Coast wine professionals. The move brought wineries, vineyard managers and suppliers closer to Virginia Wine Country. It also highlighted the state’s growing influence in the national wine scene.
For the first time, the Virginia Wineries Association (VWA) integrated its annual conference directly into the Expo, giving attendees full access to VWA-led sessions on marketing, vineyard management and industry trends. The Richmond event featured the 2026 Governor’s Cup Case wines, giving attendees an exclusive look at Virginia’s top vintages. It highlighted the state’s growing role as a hub of innovation and excellence in Eastern winemaking.
The Virginia Wineries Association at the 2026 Eastern Winery Exposition
VWA members helped to shape the event’s educational programming. They led branded sessions on topics vital to Virginia’s wine industry and partnered with the EWE to expand learning opportunities. One such example was the two Governor’s Cup Case tasting sessions they hosted to sold-out audiences of industry leaders interested in learning more about Virginia’s best wines.
Prominent Virginia winemakers joined moderator Frank Morgan to analyze these award-winning wines. Barboursville Vineyards’ winemaker and CEO Luca Paschina participated in the white wine panel. Below at top right, winemakers joined Morgan for the red wine panel featuring their wines. From left to right: Zach Clancy (Commonwealth Crush Co & 7 Lady Vineyards), Michael Shaps (MS Wineworks), Andrew Bilenkij (CrossKeys Vineyards), moderator Frank Morgan, Chelsey Blevins (Fifty-Third Winery), Benoit Pineau (Pollack Vineyards), and 2026 Virginia Governor’s Cup Winner Corry Craighill (Valley Road Vineyards).
Annette Boyd, director of the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office, opened the track with a Virginia wine marketing update covering statewide promotional efforts. Matthew Brown of The Virginia Wine Coalition shared data-driven insights on consumer trends and distribution strategy. Compliance expert Mary Beth Williams led legislative and regulatory roundups. Emily Hodson (Veritas Vineyards) and Ben Jordan (Common Wealth Crush Co.) presented updates from the Virginia grape breeding program, while AJ Greely (Hark Vineyards) delivered the commercial grape report. Matthieu Finot (King Family Vineyards) led discussions on the Sustainable Virginia Vineyards Certification Program and broader technical topics, underscoring how Virginia producers are innovating in both vineyard practice and business strategy.
Virginia Presenters at the 2026 Eastern Winery Exposition
- Richard Leahy, EWE Program Director
- Dr. Joy Ting, Winemakers Research Exchange
- Dr. Demi Perry, VA Tech
- Dr. Mizuho Nita, Virginia Tech AREC
- Annette Boyd, VA Wine Board
- Matt Brown, The Virginia Wine Coalition
- Emily Hodson, Veritas Vineyards
- Ben Jordan, Commonwealth Crush Co.
- AJ Greely, Hark Vineyards
- Matthieu Finot, King Family Vineyards
- Jim Law, Linden Vineyards
- Kirsty Harmon, Blenheim Vineyards
- Frank Morgan, Drink What You Like
- Joyce Rigby, Boxwood Vineyards
- Lucie Morton, Viticulturist
- Damien Blanchon, Afton Mountain Vineyards
- Jocelyn Kuzelka, Daring Wine Co.
- Kove Bowen, Veritas Vineyards
- Robert Butz, Windridge Farm
- Alex Gamex, Stone Tower Winery
- Karl Hambsch, Loving Cup Vineyards
- John Saunders, Silver Creek Orchards
About the Eastern Winery Exposition
Organizers launched the EWE in 2012 to meet the need for a region-specific conference serving the growing Eastern wine industry. At the time, most large-scale wine conferences took place in California and focused on West Coast conditions, leaving Eastern producers without targeted resources. The EWE filled this gap by uniting experts in viticulture, oenology and wine business. They share research and practical insights for colder climates, diverse soils and emerging wine regions.
Since its founding, the EWE has grown into a cornerstone event for the industry, typically rotating between locations in the Northeast. Over the years, it has expanded to include a robust trade show floor, multiple educational tracks and specialized programming like marketing intensives. Today, the EWE continues to evolve alongside the Eastern wine sector, fostering innovation, strengthening regional identity and supporting the long-term growth of wineries across the East Coast.
The EWE regularly features contributors from Virginia, highlighting the state’s leadership in East Coast wine. Winemakers like Matthieu Finot, Emily Hodson, and Ben Jordan lead sessions on terroir-driven production, fermentation science, and innovative business models. Vineyard-focused experts like Damien Blanchon contribute practical insights on sustainable viticulture and site management. Academic leaders, including Dr. Joy Ting, provide guidance on disease management, chemistry and sensory science. They also share trial results from Virginia wineries. Together, these contributors ensure Virginia maintains a significant presence at EWE, shaping conversations around both the technical and commercial future of wine in the Eastern United States.
The 2026 Achievement and Leadership Awards of the Eastern Winery Exposition and the Virginia Wineries Association
The event also celebrated the achievements of several leaders in the Virginia wine industry. Richard Leahy presented Jim Law with the EWE’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his decades-long contributions to viticulture and winery development. The VWA Wine Person of the Year honor, presented by George Hodson, went to Frank Morgan, highlighting his ongoing impact on Virginia wine education, judging, and industry leadership. Additionally, Jennifer Breaux presented Doug Fabbioli with the VWA Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his pioneering work in sustainable vineyard practices and winemaking excellence. These awards show how the EWE honors individuals who shape the East Coast wine landscape.
Hybrid Wine Grapes in the Virginia Wine Industry
Hybrid wine grapes took center stage at the 2026 EWE. Workshops and sessions explored their growing importance and offered practical insights on cultivation, disease resistance and winemaking. “One of the things I’m excited about is people talking about new varieties and hybrids,” Leahy told us. “People understand that we can’t be stuck in either European or West Coast models of what works, we have to be nimble…those kind of things give us diversity that they don’t have on the west coast or even farther north.”
What Are Hybrid Grapes?
Hybrid wine grapes are the result of crossing traditional European grape varieties, known as Vitis vinifera (like Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay), with native North American grape species. These crosses are bred to combine the best traits of both, such as disease resistance, cold hardiness and unique flavor profiles. Unlike pure European varieties, hybrids are often better equipped to handle challenging climates and local pests while still producing wines with complexity and balance.
“One of the things I’m excited about is people talking about new varieties and hybrids…we can’t be stuck in either European or West Coast models of what works.”
Why Hybrid Grapes Matter in Virginia Winemaking
Hybrid grapes play a critical role in Virginia, where hot, humid summers and occasional harsh winters make European varieties risky. Varieties such as Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin, and Seyval Blanc resist fungal diseases and extreme weather, providing reliable yields and quality wines. By expanding the range of grapes that thrive in the region, hybrids help Virginia winemakers maintain diversity, sustainability, and consistent quality, supporting the growth of the state’s wine industry.
he 2026 EWE in Richmond highlighted the strength of the Eastern wine industry. It honored leaders and explored hybrid grapes and sustainable practices. With Virginia at the center for the first time, the event showcased the region’s growing influence and left attendees with insights and connections to shape the future of Eastern wine. ~
R. L. JOHNSON is our co-publisher and creative director, Robin Johnson Bethke, who began her career as a professional photographer in Los Angeles before moving into graphic design and art direction when she relocated to Charlottesville in 1994. As our company’s co-founder and visionary, she enjoys all aspects of the publishing process from story conception to graphic design to photography. Her work is often seen in many of our publications.
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