HAMPTON ROADS, Va. - The Town Point Virginia Wine Festival is no doubt one of Hampton Roads' most popular events, with more than 15,000 people in attendance for events in May and October.
But since the pandemic put a cork in May's gathering, chef and foodie Patrick Evans-Hylton decided to raise the glass.
"We are hoping this keeps everything in the forefront of people's minds," he said.
This year you can still sniff, sip and savor while at home.
"We are going to enjoy wine, learn how to smell and taste to enjoy it in ways that make sense to you and use to your benefit," Evans-Hylton said.
The goal of the 2020 Virtual Virginia Wine Festival is not only to entice your palate, but also to support Virginia wineries and restaurants that have been paralyzed recently by the coronavirus.
"The wine industry has really been impacted, vineyard and tasting rooms have been closed," Evans-Hylton said. "People also don't realize that local restaurants here and across the state have a large retail wine component also affected."
The virtual event, which starts this Sunday and goes for the next 5 weeks, also supports the non-profit FestEvents,which puts on the Wine Fest and dozens of other yearly events. This event will be featured as part of their Stay at Home series.
Restaurants plan to donate 10 percent of their sales to FestEvents.
"They will go to a local coastal Virginia restaurant that we have selected, buy three different wines and head home and invite friends," Evans-Hylton explained.
Then all you have to do is log on and let the wine flow.
"We are gonna have fun. Look, how could you not after a glass or two," Evans-Hylton said.
For registration details, head to Virginia Eats and Drinks on Facebook or click here.
