The Coastal Virginia Magazine Food & WineFest Moves to Williamsburg for 2027!

October 15, 2026

Big changes are coming to the region’s biggest winter wine festival!

Compiled by Chris Murphy

The Coastal Virginia Magazine Food & WineFest presented by Visit Williamsburg, is returning for its 13th annual event on January 16–17, 2027, bringing a fresh venue, expanded culinary options, and a family-friendly atmosphere to the region.

What’s New for 2027?

For 2027, the Coastal Virginia Magazine Food & WineFest is making a major move to a brand-new home: The Greater Williamsburg Sports and Event Center, located at 250 Visitor Center Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185. This spacious venue provides an ideal, accessible indoor setting for wine lovers, foodies, and families to enjoy our event.

This year’s festival goes beyond traditional wine tastings by integrating “A Taste of Virginia,” a dynamic showcase featuring over 20 area restaurants serving gourmet dishes in a tapas-style format. Attendees holding VIP tickets or food packages can sample localized culinary creations from popular spots like Waypoint Seafood & Grill, Fireside Chophouse, and Paul’s Deli, perfectly complementing pours from regional favorites such as Gauthier Vineyard and Wind Vineyards.

In a surprising and welcome shift for local parents, the 2027 event is introducing a Special Kids Zone tailored for children 17 and under. By opening up a dedicated, supervised environment with family-oriented activities, the festival transforms from an adults-only tasting into a weekend outing that the whole household can experience together.

Event Dates & Hours

Saturday, January 16, 2027: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (VIP entry at 11:00 AM)
Sunday, January 17, 2027: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (VIP entry at 12:00 PM)

Event Highlights

Taste of Virginia: Enjoy over 20 area restaurants serving gourmet dishes in a tapas-style format.
Special Kids Zone: A supervised environment with family-oriented activities.
Wineries & Cideries: Sample exceptional varietals from more than 20 premier Virginia wineries and cideries.
The Distillery Den: Included with standard admission, guests can explore craft spirits and tastings from regional distilleries.
Cash Beer Garden: Offering a rotating selection of local craft beers, with proceeds directly benefiting a designated local charity.
The Vendor Village: A bustling indoor marketplace featuring specialty boutiques, handcrafted artisan goods, permanent jewelry, local snacks, and unique gifts.
Live Entertainment: Enjoy continuous live performances throughout the weekend while you sip and shop.
Hotel Packages: Don’t want to drive home? Check out the hotels with WineFest hotel packages.

Plan Your Visit

The festival gates open from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. Guests can choose from standard tasting passes, VIP tickets with early entry and food vouchers, non-drinking admissions, or dedicated Kids Zone passes. For those traveling from afar, area partner hotels are offering exclusive overnight packages bundling lodging with festival admission. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or looking for a vibrant winter weekend getaway, the 2027 Williamsburg WineFest promises an unforgettable celebration of local culture, community, and craftsmanship.