The Homestead Epicurean Classic

NOVEMBER 11 & 12, 2022

A Luxury Weekend Celebrating Virginia’s Food & Wine

The Epicurean Classic is a two-day celebration of Virginia Wine Country’s award-winning wine and cuisine. Sample wines that won the coveted Governor’s Cup Case at the 2022 Governor’s Cup Awards. Attend a charity benefit dinner featuring local winemakers and executive chefs. Discover the history of the Norton grape, a Virginia specialty that makes bold, rich and complex wines. Find inspiration for holiday entertainment and food at master classes curated by expert speakers. Finally, attend the Taste of Virginia wine festival complete with a live band. This extravaganza showcases Virginia’s top wines alongside tapas-style cuisine.

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Stay at the Luxurious Omni Homestead Resort

Whether you’re a longtime regular guest or a first-time visitor, coming to the Homestead Resort is like coming home. You drive through the rugged hills of Bath County past cascading waterfalls and forested hills. The vista opens up to reveal the sprawling Georgian red brick resort with its iconic tower—a trademark of the resort since 1929. The rocking chairs on the front porch are a welcoming sight, inviting guests to kick back and relax at their home away from home.

The Homestead Resort boasts 483 guest rooms, studios and suites. Accommodations feature luxurious traditional Southern décor. Select rooms and suites feature fireplaces, porches, dining tables or an extra bathroom. Besides classic treatments and massages, the state-of-the-art spa has a year-round Serenity Garden. This feature focuses on complete mind and body wellness activities. The European-inspired outdoor garden was created more than 100 years ago. It harnesses the healing warm mineral springs, where guests can soak in the heated pools throughout the year.

Accommodations are available at The Omni Homestead Resort and may be booked here or by calling 800-838-1766.

For additional lodging options, please click here.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday, November 11th

Virginia Governor's Cup Case Tasting | 3:30 pm

The Virginia Governor’s Cup® is one of the most stringent competitions in the US, and this year, world-class judges sampled Virginia wines from more than 100 wineries. The highest 12 ranking red and white wines make up the Governor’s Cup® Case, and during this exclusive event, guests will enjoy a taste of each wine in the 2022 case accompanied by Virginia cheeses and charcuterie.

Virginia Chef's Table | 7:00 pm

Savor exquisite cuisine paired with Virginia’s finest wines in this one-of-a-kind dining experience. After a Veritas sparkling wine reception with hors d’oeuvres, ten of the Commonwealth’s top vintners will each host a table of 10-15 guests with their wines thoughtfully paired with each course. The four-course dinner will be prepared by chefs from The Omni Homestead Resort, Veritas Vineyards, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards and Early Mountain Vineyards. Throughout the evening, guests may bid on a wide array of wine and travel packages in a silent auction to benefit Bath County’s Christmas Mother Program.

Silent Auction | 8:00 pm

Throughout the evening, guests may bid on a wide array of wine and travel packages in a silent auction to benefit Bath County’s Christmas Mother Program.

Saturday, November 12th

Master Class: The True History of the Norton Grape | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

The True History of the Norton Grape, “Virginia’s Grape”

Bruce Zoecklein and Todd Kliman

Learn the history around the Norton grape, taste the four finalists of the inaugural Norton Cup challenge accompanied by light food pairings to showcase this evolving and growing unique wine at your next home tasting party.

Master Class: Holiday Entertaining | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Entertaining during the Holidays

Todd Owen | Executive Chef, The Omni Homestead Resort

From savory to sweet, you’ll wow your family and friends this holiday season with tips, tricks and a few favorite recipes from Executive Chef Todd Owen.

Master Class: 40 Years of Winegrowing in Virginia | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

40 Years of Wine Growing in Virginia

Patrick Duffeler, Sr | founder Williamsburg Winery
Discover the art and the science of winemaking from one of the Commonwealth’s preeminent vintners, Patrick Duffeler Sr. This insider’s look at Virginia’s wine industry touches on all aspects of the process from understanding the grape varietals to storing quality wine.

