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THE JUDGEMENT OF RICHMOND TO SHOWCASE VIRGINIA’S NATIVE GRAPE

Richmond, Va. – September 10th, 2025 – The Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) will host the inaugural Judgement of Richmond on Saturday, October 11th, from 5 to 6 p.m. as a ticketed pre-event to their annual Virginia Vines wine festival. This exclusive tasting and competition will spotlight Virginia’s native grape, Norton, in a head-to-head judging by both industry experts and consumers.

Awards will be given in two categories. For Best of Virginia, a panel of four wine industry professionals and a seasoned consumer judge will evaluate up to twenty qualifying Norton wines to crown the top expression of Virginia Norton. Attendees will taste and vote on their favorite wine from six participating wineries pouring on-site to decide the People’s Choice.

Attendees will enjoy insights from a wine professional who will explain the judging process and its significance for Virginia’s growing wine reputation. The event will also feature an exhibition by the official artist of the Virginia Norton Wine Tour, who will showcase works celebrating the heritage of Norton wine.

The VMHC’s 4th annual Virginia Vines wine festival celebrates Virginia Wine Month with samples from Virginia wineries, live music from John Emil and the Monique’s Crepes and La Bête food trucks. Uniquely curated educational experiences include demonstrations from Marshall Scheetz of Jamestown Cooperage, historic gardening experts from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and after-hours access to the museum’s exhibitions, including “Give Me Liberty: Virginia & the Forging of a Nation” and “Un/Bound: Free Black Virginians, 1619-1865” — all included with the price of admission. The event is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and attendees must be 21 years of age or older.

The Judgement of Richmond is a ticketed event with limited space available. Tickets will be available on the Virginia Museum of History & Culture’s website, virginiahistory.org.

Media Contact Jill Smedley
Chrysalis Vineyards
Jill.Smedley@TheAgDistrict.com
(540) 687-8222 Ext. 206
Event Details
• Date: October 11
• Time: 5-6 p.m.
• Location: Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220
• Tickets: https://secure.virginiahistory.org/4200/4202

About Norton Network

The Norton Network is a collective of Virginia wineries, vineyards, and advocates dedicated to elevating Norton, Virginia’s native grape. Once unfairly dismissed as a lesser varietal, Norton is now being celebrated for its resilience in the vineyard, natural resistance to pests and disease, and ability to produce rich, distinctive wines when thoughtfully cultivated and crafted. Through collaboration, shared best practices, and collective promotion, the Norton Network highlights Norton’s sustainability, quality, and unique place in Virginia’s wine story.

About the Virginia Museum of History & Culture

Founded in 1831 as the Virginia Historical Society, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture, a private, non-profit organization, is the oldest museum and cultural organization in Virginia and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the United States. The museum cares for a renowned collection of more than nine million items representing the far-reaching story of Virginia.