Virginia Wineries Association

New in 2026: Virginia Wineries Association Partners with EWE

The Virginia Wineries Association (VWA) is joining forces with EWE to bring its annual conference directly into the EWE program. VWA-branded sessions will be held in a dedicated session room and are open to all EWE conference attendees, no additional registration or separate pass required.

Founded in 1983, the VWA is a nonprofit trade association representing farm wineries across Virginia. Its mission is “to actively encourage and support the production, quality, promotion, and appreciation of Virginia wines.” The organization is also responsible for key initiatives like the Governor’s Cup Competition, one of the most stringent and respected wine competitions in the U.S.

Through this new collaboration, VWA will bring timely, relevant content tailored to the needs of Virginia wineries — while contributing valuable insights to the broader EWE audience. Featured session topics will include:

2026 Governor’s Cup Case Tastings
Legislative and regulatory updates specific to Virginia’s wine industry
Technical sessions focused on viticulture, enology, and business strategy
Regional marketing initiatives and industry trends
Opportunities for networking with VWA leadership and members

This partnership offers VWA members an expanded platform for learning, collaboration, and industry engagement, while giving EWE attendees direct access to Virginia’s vibrant wine community.

For more information about the Virginia Wineries Association, visit vawine.org, or contact:

Virginia Wineries Association
Website: www.vawine.org
Email: info@vawine.org
Phone: (434) 326-9815

2026 VWA SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

TUESDAY, MARCH 24

Virginia Wineries Association
10:30am – 11:00am VWA01 | Virginia Wine Marketing Update
11:00am – 11:35am VWA02 | Legislative Update from DC
11:35am -11:50am VWA03 | VWA Annual Business Meeting
11:50am – 12:30pm VWA04 | VWA Regulation & Rules Round Up
1:40pm – 2:35pm VWA05 | Understanding Consumers and Expanding Distribution: Data-Driven Strategies
2:45pm – 3:45pm VWA06 | AI/Technology for Wineries

View the full session descriptions on the Conference page.

2026 VWA SPEAKERS

Annette Boyd

Matthew Brown

Michael Kaiser

Mary Beth Williams

Matthew Brown

The Virginia Wine Coalition

Wine Business Consultant and Coordinator

Matthew Brown is an experienced wine business consultant and coordinator of the Virginia Wine Coalition, leading efforts to strengthen the competitiveness and visibility of Virginia’s wine industry in the traded sector. A candidate of the London based Institute of Masters of Wine, he combines advanced global perspective with deep regional insight to help producers grow profitability and expand market presence.

As a wine judge for the Virginia Governor’s Cup, Monticello Cup, and Shenandoah Cup, Matthew tastes hundreds of Virginia wines each year, providing an expert understanding of the Commonwealth’s evolving wine landscape. He also teaches at the Capital Wine School in Washington, D.C., leading both consumer classes and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses.

Drawing on expertise in winery marketing, distribution strategy, and data analytics, Matthew translates market research into actionable insights that help Virginia wineries refine storytelling, strengthen distribution, and connect with today’s evolving consumers.

Michael Kaiser

WineAmerica

Vice President

WineAmerica Vice President Michael is the main point of contact for the organization, Congress, and the Executive Branch. Working with WineAmerica’s government affairs team, Michael works to make sure the interests of WineAmerica’s members and the American wine industry are well served in our Nation’s Capitol. This includes working with the various state and regional winery associations and WineAmerica’s grassroots network, as well as our other alcohol commodity partners in Washington, D.C.Michael also manages all external communications for WineAmerica. This includes press outreach and membership communication. Michael also actively recruits new members for WineAmerica while getting the association’s message out to the masses. Michael is a regular fixture at industry trade shows and conferences throughout the country. He has been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Associated Press, Wines and Vines, and Wine Spectator. He is a board member of the Free the Grapes. Before joining WineAmerica in 2006, Michael provided research and logistical support to two DC-based lobbying firms. He also handled compliance issues with a major political party. Michael earned his BA in American Studies and Political Science from Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ, and an MA in Political Science from American University in Washington, DC.

Mary Beth Williams

Williams Compliance

President

Widely recognized as one of the foremost authorities on beverage compliance, founder Mary Beth Williams designed Williams Compliance to be a nimble, knowledge-based company. After years in the public sector and private practice as an attorney, Williams is well-versed in the regulatory challenges that can befuddle the best businessperson. In her role as Associate General Counsel in the Virginia State Corporation Commission, she prosecuted securities fraud cases and drafted legislation and rules for the regulation of securities trademarks, and franchises. This experience, combined with her background as a Deputy District Attorney in Colorado, provides her with great perspective and understanding regarding enforcement issues and the position of the enforcement agencies. Based on her background and experience, Williams knew West Coast wineries had been using compliance companies for years to bring in an expertise in the area at a significantly lower cost. She believed East Coast producers should have the same opportunity. Taking the calculated risk that all entrepreneurs face, she left her prestigious position as one of the state’s legal eagles and founded Williams Compliance. Today Williams Compliance serves dozens of clients in the eastern United States.

With her relaxed style and her clear understanding of the ever-changing regulatory environment, Williams is regularly invited to share her knowledge in speeches and seminars for state associations and other groups. Williams is well known for her hands-on approach to the beverage industry. She has bottled wine with clients, poured at consumer tasting events as well as assisted in harvest. In each case, such experience helps her develop real world solutions for her clients’ needs.

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Virginia Wineries Association

New in 2026: Virginia Wineries Association Partners with EWE

2026 VWA SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

TUESDAY, MARCH 24

2026 VWA SPEAKERS

Annette Boyd

Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office

Matthew Brown

The Virginia Wine Coalition

Michael Kaiser

WineAmerica

Mary Beth Williams

Williams Compliance