Gov. Bob McDonnell said on the campaign trail that Virginia wineries could bring in tourists and help produce jobs in the state, and next year a major wine expo is heading to Richmond.
According to the administration, Wineries Unlimited is the "second largest vineyard and winery conference and tradeshow in North America." The event previously was held in Pennsylvannia.
“We are thrilled that Wineries Unlimited has decided to move to Virginia. Virginia wines have seen their standing in the domestic and global marketplaces grow in recent years and having Wineries Unlimited in Virginia will help us as we continue our efforts to promote Virginia wines both here and abroad. This is also a chance for us to showcase our first class wineries to people from across the nation. It is estimated that this event will also bring 2,000 people from across the United States to Virginia and almost $1.5 million in new revenue to the state. Tourism and support of the wine industry were two priorities of my ‘Jobs and Opportunities’ legislative agenda. It is excitement for tourism growth and wine expansion in Virginia that helped us convince Vineyard & Winery Management to relocate the Wineries Unlimited trade show to the Commonwealth. I look forward to this trade show returning to our great state for years to come and creating a lasting partnership with Vineyard & Winery Management.”“The outpouring of enthusiasm and excitement we’ve received in the State of Virginia — from the wine industry up to the governor — has been tremendous,” said Robert Merletti, publisher of Vineyard & Winery Management magazine, and president of Vineyard & Winery Services, Inc. “Virginia vintners are eager to learn the latest winegrowing techniques as well as establish beneficial vendor relations.”
“The needs of Wineries Unlimited will be well served in Richmond,” said Ann Heidig, president of the Virginia Wineries Association. “Governor Bob McDonnell is very supportive of the Virginia wine industry as well as state agriculture and tourism.”
Annette Boyd, marketing office director of the Virginia Wine Board, said the move will create new opportunities for Virginia wineries: “Our growers and producers will have better access to the information provided by Wineries Unlimited, and the event will help showcase their wines to colleagues from other states.”
“Richmond lies in the center of Virginia’s rapidly-growing wine industry and is a prime location for Wineries Unlimited,” said Jack Berry, president and CEO of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau (RMCVB). “Wine industry representatives will enjoy our big-city amenities and small-town charm as well as Virginia wine.”
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