Upcoming Events

In Virginia, managing acidity in white wines is a perennial challenge. Our naturally higher pH can leave wines tasting flat or flabby, and can increase the risk of spontaneous malolactic fermentation or even spoilage. In this session, we’ll explore several acidulation strategies aimed at improving both microbial stability and freshness in white wines. We’ll taste through a series of experimental wines, including a few new approaches to acidulation not previously featured in WRE trials, and discuss how each method shapes freshness, balance, and overall style. Join us to compare results, share insights, and consider which strategies may best support the white wine profiles you’re aiming to achieve.

 

Keep an eye out for registration information in your inbox!

The Food Science & Technology Department at Virginia Tech invites you to join them for their annual Fermentation Industry Meet & Greet on Tuesday, February 17 from 3–7 PM!

This gathering celebrates Virginia’s thriving fermentation community and brings together professionals from across the beverage and food fermentation industries with VT students, faculty, and partners.

It is an opportunity to:

Connect with future employees and interns trained in fermentation and food science.

Network with peers across the state’s craft and fermentation sectors.

Share your company’s story, values, and products with fellow innovators.

For more information, contact Ann Sandbrook

Register here

Each year, North Carolina’s growers and winemakers come together for a day of education and connection. This annual gathering features dedicated tracks for vineyard management, winery operations, and business strategy, offering valuable learning and networking opportunities for every corner of the state’s wine industry.

Be sure to check out the WRE talks this year!

Thursday, February 19, 11:15 AM
Joy Ting & Kirsty Harmon — Exploration of Pre- & Post-Fermentation SO₂ Addition Rates and Timing

Friday, February 20, 2:15 PM
Joy Ting & Kirsty Harmon — Post-Bottling SO₂ Depletion

Friday, February 20, 3:00 PM
Joy Ting — A Review of Recent WRE Trials: The Good, the Bad, the Puzzling

You can find registration and more information here.

Save the date for next year's VVA winter technical Feb 25-26 at the Shenandoah Valley Conference Center in the Hotel Madison. This year will be a pesticide recertification year, so you won't want to miss it!

More information and registration will be released mid December on the VVA Events page. 

In 2026, the Virginia Wineries Association Meeting and the Eastern Winery Exposition will take place concurrently at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

The Eastern Winery Exposition is the largest industry event east of the Pacific states, designed to provide vineyards and wineries across the Eastern U.S. and Canada with timely education, networking opportunities, and an expansive trade show. Over three days, attendees can explore an Eastern-focused conference program, meet with suppliers, discover new equipment and technologies, and participate in multiple tastings and networking events. Seminar tracks will cover vineyard and cellar practices, tasting room management, business strategy, and more.

The Virginia Wineries Association will also offer updates from Virginia Wine Board–funded initiatives and host a seated tasting of the 2026 Governor’s Cup wines.

Many colleagues from Virginia will be speaking throughout the conference. The Winemakers Research Exchange will present two sessions:

Tuesday, March 24, 11:35 AM
Joy Ting — W01a: Building a Practical Quality Control Plan for Winery Labs

Wednesday, March 25, 10:40 AM
Joy Ting & Kirsty Harmon — E03: Smart Strategies for SO₂ Use from Crush to Bottle

For the full schedule of events, click here.