Wine excursion starts today

Richmond-area residents will have an opportunity the next two days to taste some of the world's finest wines.

The first Richmond International Wine Excursion is being held today and Saturday at Historic Tredegar in downtown Richmond. Representatives from wineries all over the world are arriving for the event today.

"This is a fairly big international wine event," said Alex Papajohn, creator of the annual Virginia Wine Expo and organizer of the new event. "A lot of producers will be here. It is a unique opportunity to taste premium wines from around the world."

Papajohn said he expects 1,000 to 1,500 people to attend the event, which is being held in temperature-controlled tents at Historic Tredegar. General admission tastings are being held tonight, Saturday afternoon and Saturday evening, and tickets were still available as of Thursday.

Wines from the U.S. will be available for tasting as well as wines from Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Greece, Hungary, Austria, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Lebanon, Chile and Argentina.

The event also will include several Virginia wines, which can be purchased.

"Most of the wines will be poured by representatives from the wineries," Papajohn said.

This is the first year of the excursion, but Papajohn wants to add more culinary events and tastings next year.

"The grand vision is to build a destination, international wine event," he said.