Richmond, VA – The Eastern Winery Exposition (EWE) announces its 2026 event will take place for the first time in Virginia at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, March 24-26, 2026. This landmark relocation establishes a more centrally accessible hub for wineries and wine-related businesses throughout the East Coast and regions east of the Rocky Mountains.

“By moving to Virginia, we’re creating a central meeting point that better serves the entire eastern wine industry,” said WineBusiness Monthly publisher Eric Jorgensen. “Richmond’s location makes EWE more accessible than ever for wine professionals from New England to the Southeast, and everywhere east of the Rockies.”

Registration for the conference is now open, with a 48-hour launch special through November 7 at 1:00 PM ET. Attendees receive an additional 10% off during this time.

Comprehensive Three-Day Program

The 2026 Eastern Winery Exposition features an extensive agenda designed to advance every aspect of wine business operations:

March 24: Pre-Conference Workshops

The Virginia Wineries Association (VWA) is teaming up with EWE to bring its annual conference to the event. VWA sessions will happen on March 24 in a dedicated room. They’re open to all EWE attendees, no extra pass or registration needed.

March 25-26: Conference Sessions

EWE offers two full days of educational programming across three critical tracks:

• Enology – Clark Smith will lead a two-session focus on postmodern winemaking, Federico Casassa will speak on acid adjustment and management techniques and on the chemical and sensory life of red wine mouthfeel components, and Richard Carey will present new technology to improve flavors in less-ripened grapes. 
   
• Viticulture – The viticulture track will focus on three classes of disease-resistant hybrid cultivars, an aerial drone sprayer demonstration, a two-part focus on regenerative viticulture, and the results of biopesticide trials for downy mildew, as well as the latest research on techniques for controlling the vectors of Pierce’s Disease.

License to Steal® Wine Marketing Conference

As a highlight of the EWE program, the License to Steal® Wine Marketing Conference will present its full marketing track on March 25-26. All EWE pass holders gain automatic access to LTS sessions, providing unparalleled value and comprehensive marketing insights alongside technical programming.

Largest Wine Trade Show East of the Rockies

The centerpiece of EWE remains its expansive trade show floor, featuring wall-to-wall supplier exhibits with hands-on demonstrations of the latest equipment, products, and services for the wine industry. The exhibit hall offers face-to-face contact with hundreds of vendors showcasing everything wine businesses need to succeed.

Trade Show Hours:

• Wednesday, March 25: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Thursday, March 26: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Event Details

• Dates: March 24-26, 2026
• Location: Greater Richmond Convention Center, 403 N 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219
• Registration: Now open 

For more information about the 2026 Eastern Winery Exposition, including registration rates, hotel accommodations, and the full conference program, visit easternwineryexposition.com.