Master Class: Holiday Dessert Favorites | 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Visions of Sugarplums: Holiday Dessert Favorites from The Omni Homestead

Create a delicious ending for your holiday festivities with these sweet treats from our talented pastry team. Surprise Santa and everyone on your list with decadent desserts they’ll be dreaming about for years to come.

A Taste of Virginia Festival | 2:00 - 5:00 pm

More than 4,000 acres of grapes span the Commonwealth, and hundreds of wineries comprise the 10 regions and 8 distinct AVAs in Virginia. This spectacular, afternoon event showcases the flavors of Virginia – on the plate and in the glass. Virginia’s top wineries will provide wine tastings accompanied by tapas-style cuisine. The acoustic duo Scuffletown, regulars on the Virginia winery music scene, will perform throughout the event.

Inaugural Homestead Norton Cup Challenge

Norton is highly regarded for creating deep colored wines with rich, fruity aromas. First cultivated in Richmond in the 1820s, it recieved the “best red wine of all nations” award at the Vienna World’s Fair of 1873. Dr. Daniel Norborne Norton of Richmond, Virginia introduced it. He selected it from among what he believed were seedlings of a long forgotten grape variety called Bland. Norton grapes became available in 1830. Very soon after that it came to dominate wine production in the eastern and midwestern United States.

On Friday morning of the Homestead Epicurean Classic an esteemed panel of judges will taste and score 10 of Virginia’s best Norton wines. The competition is to determine the inaugural winner of The Homestead Norton Cup Challenge. Attendees with tickets to the Saturday morning Norton Master Class will taste the top 4 wines from the challenge. Expert wine speakers will teach the history of this amazing varietal.

EXPERTS

Virginia Wine Country

The Virginia Wine Country is a blossoming community of farmers and wine-lovers alike. It contains over 4,000 acres of grapes, 10 distinct wine regions and eight American Viticultural Areas. Over 300 wineries spread across the state. Virginia is one of the top five largest wine-producing states in the country. This region reflects the natural beauty, spirit and diverse landscape of the state. The region produces a vast selection of wine from Bordeaux-style red blends to classic Chardonnays. The wines of the Virginia Wine Country embody a unique position in their balance and in their boldness. This allows farmers to perfect their agricultural art with an experimental twist. From the mountains to the cities, the passion of the Virginia Wine Country is truly contagious.

Learn more about the esteemed wine experts, the Commonwealth’s premier winemakers and guest chefs by clicking the link below.

MEET THE LEADERS OF VIRGINIA WINE COUNTRY

Frequently Asked Questions

How are food allergies being addressed?

We are able to accommodate most allergies and encourage guests to reach out in advance. Due to the unique experience of incorporating several local chefs from different vineyards we take steps to minimize the risk, however cannot guarantee that cross contamination of potential allergens may not occur. Please email us at [email protected] to inform us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Can I buy a ticket for just one event instead of the whole weekend?

Of course! Ticket prices are as follows:

All Access Pass | $390
Winemaker Dinner (Friday evening) | $195
A Taste of Virginia (Saturday event) | $125
Master Classes | $50 each (running simultaneously)

*Prices are inclusive of taxes and gratuities but do not include TicketBud processing fees.

Due to limited tickets, the Governor’s Case Tasting is only available with the All Access pass at this time.

Is there a cancellation policy?

This event has a 15-day cancellation policy. Tickets will not be refunded if the cancellation request is received after Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 6 p.m. (ET). After 6:00 p.m. on October 27, 2022, purchases are non-refundable.
Refunds requested prior to October 27 will be issued, however the TicketBud fees are nonrefundable. Please allow up to 5 business days for the funds to post back to the original method of payment.

Where is The Omni Homestead Resort?

The Omni Homestead Resort is located in Hot Springs, Virginia at 7696 Sam Snead Highway.

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Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Please email us at [email protected] with any additional questions.

Love Virginia wine? Volunteer to be a part of the inaugural Omni Homestead Epicurean Classic sponsored by Wine & Country. Interested individuals will assist with registration, guest services, event logistics, and more during the two-day event. Must be 21 years of age or older. Please contact [email protected] to apply.

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NOVEMBER 11 & 12, 2022